The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-08-15

their belongings on their backs; one
outfit comprising three men had three
saddle horses and four packs-a
princely caravan.
Near sundown two horsemen turned
Off the trail and rode down to Our lit
tie tricl1le of water. When they drew
near we recognized in one of them
Don Gaspar Martinez. He wore still
his gorgeous apparel Of the day before.
with only the addition of pair OF
heavy silver ornamented spurs on his
heels and n brace of pistols in his sash.
His horse, a magnificent chestnut, was
harnessed in equal gorgeousness. with
silvered broad bit, silver chains jan
Cling therefrom, plated rawhide bri-
die and reins, carved leather. high
pommelled saddle, also silver orna-
mented, and bright colored. woven
saddle blanket beneath. The animal
stepped daintily and proudly. lifting
his little feet and planting them among
the stones as though fastidiously. The
man who rode with Don Gaspar was
evidently of lower class. lie was,
however, a straight, handsome young
fellow enough with dark clear com
plexion, a small mustache and a pleas
ant smile. His dress and accoutre-
ments were on the same general order
as those of Don Gaspar, but of quieter
color and more servlceable material.
His horse, however, was of the same
high bred type. A third animal fol
lowed, unled, packed with two cow
hide boxes.
The Spanlard rode up to us and sa-
luted courteously; then his eye lit with
recognition.
"Ah," said he, 1.-The good friends of
our Captain Sutter! This is to be well
met. If it Is not too much l would beg
the favor Of to camp
"By all means, Don Gaspar," said
Johnny, rising. "The pleasure is. of
course, our own"
Again saluting us, Don Gaspar and
his companion withdrew short dis
tance up the little meadow. There the
Spanlard sat down beneath a bush and
proceeded to smoke n cigarette, while
his companion unsaddled the horses,
turned them loose to Craze, stacked up
their saddles and made simple camp
ing arrangements.
"Old Plush Pants doesn't intend to
do any work il he catches sight of II
first" observed Johnny.
probably the other man is a serv-
anti" | suggested.
"More likely a sort of dependent y
amended Johnny. "They run a kind
of patriarchal establishment, I've been
told"
Don't use them big words, Johnny
complained Yank, coming up with the
horses.
81 meant they make the poor rela-
tions and kid brothers do the hustling,'
said Johnny.
"Now ] understand you" said Yank.
"I wish | could see what they do with
their hosses nights. bet they know
how. And If was hoss thief I'd
surely take long chance for that
chestnut gelding."
"You might wander over later and
find out" / suggested.
''And get my system full of lead
sure" said Yank.
The two camps did not exchange
visits. We caught the flicker of theil
little fire, but we were really too tired
to be curious, aud we turned in early
our two animals tied fast to small
trees at our feet.
The next day lifted us into the
mountains. Big green peaks, across
which hung a blush haze, showed
themselves between the hills. The lat
ter were more precipitous, and the
brush had now given way to pines of
better size and quality than those seen
lower down.
ICOntinued next Tuesday,