The Prairie Detective — page 176: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

"HE PRAIRIE DETECTIVE. 167 ‘So you say, Jack, that the journey by this route is about two days distant?”’ “Just about that. By the route taken by the chief it is a day longer. So, you see, we shall arrive at the rendezvous at about the same time as his party, or very little later.’’ “Wal,’’ put in Ryan, “we can’t Sat thar too soon to suit me; ye kin bet on thet.” They made good headway during the day, and when darkness arrived had covered fully half the distance between their starting point and des ways tion. They had not gone far upon their journey next day when they saw, some distance ahead of them, a large body of men coming in their direction. “By George!’’ ejaculated Robinson. “It’s some of the boys, as sure as a gun! Are we all up in our parts?”’ “You bet we are!’ responded Ryan. ~ The ex-robber began to signal to the coming party, and soon the two forces had Joined. The new- comers were headed by Hatfield, who was bandaged profusely, and scowled with evident anger. ‘‘Hal- loa, Dick!’’ cried Robinson. ‘“‘Where are you going with all these boys?”’ “To Fort Hays, —— it!’’ responded Hatfield, with a series of vile curses. ‘“‘The chief is so devilish mad because we failed to get the girl, that he has or- dered me to the fort to head her off and bring her back. He is down on me to that extent that, well as. he knows I want to stay where that girl is—well as he knows Iam too ill to travel in safety, he insists on sending me away on every expedition.”’ Hatfield wound up his list of complaints with another series of fearful imprecations, and then, ap- gS) Eomicboo co