Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1923-02-02
GOLD

leading to the ascent Of the escarp-
ment. When they achieved the gate
wy Of the pass the sun was low In
the west. Ladd gave the word to
lie up horses and go forward on foot.
The narrow neck OF the pass opened
and descended into a valley half mile
vide, perhaps twice that In length
II had apparently unscalable slopes Of
Ieathered rock leading up to beetling
walls.
Keep down, boys" said Ladd
There's the vaterhole, an bosses
have sharp eyes. Shore the YaquI
hggered this place. 1 never seen It's
Ike for a trap"
Both white and black horses showed
against the green. and a thin curling
column Of blue smoke rose lazily from
amid the mosquitoes
y reckon we'd better wait till dark,
or mebby daylight" said Jim Lash.
Let me hgger some. Dick, what
do you make Of the outlet to this
hole? Looks rough 10 me-"
With his glass Gale studied the mar
row construction Of walls and rough
ened rising floor.
lady. It's harder to get out at
that end than here" he replied
Shore that's hard enough. Let me
have a look Well. boys, II don't
take no hggerin' for this job. Jim.
I'll want you at the other end blockin'
the pass when we're ready to start"
When II that be7' inquired Jim.
@Soon as It's light enough in the
monin'. That Greaser outfit VIII hang
TIL tomorrow. There's no sure water
ahead for two days. you remember"
The rangers stole back from the
vantage point and returned TO their
horses. which they united and left
farther round among broken sections
Of cliff. For the horses II was a dry.
hungry camp. but the RINGERS built a
fire and had their short though
strengthening meal.
Jim Lash rolled In his saddle
blanket, his feet near the fire. and
went 10 sleep. Laid told Gale 10 do
likewise while he kept the FIRE up and
waited until it was late enough for
Jim to undertake circling round the
raiders. When Gale awakened. Jim
was up saddling his horse. and Ladd
was talking low.
With Laid leading. they moved
away INFO the gloom. Advance was
exceedingly slow. careful. silent Final
ly tie trail showed pale in the gloom.
and eastern stars twinkled between
the lofty ramparts of the pass.
Ladd halted and stood silent q mo-
ment- Luck again :" be whispered
The winds In your face, Jim. The
horses won't scent you. Try 10 get up |
as high as this at the other end Walt |
till daylight before riskin' a loose |
slope. I'll be ridin' the Job early. |
That's ALL
Ladd's cool. easy speech was scarce
ly significant OF the perilous under
taking. Lash moved very slowly /
away. leading his horse. Then Laid 1
touched Dicks arm, and turned back
up the trail
Together they picked way back
through the winding recesses OF elf.
The campfire was smoldering. Ladd
repleEished II and lay down TO get a
few hours sleep. while Gale kept
watch. The after part OF the night
wore on till the paling Of stars. the
.hickening Of gloom indicated the
lark hour before dawn. Ladd awoke
before the faintesr gray appeared
The rangers ate and drank. When the
lack did tighten to gray they sad
He'd the horses and led them out 10
he pass and down TO the point where
hey had parted with Lash Here
hey awaited daylight
The valley grew clear OF gray
hadow except under leaning walls on
he eastern side. Then a straight col
INN Of smoke rose from among tie