The Lamar register., 1892-06-25
tick; nit black hair und eyes. und a

Further Questioning served to
strengthen the impression that the
thief was Corsen. TO find and arrest
him was the next thing to be done.
1t was found that he generally stay
cd with young man CT his acquaint-
ance at n cabin thirty miles down the
river from the city. An old woman, an
aunt OF Corsen's crony, kept house ior
them.
The cabin stood at the foot of one
OF the high, rock-crcsted Mississippi
bluffs, and within a stones throw OF
the river.bank.
Anticipating trouble in making the
arrest, BlackmRn called out n few
more men on his way down the river.
There was another all night ride,
wearying alike TO men and horses. At
the end of it. Blackman's party, in
creased to dozen men. dismounted
and tied their horses n short distance
from the cabin.
Ii was morning, but the sun had
not yet risen. A gray mist hung over
the valley, shutting out distant
objects. The cabin itself was seen in
distinctly, and showed no signs af any
stir within.
The men surrounded il, and Black
man advanced to the door and
knocked. There was no response;
but sounds of moving about We're
heard within.
"open the door!' Blackman de-
mnnded.
Still there was no reply. Just as
Blackmsn called for an axe that stood
nenr, thinking TO break in the door,
1t was opened by the old woman.
Blackman asked first for Corsen's
crony.
Hes gone down the river. He
went away week ago" said the old
woman.
Where is Jim Corsen9"
He's gone, too"
BlarkmRn entered the cabin. The
woman frightened, went out. Black
man noticed this movement.
1t seemed absurd TO think that any
man would try to hide in so small
room. Two beds occupied nearly all
of the space.
Blackman stepped into theceutre OF
the room, motioning to mis- followers
to keep outside. In the ceiling OF
boards above his head, so low as to
be within easy reach, was a square
hole But this aperture was closed;
and the cover, when Blackman tried
to push it aside, resisted his best ei-
forts.
Again he called for the axe; and
again he found its use unnecessary.
for the board was showed swiftly to
one side, and Blackman suddenly
found himself looking into the muzzle
OF a cooked revolver held within two
feet OF his face.
1t was Corsen who held the revol-
yer. He glared down at Blackman.
Move n hand, and you're n dead
man" he cried.
Very we'll, sir; I'm here, said Black
man. He gnzed unilinchingly ut the
revolver. and into the eyes OF the des-
perate man behind IL.
What are you here for?" said Cor.
sen.
TO arrest you"
"For Whhtg'
For stealing Dexter's cattle"
CorSen uttered an oath. II amt
thief, and / won't be arrested" he
said.
What are one against Dozen"
said Blsckman.
What of thati I'll shoot the first
man that makes a moves"
=
still be taken in the end"
Never There amt men enough in
this county to take me alive"
"Iou might as well understand,
said Blackman speaking slowly, that
you will be taken; II not alive, then
dead. You need not expect my men
to come in here, one alta time, for you
TO shoot down at your leisure. In
stead of that they will set fire to the
house, and you will be roasted out
only 20 ba shot down like dog.
But what about your" cried Corsen,
with a triumphant gleam in his eyes.
I'm shoot you dead il they under
take that"
You will do as you please ABOUT
that" replied Blackman. To see HIM
one would have thought it was n
matter OF small consequence. But
the men will capture you lust the
same, and in that case they might not
treat you well. | can't say what they
would do"
Corsen could easily guess what
would be done. In imagination he
saw himself dangling from limb OF
the nearest tree. The vision caused
him to waver.
What will you do with me ii sur
reuder?" he asked.
"Deliyer you up to the officers OF
the law"
"will you swear it1"
"No. My word is good enough.
/ assure you that there will be
neither hanging nor shooting done ii
you surrender" o.,
But you've got to swear 1t.
al shall not swear it. -
"I'll shoot you if you don'tP
Fire awayp
Corsen hesitated. Blackman, look
ing him steadily in the eve, saw that
the time had come to take advantage
OF his hesitation.
"Turn that revolver the other end
to, and give it to mel, he said; A
the same time he held out his hand
to receive it.
For two minutes the men glared at
each other, and neither spoke word.
Then Corsen slowly turned the re-
volver and gave it up.
,<,,,,,-c1,,a dpwut' said BlaCkman,