Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-06-07

Oe coming.
1t was reported that the "Wapscy
gang" was in town. The Swcdcs from
Rock Run were also well represented
down at Ole's ''Hole in the Wall" The
Vesey boys and Steve Maggie had been
seen, and last and most important, Bill
OShea, ''the 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 Wapsey gang. He it
was who used to terrorizc the constable
and make men like Steve Maggie quail
when, on his infrequent sprees, he 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. He had
given up drink entirely.
Bill, also from the Wapsey prairie,
was quiet enough ordinarily, but when
in liquor was ferocious as panther.
At such times no one dared to Oppose
him nor lay hands upon him, that is, Nc
one but his brother, the deputy. Every
law-abiding citizen regretted the in.
frequent visits of the Wapsey Tiger.
Constable Ranney, tall, mild-man-
nered man, grew more and more nerv.
Gus as the night drew on and report.
came in about Bill. He kept sedulous,
ly out of sight after eight o'clock; in
fact. he vent to the mayors Office fo3
comfort and reinforcement. He made
feeble effort to cover his flight by say
ing to several of the uneasy citizens on
the street:
eff I'm wanted, I'll be at the mayors
Office. I'm going up to consult him."
This deceived no one. Every man
and boy in Rock River knew Ran
ney was afraid of Steve Maggie, 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 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 humorous view of the
matter, the others did not. Foster
quoted line or two while sharpening
a pencil.
Now, whether Roderigo killed
Cassie, or Cassie Roderigo, all makes
my gain I'm getting news"
"Wc may pull through all right yet"
said the mayor, a 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" said
Rulings, one OF the council men.
A wild volley of whoops arose OF the
street. Ranney turned pale, the mayor
started up in his chair, Rulings set his
lips grimly.
1.-The fun begins" said Foster. Gram
ney, why amt you out there on the
street? You'll miss something"
Ranney gave up all pretense. II can
hear Just as well 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 whoops arc so
maniacal laughter and then q single
wild voice in a sort of chant
They 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 were made Of
steel springs. His bare feet glistera cd,
his head was flung back in wild ges-
ture. He was Red Brian defying the
English battle line ON Bailey Moor.
Come out, ye sons O. dogs, We all, ye
white-livcred whelps. Come to me
arrums, come, smell O me fist" He
leaped in the air. ''Come 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.
81 can't do it, y'r honor" said Ranney,
In deep distress.
Rulings broke out: fittings have
come to narrow lane, II we can't con-
troll the streets OF our own town. If
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 a9ace. / don't want It.