The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1917-04-12

had, however, brought trouble as well
rs revenue. There had been bitterly
contested litigation with Big Barlow, q
ruftian proSpeCtor, who had made &
fictitious claim To its ownership.
Roger had beaten Barlow fairly In
the courts Of justice and the latter had
vowed vengeance. Roger had decided
10 remove 10 the East. He had sold
the mine for large sum, and his last
connection with 1t would be TO deliver
possession TO a representative of the
syndicate which had purchased It.
Falcon was fifty miles distant across
barren stretch, where ii was not al
ways safe 10 travel on account of
outlaw characters who infested II at
times. Roger made the Journey TO the
rude frontier settlement with no mis-
hap, however. He was popular with
the workers at the mine, and made
himself still more so by giving them u
grand farewell spread at the one poor
hotel Of the place. Then he made legal
delivery Of the property to the syndi-
cate man and was ready 10 return to
civilization and Lois.
Give you tip, gov'nor," friendly
miner told him the last day of his
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 of
q subtle warning in the sinister iufor
nation.
1T should" persisted the miner, for
he was ugly with drink and boosted
that he was going TO get even with
YOU"
I'm be on the lookout, friend
pledged Roger. hut lightly. Hello!
who is that MANI
Roger stared and then started after
a man across the street, but the latter
had disappeared with Rogers compan-
ion having just a brief glance at him..
Newcomer. duu't know his name.
Looking for work, understand
1T was Dacre,' reelected Roger, ~
he Went slowly and thuu-hjfuily g.
wards his hu;rl. Poor fellow. bent
on bUryiug himself because Of his great
disappointment. / wish had chance
20 be friendly with him."
That opportunity did not material
| iZe, however. and Rogers kindly i'm
pulse was ohScurcd in the hustle of
preparations for his leaving The place
that evening. The night promised u
be clear. though slightly chilly, with
! fun moon. and Roger. in high spirits,
anticipated glorious gullOp over the
old mountain trail. with every foot Of
which he was familiar.
A dozen humble bus loyal friends
waved him a CHEEKY good-by as, his
satChel strapped behind his saddle, his
light cvercOat collar drawn well up 10
his eyes, he touched the spur TO the
| splendid animal he rode.
Roger had proceeded less than five
miles when, on turning Il shoulder Of
rock. he was confronted by two men.
Both wore masks. So quickly did they
halt him, so speedily did they pull him
from his horse that he was unable II
resist. To his Amusement his long en-
veloping overcoat was dragged from
his back. The coat of one of his as
sailantS was substituted. Rogers arms
were secured behind him. he was re-
mounted on one of the horses Of his
/ t. 10
coat and springing into the saddle of
Rogers horse, put the spurs 10 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 a word
had his conductor spoken during the
swift dash, but two days later Roger
knew the truth.
Justin DaCre had given his life &c
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 a ter
mile chase, ut last receiving fusil
lade that ended his life.
They brought the hero TO Orevillt
and buried him with honors. and tears
and love. And into the souls of Lois
and Roger there came a solemn influ
ence, a sacred memory that kept alive
undying reverence for the noble wan
derer who had made their happiness
POSSIBLE.