The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-07-19

them up and had the Jumps assayed
The result was a complete VndicatiOn
of the Colonel and loss of considerable
custom to the indiscreet barkeeper
The Colonel was as good natured a
man as had ever been known at Chal-
lenge Hill. but being mortal. the Colo
mel had his occasional times of despon-
dency, and one of them occurred after
n series of races in which he had staked
his all on his own bay mare Tipsie and
had lost.
ON galloped the Colonel, following
the stage road. which threaded the old
mining camps on Dutch Creek, but sud-
denly he turned abruptly out of the
road and urged his horse through the
young pines and bushes which grew
thickly by the road while the constable
galloped rapidly on to the next camp.
There seemed TO be no path through
the thiCket into which the Colonel had
turned, but Tipsie walked between the
trees and shrubs as II they were the
familiar objects Of her own stable yard
Suddenly voice from the bushes
shouted:
whats up?"
"Business-thats what" replied the
Colonel.
IT'S time" replied the voice: and It's
| owner-a bearded six footer-emcrged
from the bushes and stroked Tipsie's
nose with the freedom Of an old ac-
quaintance. we amt had a nip sine,
last night, and thar amt a cracker or
handful of flour in the shanty. The
old gal go back on yer?"
Yes" replied the Colonel rucful,y:
lost every blarsted race. 'Twasn't her
fault--blcSs her-she done hor leve
best. Everybody to homer"
You bet" said the man. "And all
been a-prayin' for yer to turn up wifi
tn" rocks an somethin with more color
! than spring water Come on"
The man led the way. and Tipsle ant
the Colonel followed and the trio sud.
| denly found themselves before a small
| log hut, in front of which sat thrc.
solemn, disconsolate individuals. who
looked appealingly to the Colonel.
Mac II tell yer how twas. fcllers. ;
| said the Colonel meekly. while | picket
the mare"
| The Colonel was absent but a very
| few moments, but when he returned
each of the four was equipped with pis
| tolls and knife while Mac was distribut.
| Ing some dominoes made from a rattle,
dirty -four bag.
"'Taint so late ez all that. IS it?'
| inquired the Colonel.
| Better be an hour ahead than mis-,
it this ere night" said one of the four
II aln't been so thirsty since / com,
| round the Horn in 80 an We run shor'
| Of water Somehody'll get hurt 4 Their,
amt any btters on the old concern
they WILL or my name amt Perkins"
Don't count on your chickens for,
they're Matched, Perky" said one o.
the party, as he adjusted the domn,
under the rim OF his hat. "S'posin
there shud be too many for u.s."
"Stiddy. stiddy. Cranks." demonstrated
the Colonel. Nobody ever gets alons
ef they low 'emselves TO be skeered.
Each man secreted himself near the
roadside The stage came swinging
| along handsomely: the insiders wcr.
laughing heartily about something. and
| Old Black was just giving a delicate
touch To- the flank of the off leader whcr
the Colonel gave a shrill. quick whist,
and five men sprang into the road.
The horses stopped as suddenly as il
IL were "A matter Of common occur.
renee. old Black dropped the relnS
| crossed his legs and stared into the sky
and the passengers all put out thei
heads with rapidly equalled only by
that with which they withdrew them a,
they saw the dom noes and reviewers -
the road agents.
Seems to he something the matter