The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-02-17
mp THE FIUME

WERE yellOW WIFI Ju6 BOlu0u OedInS VI
the sun; beams that crept up as the day
heightened, and mingled with the pur
pies of the mesas.
The morning was so beautiful that
Sheriff Clifford, as he stepped into the
pOstoffice, whistled a familiar air, with
happy enjoyment of life in general anC
the weather in particular. But his exu
berance was checked by the appearance
of man whose dark face wore SIMS
ter look, and who was known as Pedro
the Mexican teamster."
Sheriff Clifford knew that the fellow
bore an evil reputation; that deeds darl
and dire had been attributed to him
But heretofore he had been cunning anC
stealthy, and no accusation could be
proven. But this morning he appeared
possessed OF spirit just the reverse, fol
when Sheriff Clifford inquired, "Why dc
you carry that gun, Pedro ?' he replied
with bravado, 81 am going to kill Her.
cules. the Ranger, on sight ~
Clifford was startled by an exclama
ton of such import uttered in so free a
manner, and by man not given to jest
ing.
II would not say that, Pedro; put up
the weapon; YOU do not need it."
ms loPiJ was 'lhuiOOi'O GNU uO'Oi
mined.
81 have sworn to kill Hercules, and
am going to do it,"
Don't talk nonsense, Pedro! Give
nae that gun and say you are only iesting,
or 1 shall DO obliged to arrest you"
Pedro knew that he must yield to Gift
fo-d's authority; he passed over the gun,
cunningly remarking as he did So
GGDaJrn &c M foOlI Whan ha ic IL, aar-
nest he keeps his own counsel"
Clifford, much relieved, replied
take my advice, and do nothing that
will lodge you in my quarters"
With a characteristic shrug of the
shoulders, the Mexican went into the
street.
Sheriff Clifford was troubled even after
the assurance given him, and he sought
out Hercules, to warn him to be on his
guard in case of treachery on Pedro's
part. Around the corner came man of
colossal height and proportions. He was
of great breadth; graceful, sinewy limbs I;
head finely formed and hair closely
cropped. A face that could wear 6erCe,
cruel look or kind and genial one, just
as the heart throbbed to the mans I'M
of gentleness and humility. Because of
his extraordinary size he was called
Hercules" and because of his rowing
life, the Hanger"
He was walking along with a smile on
his lips. Like Sherin Gifford, he felt
the exceeding beauty and splendor of the
morning, and thoughts generous and no.
BILE prompted him to kindly deeds.
He had taken a sobbing child up in his
strong arms and soothed it to quiet. He
had restored the fallen bundle of an old
woman, taken her to her home, and as
he had said good day." slipped,a five
dollar bill into her trembling hand. He
had taken saloon keeper to task fer
selling liquor to a youth whose refined
face spoke eloquently of childhood of
Christian training.
The lad told Hercules that he had come
tout Vest and had fallen into evil
ways.
"Why not go home again, youngster ?"
"Cannotdo it; haven't got the money"
was the terse, hopeless reply.
SIS that all ?'' said Hercules. "Here,
take this purse and what it contains; the
coach is just leaving"
Before the boy could realize his good
fortune he was aboard and off for the
East.
Hercules sauntered on in tender
thoughtful mood until he was accosted
by Sheriff Clifford.
"Glad to meet you, Hercules; do not
know whether this comm unication has
weight or not: Pedro, has said that
he will kill you on sight, or, at least, be
fore sunset"
Instantly the blood of Hercules was on
FIRE. But his tone was quiet, and the
sheriff was deceived by it.
PEDRO said that, did he? Well, we
shall seer'
Then he passed on, and in lonely by
street encountered Pedro. Before the
teamster could make a movement Her
cules said,-
Hands up, Seno Pedrol''
Pedro was not a small man, but he ap-
peared so in contrast to Hercules.
$50 you are ready for me, Hercules ?"
eyes, and | will relieve you of that re-
volver. Now march in front of me ?"
They met no one, and at length Her
cules and his prisoner entered cheap
clearinghouse, and the former asked for a
private room, setting at rest all doubts of
the proprietor by ordering dinner for
two to be served there.
During the meal Hercules Intercepted
Pedro as to his reason for the threat he
had uttered against him.
Because" sullenly replied the man.
81 heard that you had come into town to
peach on me; about that murder case,
you know"
eyes, know about it; but you should
have been sure of my going to inform on
you before you said what you are sorry
for now"
Pedro shivered; he understood what
the words implied, and the question that
followed did but increase his fear.
"HOw many men have you killed in
your time, Pedro? ''
Despite his reluctance to commit him
self Pedro felt compelled to reply truth
fully
Eleven"
"And you thought to make me the
twelfth. Hal hal hal' laughed Her
Gales. "YOu are too small a man for
that. Now that you have had your din
ner take that violin and play for rae. !
am fond of music. See that you play
until bid you cease, or / shall play you
a tune with this six-shooter."
Pedro obeyed with alacrity. For
two hours the strains of music echoed
through that adobe building. Spanish,
French, German and Scotch airs. Then
Hercules said:
"Give me something American; the
natural airs, for instance. Don't say
you are tired. 1t is not sunset yet"
The Star Spangled Banner, Yankee
Doodle and Columbia, the Gem of the