The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-09-08
It seemeii ss if I had uss'droppetl to

fused noise, and sat up, staring about in daaed fAshion some time before | could realize where l was, and what had wakened me,
 My companions also were awake. sitting up and seeminglytas pcrplexed asI.
 In the carly dawn VIC saw a group of six horscmen, surrounding our ani- mals, and talking In loud, excited tones.
 "Yes, these are theanimAls," i" ono was saying.
 "lt's lucky we started when VIC did. or thesc scoundrels might have got out of the territory"
 What did they meane glanced q. Dick and Jack, Both were pale, Dick looked dehaat; Jack WAS trembling and visibly frightened,
 Tho men came towards us-each of us taken In charge of two.
 Dick had jumped up and was trying to escape, Jack was trying to dress. and |. ''jnst taking in the situation" had got upon my feet, and was trying to slip my suspcnders over my shout. ders.
 My captors laid hands on mo rather roughly, which resented by futile shake, and demanding to know why l was molcsted.
 "Ohl Mighty innocent now, isn't he1" said one, and tho other AvaRely remarked: Hen soon find out what he'll get, at any rate, an he looks like the leader, too. Come along 1"
 They would not allow me to finish dressing, but dragged me off into the woods, taking A coil of rope of horse as they passed. saw Dick and Jack dragged away In a similar manner in separate directions.
 was taken to the foot of large cottonwood tree, and then while ono man held mo with my arms plnioned behind me, the other uncoiled the long, stout rope, and proceeded to slip a moose over my head.
 desperately broke loose from the man who held me, and clutohcd at the rope before It could be drawn light.
 "What do you intend to dor" l shouted hoarsely. "WhAt have l done to merit lynch lawI Ia this country where justice Is dones"
 "You don't know where you got those mules. 1 s'pose'" yelled one man.
 "Indeed, l do Hot know where thcy came from" l asserted. "My partners told me they bought them yesterday afternoon. while l was of hunting Now l demand a trial Take me to the nearest courl. l am innocent of the crime you charge me with. l do not claim the mules. That horse is mine. If you have not already killed my partners, they will tell you the same.
 The men made sounds expressive of contempt, as they started 10 remove my hand and "hoist" me. struggled. "You shall listen! !" l said. "I'll stand trial and go to the penitentiary, II you prove me guilty. but you must Dot---sh not, take the responsibility of defeating justice [" The man who held tine rope dropped 1t, and said suddenly;
 "See here, young feller. we will let you go, pervidin' you will sign a writ ten confession. Them pards Q yourn !s beyond doin' any thin fur ye. any howl"
 "WritteD confession of what2" l asked.
 "Why, thet ye took them mules, to he surc" was the reply.
 "I can't do it," said firmly. "I did not take them, and don't claim them, and shall not pretend did"
 "Evcn to save your lifeS'
 "Even to save my life," repeated.
 "Then here goes '" yelled the man, quickly drawing the rope tight around my neck.
 was straDgled, and saw stars, as my eyes seemed "buDgcd" out of my head.
 Just then . third man bnrriedly came up and said few words in low tone.
 "Well, you are saved this time T" said my tormentor, loosening the rope so 1t fell to my feet. "ODe O yer pards has confessedS
 "Coniessed what1" I cried.
 "Thet yer a set O hoss thieves, to be sure! Now, then, we'll take ye back to virginny, an l reckon thsr'll be s berth fur ye overt Deer Lodge" Looking up just then, 1 saw Dick and Jack being led towards me.
 We mounted and rode, stopping once or twice for lunch, and in two days we entered Virginia City, pris- opers.
 Fortunately for me, there was an extra session of court to finish some business ieft over from the spring term, and we had our trial at once. It was dangerous position for me, hay ing nothing to exoDerate me but the word of two rogues. They agreed, however, in the evidence, that they