Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-05-29


at the young officer Before Perry could
speak again. however, and more fully
explain the untoward circumstance,
there came a rush of hurrying footsteps
without, and the sound of excited voices.
The next minute they heard an eager,
angry challenge. and Perry recognized
the voice of the oyerseer or manager
whom he had met in the morning.
What do you fellows want here?"
was his brusque and loud inquiry as he
sprang from the piazza and stood con-
fronting the sergeant, who was quietly
seated in the saddle. and the question
was promptly echoed by three or four
burly men who, in shirt sleeves and
various styles of undrcss, came tumbling
in the wake of their leader and stood
now :: menacing group looking up at the
silent troopers.
If there he one thing on earth that
will stir an IriSlInan's soul to its inmOst
depths and kindle to instant flame the
latent heat of his pugnacity, it is just
such an inquiry in the readily recog-
nized accent of the hated "Sassenach.
Perry recognized the danger in a fash.
and, springing through the open case
ment. interposed between the hostile
parties.
Not word. Scrgt Leary. Here, Mr.
Manager, these mPn simply Obcycd or
ders, and am responsible for any mis-
take No harm was intended -
"1arm" broke III one of the ranch
men, with demonstratively loud laugh
"IIarm be bowed! What harm could
you do, Id like to know: If the mas
ter'Il only say the word, we'd break your
heads in minute"
Quiet. now. Dickr' interpoSed the
overseer; but the other hands growled
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 we'll enough
what that meant. and sprang instantly
in front of him.
Back to your horse, sir! BacS, in
stantlyr' 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 a NUT
tered word Of encouragement. Slowly,
wrathfulIy. 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. sternIy; and, with bitter NORTH
cation at heart and curse stiiied on his
quivering lips. the Irislman turned his
horses head away and slowly walked him
in the indicated direction.
Now, Mr.. Mant.-'r. said Perry
Turning fiercely u: - ringer Eng
ishIaan, 81 have done my best to r.
strain my men; do you look out foV
yours. You have allowed them to insult
me and mine, and you may thank your
stars that discipline prevailed with my
people, though you have nsthing Of the
kind here"
"Your men have cut down our fences,
by your order, presume, +" said the man.
sger, coolly, 'and 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 a 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 he 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 a single trooper
would have had at their hands. Now /
ask you, Do you know or have you heard
Of a cavalry soldier being seen around
here during the dayy'
Perry was standing holding his horse
BY the curb as he spoke, facing the par
lor windows and confronting the angry
group of ranchmen- 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 as he came forward Before the
could answer, he was compel
led to turn about and rebuke his men,
two of whom were especially truculent |
aud menacing. Finally he spoke:
81 have heard nothing, but / tell you
frankly that if any of your men have
been prowling around here it's more than |
probable some one has got hurt Has |
there been any trOuigie today Tnpnps' no