CHAPTER XVII.
DUTCH JOHN (WAGNER.)
“Give me a horse! Bind up my wounds!”—Richard III.
The tidings of Ives’ execution and the deep and awe-striking news of the organization of the Vigilantes in the camps on Alder Gulch, flew like wildfire, exciting wherever they were received, the most dread apprehension in the minds of those whose consciences told them that their capture and their doom were convertible terms.
Among these men was Dutch John (Wagner.) His share in the robbery of the train, and his wound from the pistol of Lank Forbes, pressed upon his memory. By a physical reminder, he was prevented from forgetting, even in his sleep, that danger lurked in every valley, and waited his coming on every path and track by which he now trusted to escape from the scene of his crimes. Plummer advised him to leave the Territory at once, but he offered him no means of locomotion. This, however, was of small consequence to Wagner. He knew how to obtain a remount. Taking his saddle on his back, he started for the Ranch of Barret & Shineberger, on Horse Prairie where he knew there was a splendid gray horse—the finest in the country. The possession was the trouble—the title was quite immaterial. A friend seeing him start from Bannack with the saddle, sent word to the owners of the gallant gray, who searched for him without delay, taking care to avoid the willows for fear of a shot. One of them, after climbing a hill, discovered the robber sitting among the underwood. The place was surrounded and the capture was made secure.
Short shrift was he allowed. His story was disbelieved, and his captors went for his personal outfit, if not for his purse. They lectured him in the severest terms on the depravity which alone rendered horse stealing possible, and then started him off down the road, minus his saddle and pistol, but plus an old mule and blanket.
With these locomotive treasures, Dutch John left Horse Prairie, and took the Salt Lake road. He was accompanied by an Indian of the Bannack tribe, armed with bow, quiver and knife. Ben. Peabody was the first who espied them. He was going to Salt Lake City with a cayuse pack-train, for goods, and saw the Road Agent and his aboriginal companion at Dry Creek Canyon Ranch, since used by Oliver & Co., as a station on the road to the metropolis of the Latter Day Saints.
About two miles below this place, he met Neil Howie, who was coming from the same City of Waters, along with three wagons laden with groceries and flour. A long consultation was the consequence, and a promise was given that the aid of the train men would be given to secure the fugitive from justice. The same pledge was obtained from Neil’s own party, and from the owner of a big train further down.
Shortly after, Dutch John and the Indian hove in sight; but this did not mend matters, for the parties “weakened” at once, and left Neil cursing their timidity, but determined that he should not escape. Wagner rode up and asked for some tobacco. He was told that they had none to spare, but that there was a big train (Vivion’s) down below, and that he might get some there. During the conversation he looked suspicious and uneasy; but at last went on, parting amicably from them, and attended by his copper colored satellite, whose stolid features betrayed no sign of emotion. Neil felt “bad” but determined that his man should not escape thus easily, he mounted his pony and galloped after him, resolved to seek for help at the big train. He soon came up with the pair, and Neil fancied that Wagner gave some directions to the Indian, for he put his hand to his quiver, as if to see that all was right for action. Dutch John held his rifle ready and looked very suspiciously at Neil. The Indian kept behind, prepared for business.
After the usual salutations of the road, Neil told John that he wanted to borrow a shoeing hammer to prepare his stock for crossing the Divide, and thereupon he noticed a sudden, joyful expansion in the eyes of Dutch John, and, with a friendly salute they parted company.
It was ticklish work for Neil to ride with his back to Wagner, right under the muzzle of his rifle, but the brave fellow went along as if he suspected nothing, and never drew rein till he came to the train. The owner—who had often lectured, in strong language, on the proper way to deal with (ABSENT) Road Agents—backed square down, notwithstanding all the arguments of Neil, some of which were of a nature to bring out any concealed courage that his friend possessed. Wagner rode up, and glancing quickly and sharply at the two conversing, asked for tobacco, and received for reply—not the coveted weed—but an inquiry as to whether he had any money; which not being the case, he was informed that there was none for him. Neil immediately told the trader to let the man have what he wanted, on his credit. Wagner appeared deeply grateful for this act of kindness, and having received the article, set forward on his journey. Neil made one more solemn appeal not to “let a murderer and Road Agent escape;” but the train-owner said nothing.