Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-09-11
CHAPTER xxlv.-con.lnued.

The day grew dark ana murky as
they moved steadily forward, the wind
blew cold from out the northwest, the
heavy canopy of cloud settled lower In
frosty fog. which gradually obscured
the landscape. This mist became SO
thick that the men could scarcely see
hundred yards In any direction. and
Hamlin placed a pocket compass on
his saddle-pommel. The trail was less
distinct as they traversed a wide
streak OF alkah. but what few signs re-
NAMED convinced WATSON that the flu
gitives were still together, and riding
southwark. Under concealment Of the
fog his previous caution relaxed, and
he led the way at steady trot, only
occasionally drawing rein to make GER
tain there was no division OF the par
ty ahead. The alkali powdered them
from head to foot. clinging to the
horses hides. reddening and binding
the eyes. poisoning the lips dry and
parched with thirst. The two troopers
swore grimly, but the Sergeant and
scout rode In silence, bent low over
their pommels, eyes strained into the
: TaiStslhsaas- Itwas not yet dark when
they rode In between the first sand
dunes, and WATSON, pulling his horse
up short, checked the others with up
lifted hand.
"Tharll be a camp here soon" he
said, swinging down from the saddle,
and studying the ground. THE wind
has bout blotted 1t all out, but you
kin see we're back o. this ridge whar
they turned In. an they was walkin'
their horses. Gittin. pretty tired, !
reckon. We might as well stop yere
too, Sergeant, an eat some cold grub
You two men spread her out. an rub
down the bosses, while Hamlin an I
poke about a bit Better find out all
we kin, Brick, fore 1t gifts dark"
He started forward on the faint
trail, his rife In the hollow OF his arm.
and the Sergeant ranged up beside
him. The sand was to their ankles,
and off the ridge summit the wind
swirled the sharp grit into their faces.
What's comm, Sam; a Storm"
Snow" answered the scout shortly
"a blizzard of 1t. er lose my guess
Fore midnight yer won't be able ter
see yer hand afore yer face. I've been
out yere In them things afore, an
they're sure hell. II we don't git sight
o. tibet outfit mighty soon. I amt like
ly we ever will. I've been expectin'
that wind to shift nor'east all day
then we'll get IT," He got down on his
Knees, endeavoring to decipher some
faint marks on the sand. Two Of 'em
dismounted yere. an Injun an white
"a big Teller by his hoof prints--an'
they went on leadin' their bosses.
Coin into camp, reckon~-sure,
heres the spot now. Well, I'll be
damned"
Both men stood staring-under pro
lection of sand ridge was a little
blackened space where some MESQUITE
chips had been burned. and all about
1T freshly trampled sand, and slight
impressions where men had out.
stretched themselves. Almost at Was
sons feet fiuttered a pink ribbon, and
beyond the fire circle lay the body of
IA man, face up to the sky. II was
Connors. a CHASTITY bullet hole between
his eyes. one cheek caked black with
blood. The Sergeant sprang across,
and bent over the motionless form.
Pockets turned inside out" he said,
glancing back. THE poor devil!"
Had quite a row here" returned
the scout. THAT stain over thar is
blood, an It never come from him, fer
he died whar he fell. Most likely he
shot furst, or used knife. The girls
with EN- anyhow; reckon this yere
was her ribbon; that footprint is
sure"
: He stirred up the scattered ashes,
and then passed over and looked at
the dead man.
What do yer think. Sergeant"
They stopped here to eat. maybe
five hours ago." pushing the ashes
about with his toe. The fire has been
out that long. Then they got into
quarrel-Connors and DuLont-for he
was shot with a Colt AS: no Indian
ever did that Then they struck out
again with two led horses. / should
say they we're three or four hours
ahead, travelling slow"
Good enough" and WATSON patted
his arm. You're a plainsman all
right, Brick You kin sure read signs.
Thet's just bout the whole story. as
make It. Npthin' fer US to do but
snatch a bite an go on. Our bosses
IRE fresher'n theirs. No sense our
.stoppin' to bury Connors; he amt