The St. Johns herald., 1921-06-23

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 tito him war meant only an opportunity to plunder 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 a rather steep grade, in spite of continual curv- 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 unquestionabIy his own stock. and, in spite of his rage, he could not be entirely indifferent to the grim hu- nor of the situation-he was being 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 bllndly, 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 glance, and the very claim that he was a 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
 It was already dusk when they at- tained 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 dently been blasted out. This passage abruptly ended in wide, stone cause way, turning sharply to the left, and running beneath waterfall, where the broad stream leaped over a ledge of high rock. It was a 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 a straggly grove, that in the gloom, Shelby was not even aware of its existence Cntil voices greeted them.
 ''Back again, Joel Where'd ger pick up that bunch?"
 up on the Cottonwood; easy pick in'," and Laud flung one leg over his saddle in posture of rest. "Where's Kelly? Oh, Dan; bring me out drink. Anything newF"
 The tall, raw-boned frontiersman who responded, puffed 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 idIing near by.
 "Well, not much, Joe" he answered drawlingly, "most O the Injuns have struck out; ain't morn dozen bucks left, reckon. They tell me they're raIsin' h-l already over POnca wayi maybe yer heard about itf'
 Laud nodded, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "Whar's Matt HanIey?"
 "Oh, he an Slagin cum in bout i've hours ago, I reckon, an went on up to the cove"
 "Have enything with 'em?"
 "Not thet I see-they didn't, did they. JIm?-just travelin' light"
 "Didn't say enything about another gazaboT
 "Not that know about. They act ed like they was both plum tired out, and wanted ter go asleep. Just took drink apiece, and mosied along"
 Laud let fall an oath.
 "AI right then, but d-d if I'll ride down to the cove tonight Wen 20 up to your shack, Juan, and bunk down. Come on, both O yer"
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