Cañon City record., 1910-05-26

It was about seven o'clock in the
morning of a day early in May, that
the train bearing Bob Armstrong. a
lad of twelve, on his western journ-
ey to join his father at United
States fort at Cheyenne, Wyoming.
pulled out of the station at New
York. Bob had been raised in the
eight years old. His father, who
had always liked wild life, when
his wife died, left Bob with his aunt,
Joined the army as a captain. and
started west. All the time Bob long
ed to see his father and had looked
forward to the time, when he would
be twelve, for then he could go west,
as his father had promised him this
before he left four years before.
Bob paid little attention to the
scenes which were passing without.
He kept saying over and over, I'm
off for the Vest I'll soon see
father OH how happy am"
But now a thought which dampened
his enthuiasm and came very nearly
turning loose flood of tears. AS he
thought of his little sister, Daphne,
who had been stolen by the Indians
when about four years old: this event
had hastened his mothers death. He
wished he were big soldier with
sword and gun so he could go and
shoot the Indians who held her In
captivity. Small as he was, he made
a firm resolve to be avenged upon
her captors.
Two weeks later the train upon
which Bob was travelling came to the
Mississippi river, (for trains travelled
slowly in those days.) Here Bob's
adventures began in earnest. Early
the next morning, in company with
seevral men who had been passengers
on the same train, he embarked In
small boat to cross the river. At
this time, the season had been un-
usually rainy, and the river was
swirling torrent. When about half
way across, they were caught in an
eddy and whirled about at terrific
rate. They all threw themselves down
in the bottom of the boat to keep
from being thrown over board into
the muddy torrent. But the plucky
old ferryman. who was taking them
across, stayed at his post and
launched all his physical strength
and skill in rowing against the ad-
verse elements which we're attempt
moments he succeeded in getting out
Of the eddy. and by hard work was
enabled to land about half mile be-
low his intended landing.
Upon reaching jefferson City, Bob
proceeded to use a part of his little
hoard of money to buy his necessary
equipment for the long journey over
land. He purchased a good, strong.
swift. spirited pony. light saddle.
hunting knife. set of revolvers. hol-
sters, rifle and blankets. He made
arrangements to travel with large
train which was TO start in week
or ten days. Being care free for the
present, he mounted his pony and be-
gan to explore the town. He turned
down the main street and was riding
slowly along when he was accosted
by a reeling and almost dead drunk
half-breed. a noted drinker and gam
bier of the west. Jim" as the des-
peradro was called. levelled his re-
volver at Bob and ordered him to dis
mount and tie his horse. Lowering
his revolver. Jim told Bob to follow
him. rs
Jim led the way into a nearby sa-
loon, now, OF all things Bob disliked
a saloon He promised his mother
he would never drink nor associate
with the drinking. carousing outlaws
of the west But how was Bob to
help It now? Was he not compelled
to at the point of revolver? Such
were the thoughts which flew like
lightning through Bob's frightened
brain, as he was being led down a
long dark hall. At the farther end,
he saw light coming from beneath
a closely drawn curtain. on a door to
the hall.
At this place Bob's undesired COM
panion waited for his approach.
When Bob came up to him, he placed
the cold barrel of his revolver against
Bob's neck and ordered him to do
Just as he was told. With a shud-
der, Bob allowed himself to be thrust
into the room. Bob's heart sank
within him, when he saw the drink
.x.a tl,t