The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-09-18

light. / had been riding all night,
and l thought that a capital place to
lay over during the day. AT dark
mounted and started on my way
through the canyon, which is about
five miles long.
Scarcely had / started, when l OBJ
served a queer, mysterious light be
fore me. There was no moon, and it
was not fire. l was unable to under
stand it. 1t appeared to occupy
space about ten feet square, and 1t
was perpendicular. More than this,
l noticed that it moved along before
me. 1t was quite plain that | got no
nearer to it. l felt it was time to
take a drink. This accomplished,
noticed dark shadow in the center
of the lighted space. AS | watched,
this grew in size and assumed the
shape of human being. The light
also changed to a more fire-like hue.
Then, instantly, l saw Kate Cedars
dancing on what appeared to be liv-
ing fiames
"Oh, yes, saw her, Bill Cody! She
held long knife in her hand, and a
diabolical expression was on her face.
My poor horse was palsied with fear,
for he saw her, too / was no better
off. In fact, l believe l was worse.
felt my time had come, but | deter
mined to make fight to get through.
Il threw my rife to my shoulder
and fired six shots at that devilish tar
get. The hideous face sent back
smile to me, and beckoned me to
come on. Maddened at my seeming
helplessness, / plunged my spurs into
my beast, hoping to be able to dash
through the hell before me, and in
leaving the canyon leave the inferno
behind. AS well might / have tried to
jump the towering walls OF the can
yon that flanked me on either side!
The fiend laughed at my inability and
threw me kiss. My God, pard! it was
horrible! HORRIBLE!
my poor frightened horse missed
his footing and fell. l went with him.
l was not much hurt, and, to my hor-
ror, l saw that she was coming to-
ward me. The fiendish smile was upon
her face, and the long, glittering blade
was in her hand. l was conscious of
a strange feeling creeping over me, as
l saw her come nearer and nearer.
seemed powerless to make any re-
sistance. felt her cold, clammy hand
upon my brow. l knew no more.
when / regained consciousness l
was in this bed here. They say
rode into camp alone, dazed and bleed
ing. What was it, Pard Cody?"
He shivered as though the very rec
objection of the scene he had de-
scribed was terrifying.
looked upon the poor fellow sadly.
My heart was filled with sorrow for
him, as many of his heroic deeds of
the past fitted though my mind. OF
course could see nothing in his story
but the result of disordered brain.
BY way of leading his mind away
from the woman, / said: Where
did the beggars jump you. Bill?"
What beggars?" he asked, looking
up perplexed.
why, the Indians that did you up?"
1 answered.
Springing up and furiously tearing
off his bandages he cried will this
convince your"
Falling back exhausted upon the pill
low, and he sank back motionless,
while 1 started back thoroughly shock
ed at the terrible sight he presented.
A moment later drew to his side and
gazed upon him.
"Strange!" l muttered. His ears
have been cut off, and he is dead"
Had Kate Cedars kept her vow, in
some strange way working upon his
superstitious fears, there in that land
of the Big Horn?
Who knows? Who will answer?