The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1926-07-08

with Spencer, and he told Spencer
about his mines and the camp at
Cooke, 81 its great possibilities. Spen-
GER became enthused over the matter
but in no wise allowed it to interfere
with his operations. He made inquiry
from old timers about this wonderful
country and wondered why capital
could not be had to bring out this
wealth. Hartz explained to him one
day that what was the real necessity
was a smelter. One was in the camp
but not in operation. No one seemed
to be able to answer why. Hartz told
him about the great amount Of water
power in the mountains and could not
be turned to use to smelt the ores.
Electricity was doinc wonders r1a On
the outside. Could the current be
made to smelt or reduce ores? Spen-
Ger, being an electrical engineer was
quick to see the situation. He would
endeavor to solve the problem. There
was the electric are. \ " Ia qould
melt most anything. Why not devise
a furnace on this line? He had some
money to experiment with AS soon
as he had this contract finished he
would devote sometime to the Develop
ing of this great idea. His parents
were we'll to do and he had been left
sum by an uncle. During the con-
struction at the Springs Spencer was
often in company with Winnie Travis.
They would ride into the mountains
together, down the valleys drinking in
the charms of nature. She taught him
how to ride and handle horses. They
went regularly to the dances at the
springs hotel during the season. They
were pointed out as being devoted to
each other. The young fellows and
soldiers looked at Spencer with envy
and declared war against him, but he
not to make any open enemies, al
though he knew he was disliked for
having taken away their pride. Winnie
began to look forward to his coming
with feeling akin to joy. She had
tried hard not to let it go beyond
friendship, but cupid had shot his dart.
Spencer noticed that a shyness came
over her that was not before. He HIM
self was smitten by her charming
youth and vigor, and determined to
win her love if he could. A dance was
held at a ranch house down in Para
disc Valley. 1t was well attended by
ranchers, cowboys, mule SINNERS and
soldiers. The young women and girls,
mothers and grandmothers were there
as an event of this kind is always hail
ed with delight among ranch people.
Winnie was invited, and Of course
Spencer went along. Winnie tried to
divide her favors for dances the best
she could. 1t was noticed by her that
whenever Spencer claimed here there
would be scowl among the cowboys
and remarks that the tenderfoot
should be taken down. There was a
whispered conversation among some
of the cowboys and several disap-
peared. When outside and away where
they could not be heard one said "Say
boys, lets put him through the ducking
process at the river" "All right, but
how will we get him out?" II know
how" said one, when ready We can tell
him that a phone message is waiting
for him at the station. When he comes
out we can seize him in the dark.
A call in the room for Spencer, telling
him that there was telephone mes
sage from the Springs at the station.
Immediately he excused himself to
Winnie, who was invited to come to
/ Ollt VI CIlt IOOlllo ny OIlC VI thC yOuliS
women, who was let into the scheme.
The purpose was to hold her and pre-
vent suspicion. Upon his passing into
the yard he was seized from behind
quickly, gagged and put on horse,
with his hands tied behind his back.
There were four horsemen besides
himself. Nothing was said. Riding
some distance they came to the edge
of the Yellowstone River where the
, water was rapid and deep Leading
down to the water was a trail, the
bank being high above the river at
this point. Where the trail led down
it formed a narrow gulch. The process
of ducking consisted of putting q rope
about the victims waist, leading his
horse into the stream and jerking the
rider off and pulling him ashore on the
other side On the way Spencer had
asked why he was being made captive.
No answer was made at any time.
When about to enter the water ore Of
the riders said in a disguised voice,