The record-union., 1897-05-22


with you and do business, you won't be
lonesome"
Belts surveyed the surroundings. On
the brink of the ravine where the train
stood the passengers We're gathered in
a curious crowd. If he took to fight
in their direction warning shout from
the doctors would insure his capture.
To attempt to get away along the gulch
would mean his pursuit by the soldiers,
who We're certain to accord such a IA
vOr to the physicians whose coming
had been so timely. The only way to
freedom was toward the strikers. 1t
did not occur to the young man that
the mob was dangerous. His notions
of madhouses monopolized all his fears.
A deep groan from a patient upon
whom both doctors We're at work set
tied his determination They were
hurting their man dreadfully, but
probably they would hurt him just as
badly every day at the asylum.
Come on!" Belts cried. The Ser
geant thrust sword into his hand.
Belts remembered the weapon he had
left on the floor of his room, and that
recalled the letter he had picked up.
Even in his excitement he stopped to
make sure that it was still in his pock-
ct. Then ne sprang forward, the Ser
geant gave joyful war-whoop and
started after him, and the rest of the
undisabled militiamen swept down the
slope. They cleared the brook with
Belts still in the lead AS he began
the ascent of the other side, he heard
the doctors raise a great shout, and,
turning, saw one of them start in pur-
suit. After that fear lent him the
wings she always has ready for her
victims.
To the defenders of the hill the sight
Of the advancing troops gave the joy
which precedes battle believed to be
won before it is begun. So speedy had
been the first rout of the soldiers that
now the mob could not wait for sec
ond victory, and started pell-mell down
the slope to hasten the combat A
well-aimed stone carried away Belts
hat. He stumbled over a boulder, re-
covered his balance, and ran on. A
gigantic rioter picked out the small
man for his especial prey, and leaped
toward him, waving a huge club, but
Belts, with the dread of the asylum
occupying his every thought, made no
attempt to avoid the meeting. He did
not even notice that as the big fellow
lOomed above him the club meant for
his head dropped to the ground, as the
rioters right arm fell to his side. For
that change in the situation Mr.. Belts
had to thank the Sergeant, who a
dozen feet behind, chuckled as he slip
ped a fresh cartridge into the breech
of his rifle, and then hurried on in pur-
suit Of his leader. The wounded ri
Oter, with an oath, drew a knife with
his left hand, but he was too late Belts
sword, swung instinctively rather than
with deadly intent, fell upon the big
mans shoulder, his foot slipped on
loose stone, and down he tumbled. The
Sergeant's bayonet persuaded him not
to rise until he yielded himself pris-
oner.
Other shots had followed the Ser
geant's, and two more rioters had
dropped. Surprised at this change in
the programme, and discouraged by
the ignominious fate of their leader, the
mob gave way precipitately, and Belts
and his followers gained the summit
in triumph. Once there, the hero of
the occasion discovered that he was
sadly out of breath, that his legs ached,
and that his throat was as dry as
bone. Run further he could not, and
for this good reason he paused dis
heartened.
Captain" the Sergeant painted, for
climbing the hill had told upon his
wind, Company BIS your friends-for
life. Anything you want-we'n do.
Twas great-the way-you cut-that
h r l.: 3,
Mr.. Belts almost forgot the asylum
1t occurred to him that at last he must
have acted like man. Then like a
flash his fears returned, for the pursu-
ing doctor came into view.
Amy orders, sir?" asked the Ser
geant
Belts brain worked again. Here
were fifty men ready to do his bidding.
The doctor was hurrying toward him.
Take that man." Belts commanded
shrilly; send him back to the other
doctor. Don't let either of them cross
the brook. Don't pay any attention to
what they say-they're good enough
doctors, but they're cracked about 9TH
er people being lunatics. They'll tell you
I'm one, but the truth is / was taking
them to an asylum. Grab him!" the
young man shrieked as his prosecutor
still advanced. IF he won't go peace
ably, lock him up in a freight car, and
put the other in with him.
The Sergeant nodded. Anything
else?" he asked.
Take him away quick, and if he
gets noisy'-here Belts paused to think
of an adequate punishment-"if he gets
noisy, kick him, and kick him hard
Kick the other one, too.''
A moment later Mr.. Belts felt aveng-
ed. The doctor, protesting vainly, was
being dragged down the conquered
slope by ito sturdy privates Behind
him marched the Sergeant, grimly de-
termined to see his orders executed to
the letter.
"
Il beg your pardon" said voice be-
hind the hero of the day.
Belts turned, to face an elderly gen.
lon, hn Cfo