Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1917-05-24

outlaw characters who infested II N
fines. Roger made the Journey to the
rude frontier settlement with no mis-
hap, however He was popular with
the workers at the mine, and mace
himself still more so by giving them
grand farewell spread at the one poor
hotel of the place. Then he made fegai
delivery of the property to the synd-
cate man and was ready to return TO
civilization and Lois.
"Give you a tip, sov'nor," friendly
miner told him the last day OF mis-
sojourn at the diggings. The boys tell
me that Big Barlow was hanging
around Little Louie's joint last eve
ming"
THAT doesn't interest me-" assured
Roger, recognizing the undercurrent or
subtle warning in the sinister infor-
nation.
1T should" persisted the miner, "for
he was ugly with drink and boosted
that he was going to get even with
YOU
"I'n be on the lookout, friend"
pledged Roger, but lightly. Hello!
who is that MANI
Roger stared and then started after
man across the street, but the latter
had disappeared with Rogers compan-
ion having just brief glance at him.
Newcomer, don't know his name.
Looking for work, 1 understand"
he went slowly and thoughtfully to-
wards his hOel. Poor fellow! bent
on burying himself because of his great
disappointment. | wish had chance
to be friendly with him."
That opportunity did not material
ize, however, and Rogers kindly i'm
pulse was obscured in the hustle of
preparations for his leaving the place
that evening. The night promised TO
be clear though slightly chilly, with
fall moon, and Roger, in high spirits,
anticipated a glorious gallop over the
old mountain trail, with every foot of
which he was familiar.
A dozen humble but loyal friends
waved him a CHEEKY good-by as, his
satchel strapped behind his saddle, his
| light overcoat collar drawn well up to
his eyes, he touched the spur to the
splendid animal he rode.
Roger bad proceeded less than five
miles when, on turning a shoulder of
rock, he was confronted by two men.
Both wore masks. So quickly did they
halt him, so speedily did they pun him
from his horse that he was unable to
resist To his amaZement his long en-
veloping overcoar was dragged from
his back. The coat of one of his as
sailants was substituted. Rogers arms
We're secured behind him, he was re-
mounted on one of the horses of his
captors. It's owner, DOMINIC the over
coat and springing into the saddle of
Rogers horse, put the spurs to the
animal, shouting to his comrade:
get him away by the new cut across
the plateau and make no delay"
The victim of profuse mystification,
Roger was released at the outskirts OF
Oreville, four hours later Not word
had his conductor spoken during the
swift dash, but two days later Roger
knew the truth.
Justin Dacre had given his life TO
save him. He knew of the trap set by
Big Barlow. He impersonated Roger
in a decoy dash past the ambush Of
the desperadoes. He led them ten
mile chase, at last receiving a fusil-
lade that ended his life.
They brought the hero TO Oreville
and buried him with honors. and tears,
and love. And into the souls of Lois
and Roger there came a solemn influ-
ence, sacred memory that kept alive
undying reverence for the noble wan
derer who had made their happiness
possible.