River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-02-22
CHAPTER xxxIIl.-(continued.)

BY this time Keith had reached a
definite decision as to his course. IL
the fugitives received a fresh relay
of horses down there somewhere, and
crossed the Arkansas, he felt positive
ly sure as to their destination. But it
would be useless pushing on after
them in the present shape of his party
their horses worn out, and Waite
Keeling giddily in the saddle. II Haw-
ley's outfit crossed the upper ford, to-
ward which they were evidently head
ing, and struck through the sand hills,
then they were making for the refuge
of that lone cabin on Salt Fork.
Should this prove true, then it was
probable the gambler had not even
yet discovered the identity of Hope,
for If he had, he would scarcely ven
ture upon taking her there, knowing
that Keith would naturally suspect
the spot But Keith would not be like
ly to personally take up the trail in
search for Christie Maclaire. 1t must
have been Hawley then who had left
the party and ridden east, and up to
that time he had not found out his
mistake Yet if he brought out the
fresh animals the chances were that
Hopes identity would be revealed.
Bristoe, who had turned aside to ex-
anime the straying horse. came trot-
ting up.
Belonged to their outfit all right,
Cap" he reported, carries the double
cross brand and that shebang is
upon the Smokey; saddle gals still
bleeding"
Waite was now suffering so acute
ly they were obliged to halt before
gaining sight of the river, finding. for
tunately. water-hole fed by a spring.
AS soon as the sick man could be
made comfortable. Keith gave to the
others his conclusions, and listened to
what they had to say. Bristoe favor
ed clinging to the trail. even though
they must travel slowly, but Fairbain
insisted that Waite must be taken to
some town where he could be given
necessary care. Keith finally decided
the matter.
None can be more anxious to reach
those fellows that am he declared,
but | know that country out south.
and we'll never get through to the
Salt Fork without fresh horses. Be-
sides, as the doctor says, we've got to
take care of Waite. If we find things
as expect we'll ride for Carson City,
and re-outfit there. What's more we
won't lost much time-it's a shorter
ride from there to the cabin than from
here"
BY morning the General was able to
sit his saddle again. and leaving him
with Neb to follow slowly, the others
spurred forward, discovered an outlet
through the bluff into the valley, and
crossed the Santa Fe Trail. 1t was
not easy to discover where those in
advance had passed this point. but
they found evidence of late camp in
a little grove of cottonwoods beside
the river. There were traces of two
trails leading to the spot, one being
that of the same Eve horses they had
been following so long, the other not
so easily read, as it had been trav-
ersed in both directions, the different
hoof marks obliterating each other.
Bristoe. creeping about on hands and
knees. studied the signs with the eyes
of an Indian.
You kin see the difference we're
whar the gro2nd IS soft. Cap" he said,
pointing to some tracks palmer than
the others. This we're boss had a
rider. but the rest of EN- was led;
thets why they've bungled up Their
trail so. An it want Their same
bunch thet went back east what come
from thar-see tibet split hoof! thar
amt no split hoof Printing Their other
way-but yere is the mark of the crit
ter thet puts her foot down so fur
outside tibet we've been a trailin' from
Sheridan, an she's printing east. an
being led Now let's see whar the