The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1873-05-01

thing, got out of the door, and down to
the creek; and the first thing 1 saw was
the dog, bringing him out, strangled and
dripping in his mouth. l wouldn't part
with that dog for his weight in gold!'
Whatever Lots inmost mind or secrei
repinings, his outward life bore evidence
of marked revolution toward the side of
fruitful and virtuous industry. No more
loiterings at tasks or levity of demeanor
no judicial magnate ever clothed himself
in dignity and reticence more severe than
characterized Lot under the new admin
istration, at whose head stood his brisk
little wife.
To us, the advent of Lots wife marked
the commencement of new era; whole
some food, a tidy cabin, and, above all,
no more darning of socks, or washing
days. The Wilderness had begun to bios
som. We even attained to, now and then,
the luxury of billed shirt" We were
opening up new and richer vein in our
claim, and prosperity and contentment
smiled upon us.
1t was an evil day that dawned upon
our camp in the gulch, when one of the
boys, ten miles above us, turned in on his
way to the city, almost PROSTATE from a
sudden attack of mountain fever, and
with money to pay note which had be-
come due on quartz mill. He wanted
to know if any of us were going in, as he
could make it worth our while to do the
errand for him, he remaining at our cabin
until the messengers return. AS it hap
pened, we were not intending to go for
several days, our stock of supplies on
hand being considerable, and not having
enough dust to pay for carrying it to the
bank.
Lots wife, however, on learning the
state of affairs, was observed to commu-
nicate some instructions to the ten-year-
old, who Immediately "lit out" in the di-
rection of his fathers claim. A few mo-
ments, and Lot himself came in. He was
willing TO accommodate, and would go to
the city. His claim wasn't paying him
much and he might as well look about a
little. All of which familiar terms might
have been translated to mean that his wife
was not at all averse to earning the
something" before intimated, which
should "makc it worth his WHILE" None
of us questioned Lots honesty, and we
made haste to get him off as soon as pos
sibie.
Itwas after nightfall of the ensuing day,
when he was seen riding furiously toward
the camp, looking neither right nor left,
batting neither breath nor speed, until, op-
posite his own threshold, he leaped to the
ground, dashed inside the cabin, and
slammed to the door.
We had scarce time to wonder at this
strange and unusual proceeding, when
there swarmed upon us party of men
and stern, members of vigilance
committee.
Their errand was soon made known
they were in pursuit Of the unhappy Lot.
A party instantly surrounded his cabin.
Then the whole of the unfortunate affair
came out. Lots spirit, released from its
accustomed restraint, had rebounded like
balloon that has thrown over its ballast
"Marier's" last words were useless as the
wind against this sudden and overwhelm-
ing elation, born of renewed liberty. His
journey furnished him a golden opportu.
nifty, though brief, for the renewal of those
harmless indulgences of late so religiously
foregone.
A chance acquaintance, met just in the
friendly tippie in the nearest sa,S3aEs. S5S3aEs t2
exchange of goodtellowship eventually
resulted in many more, under the COM
bined influence of which, no RothschilC
ever felt richer than did Lot with the
trust-money in his hand.
What occurred thereafter, passed to Lo
like troubled dream. There was vague
remembrance of all hands at the bar, ,
scuf1le, pistol-shot or two; and then thu
mad race home, trust betrayed, thu
stain of blood on his hands. and the "Vigi
lantes" close upon his heels.
They were sure enough of him now-l.
men to one, and he trapped like prairie
dog in his hole.
Lion, the huge st. Bernard. came smell
ing at the garments of the invaders, look
;,C. ,,,N lororo iOpuiriDOr aunc Hal
unconsciously, the leader patted the rougl
head carressingly, as it rubbed agains
his hand. The dog, friendly to the friend
lv, reared upon his hind legs and place,
| his fore-paws on the leaders, shoulders
standing half head taller than the ma
| himself.
Meanwhile, neither sound nor ligh
came from Lots cabin. Lion, gOin
| over, pushed at the door with a 10y
whine. Speedily following, the leader
with three of his men, knocked for admi
tance. aa
Straightway in the door appeared Lot
wife.
Gentlemen, what will you have?"
"We have business with your husband
madam. Will you ask him to step on
side %
"My husband is not able to attend
| business tonight.
"But our business is important, ar
cannot wait. If he does not come out, v
must come in"
Gentlemen, you cannot see my hu
band to-night!' Her voice was firm
even, decisive; perhaps tri1e more d
cisive than usual.
The dog, crouching at her feet, gave
!, low growl.
IS lVopnap Wa have no time tO b1nC
words Let us pass?"
The dog rose partly up, with a mena
| ing growl. The woman behind hi
, seemed to rise and expand in the viii
, heat of passion that possessed her. ii
, voice was high and shrill
J Sand say you shall not pass! you tn
come, II armed men, with murder in yo
hearts, to take an innocent man out frC
the midst of his helpless children. Iswe
5 that you shall not touch hair of his he
tonight! ~
e AS she spoke, drawing with dextro
e hand a "Colt's navy" from the folds
f her dress, she held it at full cock, be
r ing straight upon the leaders, heart. \
Y a man among them but was touched at
a sight of this dauntless devotion;
a emotion must not prevent the discharge
a duty.
r but this man has committed murde
}, the gravest crime known in the eyes
/ the law. Public safety demands Il
Q we deal with him according to the
: ter of the law" expostulated the lead
n more moved than he cared to acknowled
s A superb scorn overspread the woma
e features. Bending to touch the dog W
her hand, the huge creature drew him!
a erect, angry and bristling, with lips dra
II threateningiy back from his formida
d teeth. Then boldly throwing open
le cabin door, she pointed with uprai
Of finger, sun hoidlng tne deadly weal