Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1934-08-02
ROBBERS ROOST
1

One afternoon in the spring of 1877
solitary horseman rode down the
long, CHASTITY desert slant In the direc.
uon OF the ford at Green River.
lie was Z young man In years, but
ne mad the hard face and eagle eye OF
Que matured In experience of that wild
country. He bestrode q superb bay
morse, dusty and travel-worn and q
little lame. The rider was no slight
burden, Judging from his height and
wide shoulders; moreover, the saddle
carried a canteen. a rifle and q pack.
AT length he rode into a trail and
soon came In sight OF the Wide band
OF green cottonwood, willow and ar
roW-Weed, and the shining, muddy
river. On the far side, up on the level.
stood a green patch and a cluster of
houses. This was the town OF Green
River, Utah.
The rider needed to reach that town
before dark. His food supply had run
out two days ago. But unless there
WAS q boat In which he could row
across he would most likely not make
It His horse was too lame to risk In
the eddles of that heavy. swirling,
sand-laden river.
he rode on down the trail to enter
the zone OF green. In the thick dust
ne noted fresh horse tracks.
Under a cottonwood. some distance
ahead. the rider espfed a saddled
horse. head down. cropping the grass.
lie proceeded more slowly. his sharp
eyes vigilant, and was certain that he
saw a maj on ther bank.
Presently he rode out into an open
Ing from which he could see a place
where a ferry touched. Moored to the
opposite bank was the ~ferryboat.
The rider sat his horse, aware that
the mar he had observed had stepped
behind some willows. Such a move
might have been casual. Then the
man moved out into plain sight.
"HoWdy." he said. laconically.
-HoWdy," replied the rider. He be-
came aware of a penetrating scrutiny
which no doubt resemhled his own,
The rider saw a striking figure OF a
man, gray with dust, booted and
spurred. armed to the teeth. His wide
sombrero Swallowed a sharp bold face.
Amin to CROSSE" he queried.
Yes I see a ferry boat over there
But ON the moment the rider was
watching his questioner. Then he
swept q long leg i've the pommel and
Slid to the ground, without swerving
q the slightest from d direct front.
Lucky for me II | can cross on IT.
Ny horse Is all in"
Noticed tibet. Fine boss. wal. I've
been hangin' around for an honr.
Waitin' to 60 owe Reckon he'll be
along soon."
Town of Green River, isn't TIP
"Thet's the handle. You're q stran-
ger ~hereabouts?"
Il am that"
Where you hall from ?"
i suppose | might as well saw
wyoming as any place." returned the
ider, casually.
Inc other man relaxed with a laugh.
Shore. One place Is good as another.
as a name. Mine Is Hank
He spoke as II he expected
to be recognized, but 1t brought no
from his listener.
You know this country?" oueried
he rider, and he too relaxed.
- = ~
Maybe you can tell me whether
ught to stop or keep on tr~aveling?,
"HaWl Hawl / shore can. But
net depends" he said. pushing back
Is sombrero.
depends ON WHAT" the rider asked.
wal, on you. Have you got any
About ten dollars"
Huh. You can't 90 In the ranch
1siness with tibet. Not regular ranch /
I Lots OF cattle between here an {
le brakes OF the Dirty Devil. Henry
curtains, too. Some outfit over /
ere Air you a cattleman?"
No. replied the rider, thoughtfully. /
wal, thet's straight talk from o
ranger" replied Hays, who evidently
the blunt denial as something sig
f1cant- "Hullo, another rider. !
the desert Is full of strangers
Back up the trail appeared q short n
avy man astride a horse and lead.
2 two pack animals. L
Il saw him a while back. And here
mes our ferryman. Looks like a a
""
Huh. You haven't them eyes for a
thin. Wal, we'll get across now"
rider, after another glance al "
approaching mar with the horses.
TX note OF the ferry. Boat and third la
yeler arrived at the bank about the tx
time.
after a sharp look at the man
ID the three horses, led his animal
RI
How much Is the fareY" queried the
vcomer.
Two bits
For nan or beast ~ to
Well sir, the regular fare Is two
; for each man an horse" RI
Vhereupon the stout man threw the
ks of his horses and carried them sh
N the boat.
wall, now, what lis this fussy old oil
Ahout7 ~ uunriad Haur muah -.