THE NORTHERN MYSTERY 265 



profuse expressions of gratitude. Her feel- 

 ings can more easily be imagined than 

 described when she learned later of the 

 identity of the wanderer ; and not only that, 

 but how, scarcely two miles on his way from 

 her home, he had killed a man. His horse 

 and his Winchester had remained hidden all 

 night in the foot-hills, his pistols having 

 naturally been returned to him upon his 

 departure. 



But the career of even a Billy the Kid has 

 to close at last, and the present Sheriff of this 

 county was the man to close it. Hearing 

 that the youthful desperado often took up his 

 quarters at the ranch of a certain cattleman, 

 he rode thither one night, prepared to * take 

 chances.' .Bancroft Libnuy 



The house, after the manner of adobe 

 houses, was one-storied, and finding an 

 open window, the Sheriff quietly entered, 

 to find himself in the room of the owner, 

 who challenged the intruder from his bed. 

 The Sheriff explained his errand in whispers, 

 and, taking a seat on the bed, continued the 

 conversation in the same tone. 



