Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 389: what you’re looking at

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

382 THE ARGOSY. taken up his temporary residence with Major Bascom, Liz's father, an exten- sive holder of timber land, and a man of influence in Pike County. Brainard was well posted as to the value and quality of pine lands, and had conducted his prospecting in such a business-like manner that, with the ex- ception of Liz, not one in the community had suspected him. His associates had dropped into Dallas and the surrounding country one at a time, and in such natural and unassuming ways that he had a posse of his own, small in numbers, but quite sufficient to cope with any gang of moon- shiners with which he was likely to come in contact. In his long tramps over the mountains he had stumbled across several signs, unmistakable to his experienced eye of an illicit “ still,” but try as he would, he could not locate it. Now it was as plain as day to him. Though not aware of the secret paths described by Liz, he had reached most of the spots she had mentioned, by more rugged routes. He had dis- covered piles of faggots on different lofty peaks which could be kindled at a moment’s notice and flash their warnings of danger from mountain to canyon until every moonshiner in the district was aroused. These had been left just as he had found them, for it was his business to see that they were not lighted, rather than to excite suspicion by destroying them. Brainard rode on down to Major Bascom’s house, put his horse in the stable and went at once to his room. There, after lighting the candle, lock- ing the door, and taking precaution to see that every opening was protected against prying eyes, he seated himself on the edge of the bed, and drawing from his pocket a small, carefully drawn map of the surrounding mountains, he proceeded to locate the place described by Liz. Then he blew out the candle, stole quietly down stairs and out into the night. He walked rapidly down the road to the village, went into the barroom of the dirty little tavern, called for a drink, and stood leaning on his elbows agajnst the bar, beating a tattoo with his fingers. While he was still standing at the bar a rather rough looking individual who had been asleep in a chair in the corner, got up, yawned, stretched himself, and went out. Brainard stood at the bar, talked a few moments with the bartender, said at last that the guessed it was bed time, and sauntered out. He had been gone but a short time when a sporty looking drummer, who had been playing cards for an hour and losing slightly, said he guessed hed had enough, arose from the table and walked out. Just outside the door Brainard almost ran into two men who were passing at the moment. Brainard apologized, one of the men made an tll natured remark, to which Brainard gave a short answer and passed on to the corner grocery, where he bought a plug of tobacco. He did not tarry there; but soon after he left, one of the party of loungers slipped quietly out and was swallowed up in the night. Within half an hour after leaving the grocery, Brainard and the five loungers met in a thick clump of timber a little more than a mile from the village. The expression of careless indifference had left their faces. All were alert, earnest, and determined. | The plan of procedure was quickly arranged, guns and pistols were care- fully examined, cartridge belts adjusted, a hurried glance was cast around YN| CO GOHMGOOO