Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-08-11

He brought the foremost 30 the grouRd.
allay the fears Of their friends, Bouton
raised his hat. and, with bow intend
ed 10 BE- very gallant, said:
Don't feel scared, ladies' I'm gen
tlcman, and | promise that no harm
shall come 20 you.
Bouton heard n deep bass voice BE-
hind him. and trembled, and the next
instant the Prophet lowered up before
him.
What did you want with me?' said
the Prophet. and he threw his long rife
into the hollow If his left arm, and,
with his right hand grasping the lock.
BE- looked with mingled ferconess and
contempt at the outlaw leader
Il want to tell you, said Bouton,
who did not want % lose HIS character
for firmn,ss IN the eyes Of the men
crowding around, that it will be- safer
for You 10 leave this camp and TO NJ
main away
Safer repeated the Prophet
Eyes, that is what | said. "
II have never considered my own
safety i'll coming or going through these
hills | have never thought Of danger
from man when / felt that was obey
ing the bchests II the great Jehovah.
Didst think that dreaded thee or thy
bandits: Why should Zee, |, who new
or feared the face Of mortal man.
Bouton waved his hand and half turn
ed on his heel.
81 shall ~, " said the Propnet solemn
". Il can be- # no use at present 20 the
oppressed ! shall 20, Bouton, but |
Will return, and when | come within
reach of your peoples fire you will b.
within tho reach If this " He patted
the long weapon resting in the hollow
of ms arm and continued. For every
indignity you offer % the people now in
thy power "a life will bc taken. "
The Prophet stepped back, and kept
stepping back until h. was over the cor
raj wall aud lost in the darkness.
Let him 20. said Bouton, with a
laugh Let him 60 and rave to the
ElHh~ NlAiA Ai''Ns ~ - AAAs hAbAAH C1N
command you, men. If he ever comes
within reach again shoot him down rs
you would u wolf +"
Bouton went back 10 Alice Blanchard,
and again his hat was IN his hand.
Tell the ladies not to fear. " he said.
"Have them put their children 20 sleep
again. We arr not the monsters we have
been painted, a. | hope 10 prove 10
you"
IF you are what you claim, " she
asked, why have you made war on in
nocent and iroffensivc people;'
Il have not made war. "
What do you call your conduct.
them
Il am acting in the interest Of law. "
"Of law" And the shadow Of a sneer
gathered about the beautiful lips.
"Yes. There are men here who have
a warrant for the arrest Of DR.. Blanch-
ard and his son.
Il have seen the men. Their name
is Bliss"
"Yes
And you believe themT'
Il cannot help believing them. l
have seen the papers, and they have
paid me for my services.
But are yUu authorized by law 10
aid these wretches?'
There i no law in this land, re-
piled Bouton, but that which each
man can enforce with his strong right
arm. 3"
Then you confess that you have no
right to do this thing?"
"A right? Why, Miss Blanchard,
might is right here. and l reckon you II
find it pretty much so the world over.
II your father and brother are innocent,
they can prove it when they return to
West Virginia.
Then we return together as we
tame, " said Alice.
Il beg your pardon, but it has been
decided not to subject yourself and your
sister "a the trials and inconyeniences
# return. You remain i'll our charge
for the present.