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Jim Cummings - Or, The Great Adams Express Robbery by A. Frank [pseud.] Pinkerton
page 92 of 173 (53%)
numerous patches of scrub oak and cotton-wood trees which were scattered
all over the prairie. The long prairie grass sometimes brushed the feet
of the horsemen, and coveys of prairie chickens flew up and scurried
away as the three outlaws galloped past. Mile after mile was left
behind, the tough Indian ponies they bestrode keeping the tireless lope
for which they are noted without slacking the pace or becoming
exhausted. The three riders were expert horsemen, and had been
accustomed to the saddle almost from infancy.

Little was said and few words spoken by the men as they skimmed over the
prairie save to call attention to some obstacle in the way, or to some
change in the trail, which stretched before them plain and distinct.

The few Indians and half-breeds they met paid no attention to them,
thinking them to be cowboys bound for their camp, and in fact they did
resemble those hardy specimens of plainsmen who range this country
herding cattle or sheep.

When the chill of the night had set in, Cummings ordered a second halt,
and the horses, hobbled, commenced to graze on the short buffalo-grass
which spread underfoot. The remainder of the carcass of mutton which
Moriarity had shot had been strapped back of his saddle, and was now cut
up into suitable sizes for the fire which Cook had built. The meat, laid
on the glowing embers, was soon cooked and, their hunger appeased, the
men, wrapped in their blankets, their feet to the fire, composed
themselves for slumber.

The long hours of the night passed on, the fire had died out, when
Cummings, awakened by a sudden feeling of chilliness, rose to his feet
and piled some twigs and branches together to make a blaze. As he
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