The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-07-31
A Council Of War.

VIC GOpo III Ms uWlu ne allowed BE
Ben TO approach within a few feet of where
The boys wore standing before he drew II
taut. When he did 60 it was with q rude
jerk which nearly threw the giant off his
feet and maddened him at being banked
within such close proximity to this new
prey. The mad man strained isrcsly on
The rope, uttering fercer cries Of rage than
any to which he had given vent; his face
grew fiery red and the veins in his forehead
seemed ready 10 burst from his furious On
deAvors to break free. So strenuous were
bis exertions that Jim, though he planted
his heel in the ground, was pulled along,
Qrinnin9 the while at the success Of his
Vaccinations.
Only his companions saw the grin. The
eyes of the boys were riveted on the terrible
Big Ben. They would have given anything
to run away, and yet they stood their
ground. Hank aud George we're in front
with Gordon close behind. all three form
ing a screen for little Dick. It seemed as
though the maniac would be upon them in
another instantsand they would be forced
TO defend themselves as best they might,
What if he should succeed in freeing his
arms2 He could seize them and brandish
them around his head like Indian clubs
and dash their brains out against the trees.
As it was, he would be able to overtake
them and fall upon them with his teeth.
And what if they fredp The others would
be sure to avenge his death.
Such thoughts IA these passed through
their minds with lightning swiftness. They
could almost feel the breath of the dread
full creature. And then suddenly a pro-
teotor in the person of the friendly Joe in
tervened with summary action by throwing
himself between them and Big Ben.
Clutchinq the p%inioned giant by the shoul-
ders, he forced him backwards. crying at
the same time to his comrades, who, having
finished the remains of the supper, were
watching the scene with an amused air.
"Lend q hand and pull him off. What's
the sense in trying to murder q pack of
kids?"
In response to his words two of the num-
Der seized the rope and in another moment
the struggling Big Ben was hustled away
and secured.
ris?" Joe added ~sternly. "Shucks! Who's
dom any murderin'? Can't a Teller have a
little tun without bein' cussed and jawed
at?"
So saying the suriy Jim glowered say
agely and, turning on his heel, sauntsrsd
uoWu tuS bAOucs oAAo"ou HAohOAbly Ny mo
rest of the clew, excepting Joe. He stood
looking after them with an angry light in
his eyes.
'"That Jim Harris III get q hole in him
the next time l have liquor in me.
er my name amt Joe Miller" he
long!' he added. after a pause, whereupon
he followed his companions in the direction
of their camp.
The boys looked at each other with
troubled faces. Gordon was the first to
speak.
"Gollyv' he said. II was scared blue. I
thought Jim was going to let 20 OF him."
1T was only Joe who prevented him."
said George with a shiver. II eyes were
terrible. l say, what are we to do?' he
asked. looking at Hank.
II know one thing" said Hank. after a
vote to stay and fight. We could build q
fort here or enough of a ono to lilo down
behind so that il they were to attack US We
could let drive at Thorn as they came up tho
hill. I bet that Jim'll stir them up to at
tack M before morning."
'I'm ready to stay; 1 vote to stay" cried
George. ~stoutly. 5 do l." said Gordon
Hank shook his hoad moodily. II would
if were alone; but how could I face my
father without the boy?" he said, indicat-
ing his brother with Il tragic air.
Pm not afraid to stay. Hank" said
Dick. Il could help build the fort, any
way, and I could load the guns"
w could sell our lives dear enough"
said Hank, but We might all be killed in
the end, especially if they were reinforced.
I'd never forgive myself if anything were to
happen to Dick"
You'd be dead. 90 you wouldn't know"
said George.
"A chance shot might single him out"
"They've no guns" said Gordon.
They've my six-shooter. and all six bar /
zels were loaded" eroaned George.
Pm responsible for this party: | got il
up; and Pm not willing to run any risks,"
continued Hank. ut won't do to stay and
fight"
What shall we do, then?" asked George.
Break up camp and slip away tonight |
TO Farmer Bunker's."
"What. and leave my revolver?"
tits better to lose the revolver than have
our throats cut" answered Hank. Besides
We can como back with Farmer Bunker to-
morrow and have them arrested"
THAT'S 3d." said Gordon. II guess that's |
the best plan. As Hank says, We might be
able to sell our lives dearly. but we should
probably be slaughtered in the end"
II hate to leave that six-shooter," said
George eloomily. "Fd give anything to get |
with that Jim Harris"
just then a loud. rolliokinR song burst
their ears. 1t was evident from the
voices of the singers that tho loggers were
in their cups. The boys paused TO listen
and presently Hank said, WED better slip
away while they're good humorsd, and il
won't do to let them know we're going. |
Wen leave the tents just As thev are and |
carry nothing but our guns. Very likely |
they won't miss us for an hour or two and
We should have a big start OIL them"
do you suppose they'd follow usY" asked
"You bot they would," said Hank.
And you'll promise to come back TO.
with Farmer Bunker?" asked
who was stlll harping on his lost
"Of course We will" said Hank.
Pacitied by this promise, George made no
further opposition to the plan, and the four
boys made immediate preparations for their
flight. Bundling together a verv
few of their most precious possessions and I,
arminR themselves TO tho full extent of
eheir stock of Weapons, including All axe,
they slipped one by one out Of camp and
the back of tho hill. Already the
sounds from the camp were less harmoni-
Gus. shouts. oRths and the noise of scuf-
ling were intorsporsed with the SONGS. and
OF a sudden, just ns Hank, who was the
last to leave the oamp. Joined tho others.
here was tho crack of a pistol.
Did you hear that2" whispered Gordon,
lws-struok.
THAT settles itv' exclaimed (3eoros.
They've my pistol, and | shouldn't won
Ter a bit If jim Harris had shot Joe Miller
WIN IT, There was no means Of telling
Whethsr George was correct In this assump.
lion or not. A sudden stiffness in tho other
Samp followed tho piHtol Rhok. Vha uouu.