The Van Buren press., 1875-09-28


hard, unprepossessing tacc; there was
little charity in the lines about his lips
He approached Frank and asked him
Air you kur-istian ?
i I hope so,' humbiy answered pool
Frank.
i l tru.u ust that before you leave this
miserable world, YOU will pru oclaim
yourself Kur istian. Bur-e -etheren, lie
us puray that our erring bur- ether may
be induced to confess his cur ine and pur
oclaim himself q Kur istian before it i:
too late
The reverend member then poured
forth a turgid food Of pious 'buncombe
in nasal howl which grated terribly Oh
poor Franks highly strung nerves i
seemed to him intcrminable, 1t was final
10 interrupted, however, and Frank wa'
reused from the state of semi conscious
ness into which he was falling, by the ar
rival Of a hc-seman who rode into the
circle, Frank heard the name Jacl
Eastman pronounced.
Jack Eastman! Why, Jack and hc
were sehooimates, years ago. The mans
back was turned to Frank as he sat or
his horse talking to the people around
him.
Who is that man 2 Frank asked oil
Nibbs, who was one of the guard placed
over him.
That man that. Jest rode in
Yes Yes!
That's Jack Eastman, Vice President
af the Committee.
I Will you tell him. like good fellow,
that would like to say word to him ?
i Certainly replied Nibbs; aud he
went and spoke to the man he called
Jack Eastman. The latter Immediately
turned his horse and rode to where Frans
stood leaning against the carl. 1t was
Jack Eastman, Franks old scho climate,
thank God. Jack was somewhat chang
ed by the exposure and hardship Of from
tier life, but Frank would have recognized
him anywhere.
What have you got to say to me 2
asked Jack, in a rather hard tone.
.Jack!' cried Frank, 9 is it possible
you have forgotten ne2'
What! Why, it is Frank Staples
What the devil does this mean?'
1t means said Frank. that | am
about to be made the innocent victim OF
terrible mistake He then told Jack
ks story in as few words as possible.
Its dsviish lucky got back so soon,
said Jack; then turning toward his breth
eren of the Committee. Gentlemen he
continued, this must be a mistake. This
man is no horse thief know him anl
and every one belonging to him. We
we're raised almost next door to eacl
other
Vat difference dat Makes asked
Dutch Bill he aakcs mein pony all de-
sane
! II tell you what it is. fellows, sale
Jack, you're going too fast on this bu
siness. You must take more time
This seemed to cause considerable dis
sntisf,ction among the Vigilants. An ex
cited discussion was interrupted, no wev
er. by the arrival of Big Steve 8 party
bringing with them Franks blne eyed
blonde bearded deceiyer, and Little Phi
and the other stolen auimols.
Jack said Frank, there's my horse
and the man who stole him.
Yes, said Big Steve. hes owned up
His story, nodding to Frank, is 0. X.
Stranger said the horse thief to
Frank. i played you mighty NEAR
trick, and I'm sorry for it, l guess you
have had hard time through nay d-f
neanness But I'm glad it amt too late
to keep em from hangin the wrong man
After short consultation among thu
Vieiisnts, Tom Boggs informed Frank
that his Innocence was established to thu
satisfaction Of all concerned, and he wa'
free to 60 wherever he pleased.
Frank nodded in reply he was unable
to speak. He staggered toward littl
Phil, who hailed him with a joyous negl
of recognition His over wrought nerves
gave way, and he fell against the horse
and became inscnsibe.
When Frank came back to conscious
ness, he was lying on bed in Jack East
mans house Jake Grimslev, Nibbs anc
Jack were seated by the bed.
Il told yer he'd come to pretty soon,
said Nibbs.
How are you now, old fellow !? asked
Jack, taking Franks hand in his
"A little weak, Jack, but pretty well
strong enough to travel
Stuff said Jack, you're going tC
f stay with me for month to come.
Frask shook his head.
, Why said Nibbs, you aint going
away until you see the fun out ?
Thank you.' replied Frank; | can
sea any fun IN it. The joke came toe
near being against me-.
Jack tried hard to make Frank stay a
least few DAYS with him. Bat Franl
was in1exble. Boggsvillc was hateful t.
him; the AIR of the place seemed tt
choke him. He left BoggsviIle abou
sunset the same evening AS he rod
out of the viltg he saw the body o
the blonde bearded, blue eyel horse
thief dangling from the limb Of the deat
tree. He shuddercd when he though
how near he come to dangling there in
stead cf the thief.
GOLDEN PAyEMENrs-Ata convention