Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1888-06-07

able TO show that he had no personal
sympathy witl the moonshiners.
The next morning Thurbcr learned
that Judge Eldridge had left town to
| be gone three or four days. so he
thought he could not choose a better
time than the present for his task, and
might be able to surprise the Judge on
his return.
John Thurber was a young, athletic
giant and, although called a coward
by Judge Eldridge. was an utter
stranger to fear. He proposed, if =
capture were possible, to have all the
credit himself. and decided to make
the attempt quite alone.
Disguised rs countryman. he Wis
tied the haunts of the moonshiners and
in a day or two had learned something
of the movements of Hank Firestone.
He became aware that the redoubtable
Hank was likely to ride alone in a GER
tain direction on the evening of the
third day of his adventurous search.
1t was lonely. mountain road along
which Firestone would pass. and at
one point he would be six miles from
his friends at either end. Unfortu-
by the light of a full moon; but that
made no difference to John Thurber.
He knew it was risky business and
that his chances of escaping with his
life were no better than his chance of
capturing Eank-perhaps Simmer;
bHt that made no difference, either.
John Thurber was one of those stub
born and persistent men Who, once
having resolved on certain course of
action. know no "let-up" until they
accomplish their purpose or die in
their tracks.
So early in the evening he was in
hiding. The very loneliness of the
place and the wildness of the sur
rounding country. rendered weird and
solemn by the bewitching moonlight,
was enough to unnerve most men.
But John Thurber stood his ground,
holding in his hand a lariat ready to
be thrown over his intended victim.
while his pistols were ready cooked in
his belt. He had not waited very long
when sure enough man approached
on horseback. Closer he came. and
when within twenty feet John flung
his rope. The moose dropped right
over the horseman and in an instant it
was tightly drawn and John had his
man on the ground. his helpless pris-
oner.
Johns first business was to disarln
his captive. who was man of fine
physique, with jet black hair and a
long beard of the same nature. Then
he looked around and, as he noticed
the horse. said:
.'Ah, Mr.. Firestone, you are n horse
thief as well as moonshiner! It's
strange to me if that is not Judge Ell
bridges horse"
The captured man now spoke for the
first time. "Idiotr' he said; lido you
know what risk YOU are mourning in
coming here? You are right, 1 am
Hank Firestone, and you can not take
me hundred steps, hardly. before my
friends will see us. And if they do
your life will be snuffed out in as
quick time as it takes to cock and pull
trigger Go, fool, while you have Il
chance. and don't 'tamper with Hank
Firestone?
"Ah," replied John, coolly enough,
you seem to forget, Mr.. Firestone. that
just now l hold the trump cards in this
game. know these roads pretty well.
and think we can get to Smithville
in about three hours without meeting
any of your friends. 1t is just ten
miles to town, and we will walk and
ride. turn about You have just been
riding, so l will take rest, and you
can lead the horse. Get up and go
ahead. will be the guide and in
struct you which way to turn"
Slowly enough. Firestone arose and
did as he was told, while Thurber. pis-
toll in hand, mounted the horse. 1t
was queer procession. but Thurber
decidedly had the most of the fun.
After awhile they changed off; John
walked. but he took care to have his
man we'll covered and. as he told him,
he would have shot him instantly if he
had attempted to ride the horse faster
than a walk. All the way to Smith
Vile the captured outlaw spoke never
a word.
1t was midnight when they reached
town. and on their way up the deserted
street they passed Judge Eldridge's
house.
Have you any objection to stopping
here?" asked the moonshiner.
What for?"
"Oh. have fancy to see the Judge.
Maybe he will arrange for me to have
better quarters than one would get
down at the courthouse"
II don't think he's home, but we'll
see. Indeed. l would just as soon go
in, if he is home"
That is his horse" said the outlaw,
land we may as well leave it in the
barn."
So the horse was led to the barn.