The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1920-12-17


hand in their deviltry. Army officers
claimed he possessed more influence
over them for evil than any chief. and
Shelby had heard him mentioned with
Sitting Bull as leaders In the ghost
dance. If true, then he must know
how far TO venture, and just when to
draw aside so as to save himself. That
must be ito him war meant only an
opportunity TO plumber. The final re-
suit was clearly INDIAN defeat; he
would keep out, but In the meanwhile
profit all he could.
The trail led downward at rather
steep grade, in spite of continual curry
ing. The sure-footed horses moved
faster than the cattle, and before the
outfit reached the level of the valley
the three riders had closed in on the
Indian drivers. Shelby knew them at
once as young Sioux warriors. and was
again able to distinguish plainly the
brand on the flank of the steers bring
ing up the rear of the herd. They
were unquestionably his own stock,
and. in spite of his rage, he could not
be entirely Indifferent to the grim hui
NOR of the situation-he was heing
guided into Wolves hole by the very
men who had robbed him.
Yet his thoughts did not dwell upon
this so much just then. as on the mad
chance he had assumed In this adven-
ture. What could he accomplish? What
hope was there that he would ever
emerge again alive? He was going
forward blindly. led by fate, with not
even a plan of guidance. He must
work alone, in the midst of enemies,
desperate men to whom human life
was valueless, and where any incau-
tious word or act would instantly ex-
pose him to discovery. In spite of
the fact that he was believed dead.
Macklin would recognize him at a
glance, and the very claim that he was
friend of Hanley's exposed him to
discovery. In some way he must avoid
them both, and yet no plan presented
itself to promise escape. He could
only drift helplessly, becoming more
respondent of success with every step
of advance.
1t was already dusk when they at
tanned the level of the valley, and the
overshadowing bluffs rose high on
either hand, leaving them plodding
through the gloom. Yet even here they
had not attained the full depression
of the Hole, which required another
sharp descent along the border of the
stream, where ledge of rock had evil
IDENTIFY been blasted out. This passage
abruptly ended In a wide, stone cause
way, turning sharply to the left, and
running beneath a waterfall, where the
broad stream leaped over a ledge of
high rock. 1t was task to get the
cattle through. yet once started, they
plunged forward. following each other
with fright, never pausing until they
scattered out over the plain below.
Laud drew up his horse in front of a
small log structure, so concealed at
the edge Of strageiy grove, that, in
the gloom, Shelby was not even aware
of its existence until voices greeted
them.
Back again, Joe! Where'd yer pick
up that .bunch?"
up on the Cottonwood; easy pick
In" and Laud flung one leg over his
saddle in a posture of rest. where's
Kelly? Oh, Dan; bring me out a
drink. Anything new?"
The tall, raw-boned frontiersman
who responded. pulled at his pipe, and
out through the open door of the cab
in there suddenly streamed light re-
vealing his features, and the indistinct
outlines of others idling near by.
well. not much. joe" he answered
drawlingly, most O. the Injuns have
struck out; amt morn dozen bucks
left, l reckon. They tell me they're
raisin' HI already over POnca way
maybe yer heard about it?"
Laud nodded, wiping his lips with
the back of his hand. "Whar's Matt
HanleyT
oh he an Slagin cum in bout five
hours ago, reckon, an went on uI
to the cove" N
Have enything with emp"
"NOt tibet see-they didn't, did
they. Jim?-just travelin' light"
Didn't say enything about another
gazabo?"
Not that know about. They act
ed like they was both plum tired out
and wanted ter 90 asleep. Just took g
drink apiece. and mosied along"
Laud let fall an oath. ~
"All right then. but ID If II
ride down TO the cove tonight. Wei
go up to your shack. Juan. and bunk
down. Come on. both O. yer"