The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1890-01-04

approval, and Perry's eyes flashed with
anger at the insult. What reply he
might have made was checked by the
sight Of Sergt. Leary throwing himself
from the saddle and tossing his reins to
one of the men. He knew well enough
what that meant. and sprang instantly
In front of him.
Back to your horse, sir! Back, in
stantlyw for the sergeant's face was fierce
with rage Mount, say!" added the
lieutenant, as the sergeant still hesitated,
and even the sense of discipline could not
keep the mounted troopers from NUT
tered word of encouragement Slowly,
wrathfully, reluctantly, the soldier
obeyed, once turning furiously back as
jeering taunts were hurled at him from
among the ranchers, unrebuked by their
manager. "Now move off with your
men to the gate. Leave my horse, and
wait for me there. Col" added the young
officer, sternly; and, with bitter mortifi-
cation ut heart and curse stifed OH his
quivering lips, the Irishman turned his
horses head away and slowly walked him
In the indicated direction.
Nov, Mr.. Manager" said Perry,
turning fiercely upon ~" Younger Eng
ishman, II have done my best to re-
strain my men; do you look out for
yours. You have allowed them to insult
me and mine, and you may thank your
stars that discipline prevailed with my
I, 1k
"Your men have cut down our fences,
by your order, presume" said the man.
ager. coolly, land it's lucky for them
they got out of the way when they did.
We have right to protect our property
and eject intruders, and"--
II came here to inquire for missing
mana right even an Englishman can
not deny us on these prairies. We had
excellent reason to believe him injured,
and thought, not knowing you for the
inhospitable gang you are, that lie might
have been carried in here for treatment;
there was no other place. Your pro-
prietor tells me he is not here. After
what I've seen Of your people, / have
reason to be still more anxious about
him. Scant mercy single trooper
would have had at their hands. Now l
ask you, Do you know or have you heard
of cavalry soldier being seen around
here during the day?'
Perry was standing holding his horse
by the curb as he spoke, facing the par
lor windows and confronting the angry
group of ranchnnen. Within, though
nearer the window than he had left him,
was the bent form of the owner of Dun.
raven, leaning on his cane and apparent
ly impatiently striving to make himself
heard rs he came forward Before the
manager could answer, he was compel
led to turn about and rebuke his men,
two of whom were especially truculent
and menacing. Finally he spoke:
II have heard nothing, but tell you
frankly that if any of your men have
been prowling around here it's moro than
probable some one has got hurt. Has
there been any trouble today, men2" he
asked.
"By God, there will be If this ranch
isn't cleared in five minutes" was the
only answer.
"Don't make an ass of yourself, Hoke," !"
growled the manager. "They are going
quick enough
~ am going" said Perry, swinging
lightly into saddle; 'sand mind you this,
sir: go with we'll warranted suspicion
that some of these bullies of yours have
been responsible for the non-appearance
of my stable sergeant. If he is not found
this night you may confidently look for
another visit. l say that to you also
Mr.. Maitland, and you owe it to our for
bearance that there has been no blood
shed here tonight"
Old Maitland's tremulous tones were
heard but second in reply when he was
interrupted by coarse voice from the
crowd of ranchmen, by this time in
creased to nearly dozen men. Some
of them were gathering about Perry as
he sat in the saddle, and an applauding
echo followed the loud interruption:
"Give tho swell lift, Tunlmy: twill
teach him better manners"
Almost instantly Perry felt his right
foot grasped and powerful form was
bending at the stirrup. He had heard
of the trick before. Many q time has
the London cad unhorsed the English
trooper, taken unawares, by hurling him
with sudden lift from below. But Perry
was quick and active as cat. Seat and
saddle, too, were in his favor. He SIM
ply threw his weight on the left foot and
his bride hand upon the pommel, let tho
right leg swing over the horse's back I'M
til released from the brawny hand, then
back it came rs he settled again in tho
saddle, his powerful thighs gripping like
a wise; at the same instant, and before
his assailant could duck to earth and slip
out of the way, he had whipped out the
heavy Colts revolver and brought its
butt with stunning crash down on the
ranchnlan's defenseless head.
There was instant rush and commotion.
In vain old Maitland feebly piped his
protests from tho veranda; In vain the
overseer seized and held back one or two
of tho men and furiously called off the
rest Aided by the darkness which
yelled them, the others made simulta-
neous rush upon the young officer and
sought to drag him from his plunging
horse. Perry held his pistol high in air,
threatened with the butt the nearest as
sailant, yet loath to use further force.
He was still in the broad glare of the
parlor lights-a conspicuous mark; eager
hands had grasped his bride rein at the
very bit, and he could not break away;
and then missiles began to fly about his
devoted head, and unless he opened fire
he was helpless. While two men firmly
held Nolan by the curb, half dozen
others were hurting from the ambush of
darkness scattering volley of wooden
billets and chunks of coal. He could
easily have shot down tho men who held
him.
1t was sore temptation, for already he
had been struck and stung by unseen
projectiles; but just as the manager
sprang forward and with vigorous cuffs
induced the men to loose their hold on
his rein, there came three horsemen
charging full tilt back into the crowd,