The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-02-20
a-pAckin' up the dust ter leave, blu,
he's donA fer moor Jim.n

Each man knew what he meant, but
there was no hesitation.
With revolvers tightly clenched, and
he silently led she way up the winding
wrath, dark, hurrying clouds over
spread the fair sky; the low, distant
rumble Of thunder was heard, and it
was evident that one of California's
rare thunder-storms was at hand.
AS they neared the rave the dog
could be seen, his eyes cleaning, his
lips drawn back from his sharp white
teeth, as with low, angry growls he
guarded his masters murderer; and
inside, outlined against the blackness,
the Parson stood like a lion at bay, his
dull eyes flashing, his thin face flushed,
and wearing a desperate, defiant look.
The wretch knew that he had played
his game and-lost; knew whatfate he
must expect at the hands of the angry
miners, who would form a vigilance
committee, and Judge him in their own
quick, decisive way.
A few PAGES from the cave tnev halt
ed, and Tom Lawson said, in q tone of
command
.Parson, come forward -
One glance at the muzzles of the ff-'
ty revolvers that covered him-one
glance at the resolute Implying faces
above them-and, dropping his own
weapon. he obeyed the order, cowed
and bewildered by the superior mum
bers opposing him.
Out into the light he came, knowing
well that he would never see the dawn
of another day, and accepting his fate
in sullen despair.
He looked at the little strip of blue
sky that remained unclouded-at the
black. inky pillows that were sweep
ing over it-at the dog that je~alously
guarded him-at the stern faces of his
judges, and at the yawning abyss,
where, a Thousand feet below, his VIC
tim lay, with white upturned face.
Away to the left the lightning
dashed necessarily, and the thunder
was a continual Earring roar. seeming
to shake the mountain To It's founda-
ton. Evidently tho comlngstorm was
no ordinary one.
"Now, Parson, what hev We ter say
fer yourselfpn demanded Lawson.
The wretch folded his arms, and an
swered only by a halt defiant smile.
OF what use was it to say ANYTHING
for himself. There was nothing to
say. Inside of the cave lay a pile of
dull, yellow dust-his plunder-half
concealed in the canvas square in
which he had thought to tie it up. At
the foot of the precipice lay his victim,
and before him stood his judges.
what hev We ter say why we
shouldn't pass Judgement on yer sinsp"
continued Lawson.
"Nothin'," answered the man, sui
lenly, and q dull red shot across his
pale face, whites shudder ran through
his frame.
That's sensible. Now, boys, we
might as well hev this business over
with first es last"
Lawson spoke as carelessly as though
'.this business" was an everyday af-
fair, and they withdrew some ten
PAGES to decide upon the way to do it !;
that alone was to be settled his fate
was. certain.
While they were debating. some for
one way, some for another, but the
majority in favor of throwing him
from the hill, the rapid clatter of
horses feet sounded along the rocky
path, plainly heard above the roar of
the thunder.
A horse, flecked with foam and COW
cred with dust, came around the bend,
and upon his back a bearded man
leaned forward and eagerly surveyed
the group by the cave as he urged on
his flying steed.
Hisface was like that of an e~xultant
iend, as his glance rested upon the
covering wretch, guarded by the huge
dog.
aHa, ha /! I've found you at lastp"
he cried, as he flung himself from his
horse and strobe forward, .unheeding
the miners, who wonderingly made
way for him. "Do you know me,
John HansonP Are you glad to see
meP"
The mar glared at him with wide
open, terrified eyes, but answered no
word, only retreated backward, as
from some hideous specter of the past.
until he stood upon the very edge of
the Devils Pulpit and the stranger
as silently followed to the brink of the
precipice, even the dog recognizing
his superior, mysterious right to the
prisoner.
There he paused, and looked back
at the miners.
she murdered my sister and robbed
me !'he said in simple explanation.
"Then | reckon you've the best
right ter him." answered Lawson.
'sAin't it SO, boys?"
And as the chorus eyes, yes!'' an
swered him, the stranger turned to
his victim with queer smile, and said,
slowly:
"John Hanson, for four years I have
tracked you like a hound, but always
too late. Now You are in my power,
and if you escape at all, it will be by a
full confession of your crimes. Where
did you bury my sisters body3"
eat the foot of the great oak in the
garden where we lived,n groaned the
man.
"Ah, you did kill her thenP You
confess it?'
And great drops of agony glistened
trolled his feelings and continued:
I'm wat bank did you place the
money you stole from mep"
"The Miners Bank"
"And what reason can you urge why
l should not shoot you as you standP''
asked the stranger, coolly drawing a
revolver from his belt.
The first, f~ast-falling drops were
spotting the rocks, and the thunder
roared with terrific strength. while the
black clouds hid Pyramid Peak from
! view, and the waters of Roaring Greek
foamed and dashed along a thousand
feet below the covering wretch, who
seemed but a speck .twixt heaven and
i earth.
; .Spare me, Benton! I'll give it al
: back. l never'll cross your patti