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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 19, 1905)
X HERB tin bcrn great wedding and a won derful feast at Bablnas, In Old Mexico, and a little light has penetrated the cloud of mys tery that has ao long hovered about Gold Dust, a famous Indian, Well known 1ft Monte rey and San Antonio. Victor Lovejoy, the lucky American who has become the son-in-law of the strange char- ncter, may know something of the mysterious source Of the 'Id Indian's colossal wealth, but It Is probable that It Will remain with him a family secret to be sacredly guarded. Gold Dust suddenly appeared In Monterey about a Vef ago with a sack of gold. During his stay of six days he rut some extraordinary capers. Accustomed as the people , of the old town were to strange characters and extravagant displays of wealth, the rich Indlnn enjoyed himself at a pace which made the cattle kings and gamblers hold their breath. I'pon being refused admittance to the dining room of the Hidalgo hotel because he Was without a coat he shook a fortune In gold Chains wound about his neck In the face of the landlord, and, Walking quietly across the street, he Initiated proceedings for the purchase of the famous Sliver Moon hostelry, agreeing to pay $10,000 Cash for Immediate possession. While the lnwyers Were drawing tip the papers he em ployed a competent manager and Instructed him to throw open the whole house " from cellar to garret " until further orders. "It Is Gold Dust's treat," said the mysterious stranger. "Here Is food and drink without money and without price. I,et no man or mortal go hungry or dry until this InJIn gets ready to hide out. Gold Dust Invites all Monterey to take It drink." , Gold Dust Breaks the Bank. This caper woke up the town and a crowd of amazed revelers soon collected to follow the strange character from place to place. They visited theaters, gardens, museums, saloons and famous bars, Gyd Dust leading the way and sowing gold pieces as If he possessed the touch of Midas. El Moro. the rrentest srambllne house In all Mexico. Inter ested him, and at a faro table he left two great stacks of doubloons. When they steered him against a monte bank he lit a fresh clgaret and a serene smile passed over his hitherto stolid features. ' "This InJIn la at home," he said, "what Is the limit?" The dealer pointed towards the celling with a look of con fidence mingled with contempt. "Good," muttered the Indian as ho emptied a sack Of glittering gold twenties and laid a great roll of hundred dollar bills on the green cloth. , His first bet was flo.noo and he won. In leas than ten minutes the dealer, threw up his hands. The bank was broke. , Then came a monte king With another bank. ' Fifty thousand on the tiueen," said Gold Dust. " You win." groaned the banker, turning away, with a face whiter than his shirt. " It Is no use," he added In choking whispers, " he has h. string of devil's claWa about his neck. I saw It." It was long after midnight when the shrewd Indian found an opportunity to dodge the crowd Intent upon reaching his hotel. He did not succeed In evading the watchful eye of three bandits, who had made up their minds to murder him and rob him of his gold. American Saves Indian's Life. A stout young American, Just out of college and eager for adventure, overheard the assassins plotting the Indian's murder nd he followed close upon their heels when they left the gambling house. The bandits attacked their victim with a sand bag. The agility of the Indian saved his skull and the glnncing blow only partly stunned him for a moment. He saw his un known friend and ally naklng an attack from the rear. The trained athlete nearly broke the leader's neck with his fist and at the same time he used one of his feet with such dexterity that another rolled howling In the dust with a dis located hln. Gold Dust comprehended the situation at a glance and when he had hurled a bowle knife Into the body of the bandit who waa turning to fly he extended his hand towards his unknown friend, at the same time placing his foot on the neck of one of the prostrate robbers, who was begging for mercy. After grinding he cowardly robber to silence, the Indian, while still holding the American's hand, said, " Come with tne. Tou have saved my life and Gold Dust Is not one to forget such a service. Who are you?" " Victor Lovejoy," was the answer. Gold Dust looked approvingly at the young man. Then he said quietly: " Well, Mr. Victor Lovejoy, tonight you sleep at the Silver Moon. Tomorrow we talk long time. Gold Dust look for young man like you. Maybe so you be great man. X got one little glrl.V The Indian and the young American enjoyed themselves together, and at the end of a few days they disappeared, leaving only a lawyer and a banker wise on the subject of their" destination. J J Meets Cold Dust's Little Girt. In the old Indian village of Techano, nestling In green valley of the lortu Sierras, more than a hundred miles west of Monterey, Victor Lovejoy found wonders and fare fields for adventure. Gold Dust often said to him: " Seizor Victor, I got one little girl." Beflor Victor, imaginative and eager for adventure, had spent many felicitous moments during the long Journey In dreaming of millions In glittering yellow dust, golden doubloons, and the dark eyes of " one little girl." When the " little girl " stood before him he heard the crash of his castles In Spain. She was certainly an Indian. That fact was beyond dispute, but the young American was an aspirant for fame and power, and when the proud red father who talked of millions as another would of dimes said, " Here, Beflor Lovejoy, Is a Techano queen, my pretty daughter." " She can sing like a mocking bird," said the opulent Chief. " She can read and write and ride lik A Warrior." Llska, whom the Indians called fellow Joy, because she waa always sowing Joy and gold, looked long and earnestly at the young Americano. Prophetic whisperings Warned her that she was to know him long and well. You love to hunt," said Gold Dust. " Llska will show frou where fat deer feed In the mountains," and then he walked away, leaving the young people together.- Indian Maid Guides American. The bracing niosphere, the magnificent scenery, ana the wild ride put new life Into the frame of the young man, who had been cramped between college walls for four years. The lithe, graceful form of the spirited Indian girl Sway ing to the music of the mountain wtnds as she led the way mounted on a gayly caparisoned mustang presented a pic ture of growing Interest to her fathers guest. Her col loquial powers were only excelled by the felicity of her de- (m - ' ilVw I ill . hit MM dm pony. Victor sprang to his feet, but his horse did not get up. He was badly hurt. A glance chilled the blood of the American. The bellow ing herd was close enough for him to see their Ions, sharp horn. The cloud of ditst already enveloped him. Where was the Indian girl? Would she drsrrt him? Safetv Behind Wall of Carcasses. Left to himself. Victor, with nil his coIIckc education, would have lost the battle and his body been trammed to Jelly. Llska's desperate courage, coupled with the quick. Intuitive perceptions of her x. made her superior to the apiarently hopeless environment. Freeing herself from the tangle of trappings and observing that the cattle were al most wpon them, she seized the slrusk'Unir horse by the bits and drawing a keen stiletto from her girdle with a des perate plunge she nearly severed the animals head from his body. The American was ninnzrd- When the Indian Rlrl sprung towards hint, dripping wit It blood and nourishing her red knife, he feared that she was mad. "Down," she shrieked, "behind the dead horses find pile up a wall of cattle In front of us." He caught the meaning of her words and actions none too quick, for now he could see the red eyes of the big bulls and froth from their hot III was In the air. Fortunately his Winchester was In his hands, and falling upon his knees by the side of the girl he threw It to his shoulder. At the crack of the rifles two monster bulls, lenders of the stampede, rolled bellowing upon the grass. PI reams of fire poured from the guns, and as the mud steers rose on their hind feet to Jump over their fallen leaders they were met by a shower of hot balls which threw them dead upon the rapidly growing wall of lifeless cattle. The American began to get his breath easier. It was a glorious adventure. When he saw that the barrier was In surmountable and that the cattle were streaming away on either side he could not resist the temptation to mount the barricade and shout " victory " while swinging his rifle above his head. " Was there ever such a picture?" he shouted, as he looked down upon the Indian girl. Blood Romance Ends in Wedding. Llska's long hair was streaming In the wind and her face and arms were smeared with blood. There was a twinkle of triumph In her dark eyes when, she mounted the barricade by the side of the handsome American. " Tou would make a good Technno," sho said. " I like you, you are brave." ' At that moVnent Gold Dust and his vncqueros galloped upon the scene. " 1 saw It nil," exclaimed the proud old chief. After caressing his daughter he took the sning American In his arms and said: "It Is a pity that you were born a white num. you aro good enough to have been an Indian, "but mayb so it Is not, too lato. Marry my little girl nnd for a Wedding present you ahull have her weight In gold." The story of that remarkable wedding at Bahlnns, where the bride literally glittered from crown to slipper with gold and diamonds and ropes of pearls, and where the dowry of the bride was her weight In gold, camo back to Texas, but the friends of the young man did not credit It until Victor JOL Tcimous millionaire 3.esefen3ant of the Aztecs a TeeKano scrlptlon of objects of wonder and the charm of her musical Spnnlsh flowing from her lips like the song of a bird. The , animation of the young hunter grew as he uscended Into the realms of the clouds and at every step he saw something new to be admired In the actions or words of Llska. He had visited Mexico seeking adventure and hoping to better his fortunes. So far events of Interest had exceeded his expectations, but It was furthest from his mind that they would follow In swift succession. Enjoying a halt upon a promontory, where the mountain peaks were flooded with clouds of purple and gold and listen ing to Llska's description of the little empire of the Tcchanos, he never dreamed that he was about to face an ordeal that Would test his courage and endurance. " The blue hills yonder," said tho Indian girl, " behind which the sun is setting, Is the limit of our possessions. And at the head of the valley you can see our herd of a thou sand head of the fatteut and wildest cattle In all Mexico." . The American was gazing at tho vast herd In wonder ana admiration when an exclamation of terror aroused his attention. I Ij- i )' i. .."sj V I s5 Llska was bending forward with hei whip raised and her dnrk eyes Were glowing as If rendy to emit sparks of fire. " There Is something wrong," she said, " the herd Is about to break tiway. Cnn you follow me?" Menaced by a Stampede. Could he follow her? He would do thut or perish trying. A wJld melodious shout from the lips of Llska was followed by the clatter of hoofs. The ponies shot forward as If they had been hurled from the mouth of a cannon. "No object de layed them. They sprang over ditches and cleared great boulders as If they had borrowed the wings of the winds. The American youth saw a black cloud above the valley and he heard a roar that thrilled him with terror. A hun dred Siege guns could not have made more noise. The mountains appeared to be moving and Victor thought that clouds were clashing and thunder storms battling for su premacy. Llska threw an arm about the young man's neck and drew his ear close to her lips. "If the herd escapes down the valley," she said, "they Will ruin our grain fields and tramp over the gardens and maybe kill many poor Techanos. My father and his vac queros arc coming. They will soon Join us and we must turn the mod brutes." The Indian girl's black eyes were glowing like coals of living fire. It was a struggle a battle, and Bhe was wild with Joy. , Her hot breath was still burning his cheek when he saw Llska's horse stumble and roll In the dust. The animal fell with his head under his shoulder and Victor heard the bones of his neck pop. In spite of every effort the American's own horse lunged forward and fell upon the carcass of the girl's Lovejoy himself appeared at his old home sowing gold right and left. , Seeks to Solve Secrets of Mexico. " I have found something," he says, " which will occupy me for many years. Now that I am one of the remnant of that strange old race whoso ancestors In some remote ago built the great cities of Talenque, IJxmal, and Chlloa, 1 shall become their historian nnd try to solve the mysteries so long burled beneath the gigantic ruins of Mexico. " In some of these have been found tusks of the mastodon or elephant with silver bands about them, Bhowing that these great animals bad been domesticated by the inhabi tants of the country. I shall learn the meaning of thoso works of sculpture which bear Buch a striking resemblance to Assyrian works of art, and of the pictured ships that may have traded with Atlantis nnd Phoenicia when Karnac and Thebes excited the wonder of the world. " When I can read the hieroglyphics on the massive col umns of the old ruins I shall give to the world the strangest story that history has to tell." 93 IsM Hft ' vl : : tit STORY of thrilling interest comes from Cook JffA I county, down the north shore of Lake Superior, jrk I tha most northeasterly division of Minnesota. j I It relates to the home going of a newly married couple who were attacked by wolves and naa to ride and fight for their lives. A kind providence seems to have protected the settlers and others who reside in or have rtaaon to traverse the territory that stretches from Duluth north to the majestic Rainy river, for thus far no human be ing, as far as known, has been killed by these fierce forest tramps, the four footed outlaws of the wilderness. But at least a dosen men In this territory have thus far this winter had to spend a night In trees to save themselves from being torn to pieces. Woodsmen recognize It as danger ous to be abr6ad In the woods after nightfall or before day break In the morning. The adventure of Mr. and Mrs. F. Ii. Carlson Is the most exciting story that has come out of the north woods In a year or two. Mr. Carlson Is a homesteader who has been holding down a claim about ten miles from the shore of Lakd Superior. He has been moderately prosperous and blue eyed Lena Han son, who got ofT the boat from Port Arthur, Ont.. a few weeks ago to visit friends In Grand Marals, made such an Impression on him that he at ortce decided that life without her would be dreary and unsatisfactory Indeed. Carlson was badly smitten. He easily secured an Intro duction to her. for all people In Cook county are neighbors and neighborly, and the formalities of polite lire In the big cities have no place there. They may live twenty miles apart lut still they are neighbors. Lena Hanson admired the stal wart young homesteader. He looked like a man who could and would protect her. She little knew how soon he would be put to the teat. ThAlr courtship lasted but a few days end they decided to marry at once. J J Bridal Pair Attacked by Wolves. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson set out for the homestead at 4 o'clock In the afternoon, one hour sfter they had been quietly married. The sky was overcast and night was sure tij set In early. Their means of transportation was a home made sleigh, to which was attached the Work team of their master. The team moved with the fieedom peculiar to work horses when they are headed toward the barn. At about 6:30 the bride and groom were still three miles from the cabin, and the woods were dark and silent The conversation and laughter of the couple were suddenly stilled by the howl of a wolf. Off to the right of the road, about two city blocks distant, came the ominous note again and again. The howls of other wolves In different directions were heard. The cheeks of the bride blanched. She had never heard the howl of a wolf before, but she knew what it was wltbout asking the question. Mr. Carlson could see the unusual pallor of her face even In the night He said nothing, but whipped the horses Into a gallop, and, reaching down Into his overcoat, drew forth a heavy revolver. Within five minutes the woods rang with the howls of many wolves. The first howl had come from the lender of the pack. It was the call to plunder and kill, so well known " i I. . . . i, ... 1": i - to ihe people of the north woods. The howl of wolves under such circumstances plants a feeling of deep dread Into the heart of even those well prepared to defend themselves, flut It also has the effect of causing one to prepare to tight with great calmness and determination, if escape In no other way Is possible. There are other dangers to wlflch men may be exposed that may cause them to get too excited to act to the b t advantage, but there is In the pack call of the wolf a quality that composes man and makes him calm and tffectlve when other dangers may cause him to lose his head at the begin ning, v " Do you think they will attack us?" asked Mrs. Carlson In tremulous tones of her husband. " Bur," was the brief reply. " Have you gut another revolver?" asked the bride after s pause. , Carlson sho- k his head. " Well. I can drive, you know, If that will be any help." Carlson flashed a look of pride at his bride and hodded. The horses were galloping, and they needed no whip. The arlmals were mad with fear of the desperate brutes that v ere now gathered for the attack. The wolves, about seven or eight In number, loped easily behind the sleigh, drawing steadily nearer, their eyes gleaming with a seeming light of conscious triumph. Caution Is a deep seated quality In the timber wolf, and this pack drew on slowly to their quarry, tut prepar. d to strike when their leader should give the slg ral. The horses, though stiff from hard work, de veloped a speed to which they had been unaccustomed since they were colts. But the best the horses could do was to get as near home as possible before the Inevitable attack. Suddenly the leader of the pack shot twenty feet ahead of his companions. He was now close up. The attack was at hand. The big gray leader leaped up level with the heads of the bride and groom, but did not attempt to land In the Sleigh. It was a sort of preliminary leap of Investigation, but the other wolves came close behind him and all were ready to selee upon the couple. "Take the lines and let the horses guide themselves." shouted Carlson as he swung around and faced the pack. Ills revolver was worthy of the work at hand. It was a thirty-eight Caliber weapon of dependable make. With this In his right hand, and with his left resting on the back of the seat to steady him, Carlson prepared to fight for thq life of Ms bride and himself. The sleigh rocked perilously at times, for the road was rough In places, but the danger of a tip over could not then be even considered. Carlson had scarcely faced the wolves for action when the leader again leaped, this time with a view of seizing the man. Carlson fired and wounded the beast, which fell back howling upon the road. Hut the leader was not put out of atlon. He was quickly bark In his position, more savage end eager for battle than before. J . Wolves Surround the Sleigh. Two of the wolves shot alongside the sleigh to the right, nnd one took the same position on the left, beside the bride. Carlson quk'kly Bhot one of the two on his Bide, and, reaching over to the other side, killed thp one that threatened to leap upon his wife. The beasts were a bit disconcerted at this, tut came on agnln eager for their prey. Carlson wounded two more of tho beasts and then his cartridges were gone. Another wolf tried to leap upon the bride from the s,ldc of the sleigh, but she plied the whip on Die beast with such good will that he drew back. Just then the sleigh dashed Into the clearing of the Carl son cabin, and the big homesteader shouted with Jny. tie thought that the wolves would now disperse. Hut the brutes were hungry and the rapture of the fight was In them. Carl son's dog, brave as Its master, now enme to the rescue, and he was Instantly killed by the first wolf that he attacked. The team stopped In front of the cabin door, as If expecting a safa haven there, quivering with fear and steaming from their exertions. "Out of the sleigh, quick," shquted Carlson to his bride. He was by her side when she struck the ground nnd he kicked the door In. Pushing her in and bidding her close tho door, he turned with the revolver clubbed In his left hand and a heavy pocketknlfo with open blade In his right. Four wolves attacked him before he could back Into the door, which was his Intention, and he hesitated to try and get Into the house for fear the wolves would follow him even there. Fesldes. his team must be promoted after having brought him and his wife to the cabin without nccident. Carlson is a strong and active man, but his strength and the knife would not have saved him had It not been for his bride. Suddenly there was a crash of glass near the spot where the battle letween the man and the wolves was In progress, nnd Instantly the clearing about the house was lit up with a sheet of flame. The wolves fled In terror. Burning Broom Routs Wolves. When Mrs. Carlson found herself In the house she groped about for a weapon with whlrh to help her hu .band do battle with the wolves. In the pocket of her cloak was a box of matches, one of the numerous supplies they had pur chased that they had come near forgetting, and she hap pened to think of it while groping In the darkness. Lighting a match, her eye fell on a lamp. Taking a broom she emptied the kerosene from the lamp upon the broom and applied a lighted match to It. Then, breaking the window of the cabin, the bride climbed through the aperture with her flaming torch ahead of her. The wolves that braved revolver and knife, fled precipitately at the sight of the flaming torch. Carlson's clothing was torn and he was bleeding from face and hands. Hut he was still strung and cool. His first words were, " Get the lantern, Lena. It's In the corner by the table." Lighting another match she soon reappeared with the lantern, ready for use. Carlson stabled his team, but I.ena helped him despite Ms protests. When they had returned to the cab. n and Mrs. Carlson had dressed the wounds sus tained by her husband he turned to her and saldi " Lena, you have saved my life. If It had not been for your quick wit. courage, and promptness of action, 1 would certainly have be-n killed out there," Jerking his thumb sig nificantly toward the door. " Maylie." said the faithful Iena, " but you forget that you saved me out there In the woods, and again at the door." "Don't forget the tmm, Lena. It was the horses that saved both of us. We must not forget, too, that poor Sport, I my dog, died for us." J Iena then got busy with th -uti.ils, nnd In a short time they sat down to their wedding supp r. after their cxc'tlns - and strenuous journey of the home coming.