The Case of the Abandoned Buggy

In another newspaper article that leaves many more questions that it answers, The November 30, 1909 issue of "The San Francisco Call" had an article about an abandoned horse and buggy in Decoto:

"A valuable horse and a buggy, in which was a heavy lap robe and a woman’s coat, were abandoned mysteriously at midnight last nigh in front of A.S. Vager’s ranch at Decoto. Vager has tried to find the owner of the rig in his neighborhood and has failed. He is at a loss to explain the occurrence, which he made known today for investigation."

"Vager said a shout was heard in front of his place at midnight. Before the hands could respond the person making the cry had disappeared, leaving the rig. Vager has not found anyone who saw the horse and vehicle being driven, and does not know if a thief abandoned them or if the owner met with foul play."

Normally in a small town, everyone knows each other and should be able to identify the horse and/or the buggy. Maybe the issue was a private matter and all follow up was done locally and not in the press.