Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1895-07-11


worked their way north following the
isthcrmal line OF ripcning wheat.
Farmers had driven in for provisions,
and their hands had come with them
for an evenings outing The streets
swarmed with rough, lawlcss charac-
tiers. Few women ventured abroad, but
bands of yelling boys, feeling the I'M
stable equilibrium of the atmosphere,
fought or played up and down before
the saloons which were crowded to the
door.
The better class of farmers hitched
up and drove away before nine o'clock,
gathering together as many of THEW
hands as possible, but others remained
to see the fun, which everyone felt to
be coming.
1t was reported that the "Wapsey
gang" was in town. The Swedrs from
Rock Run were also we'll represented
down at Ole's Hole in the Wall" The
Ncsey boys and Steve Maggie had been
seen, and last and most important, Bill
O'Shea, "thc Wapsey Tiger was down
at the red saloon.
Bill was brother to the deputy sher-
if, who had been in his day the most
feared of all the Wapscy gang. He it
was who used to tcrrorize the constable
and make men like Steve Maggie quail
when, on his infrequent sprees, be took
offense at the sound of their voices. He
dominated the gang and ruled as if
with naked sword in hand.
By the advice of Dr. Carver, jim
O'Shea had been made constable of the
town. The doctor had quoted with
great effect the experience of Boston in
making the famous crook, Turkey, mar
shall, in the days when thugs ran the
city in their own way. From being
constable, Jim came naturally TO be the
deputy sheriff of the county. Ho had
given up drink entirely.
Bill, also from the Wapsey prairie,
was quiet enough ordinarily, but when
in liquor was ferocious as a panther
At such times no one dared to oppose
him nor lay hands upon him, that is, no
one but his brother the deputy. Every
law-abiding citizen regretted the in
frequent visits of the Wapscy Tiger.
Constable Ranncy, tall, mild-man-
ncrcd man, grew more and more ncrv-
Gus as the night drew on and reports
came in about Bill. He kept scdulous-
" out of sight after eight o'clock; in
fact, he vent to- the mayors Office for
comfort and reinforcement. He made
a feeble effort to cover his flight by say
ing to several of the uneasy citizens on
the street.
If I'm wanted, I'll be at the mayors
n aim
This deceived no one. Every man
and boy in Rock River knew Ran
ncy was afraid of Steve Nagle, to
say nothing of O'Shea. They shouted
cat calls at him as he went along the
street, but they could not blame him
very much. There was a sort of horse
sense in keeping out Of the Tigers way.
The matter was being discussed in
the mayors Office. Rulings was there,
and Judge Brown. and two or three
others. Foster, of the Saturday Morn
ing Call, took a humorous view of the
matter, the others did not. Foster
quoted line or two while sharpening
pencil.
Now, whether Roderigo killed
Cassie, or Cassie Rodcrigo, all makes
my gam, l III FetIlllg news.
I'VE may pull through all right yet"
said the mayor, small man of a
scholarly turn of of mind, not fitted to
cope with such crises.
Depends on how soon Bill gets
whisky enough to put i'm to sleep" saiG
Rulings, one of the council men.
A wild volley Of whoops arose on the
street. Ranney turned pale, the mayor
started up in his chair, Rulings set his
lips Frimly.
The fun begins" said Foster. Ran
ncy, why amt you out there on the
street? You'll miss something"
Ranney gave up all pretense. II can
hear just as we'll little further off"
Judge Brown cleared his mouth Of
tobacco.
Mr.. Constable, we who are peace
able and not of powerful physical or
ganization hire YOU to fight our battles
for us. Mr.. Mayor, order the constable
to the scene Of carnage"
The mayor smiled family. "Mr
Constable, you know your duty"
"All too well" said Foster.
Another series of who0ps arc SO
0nniacal laughter and thea single
"ild voice in n Snrt Of chant.
Iney all went to the window and
looked out, Up the street, clearly out.
lined in the brilliant light of the moon,
came the Tiger. He walked with Gu
rious action as if his legs We're made of
steel springs. His bare feet glistened
his head was flung back in wild ges-
turc. lie was Red Brian defying the
English battle line on Bailey Moor.
Come out, We sons o dogs, We all, We
white-livered wholps. Come to me
prrums, come, smell o me fist" He
/ leaped in the air. Como down out O.
that" he snarled as he caught sight OF
the men in the mayors office.
The heads disappeared, and the crowd
on the street laughed, and the Tiger
kept on waving his fist. Il can whip
the worruld."
Constable, arrest that man," com.
manded the mayor,
Il can't do it, y'rhonor," said Ranney,
in deep distress.
Rulings broke out: "Things have
come to narrow lane, if we can't con,
troll the streets of our own town. III
our constable can't or won't do his
duty"
Ranney, nearly sobbing in his shame
and fear, dragged the star Off his coat,
and extended IT to the mayor.
Take back the office, don't want it.
l didn't go into this thing to arrest
/