The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-11-04

i .C0pYRIGAT,a l898 BytA
ne Iaugnea at MS own facetiousness,
and the forbiddine countenances were
lit up with approving grins.
"Once or twice when he stood there
talking" added DUNCAN; abiding to
me, "I've noticed something that was q
little odd-that is, that didn't seem to
be quite like Hank. can't tell what il
is, but mebbe some Of you have observed
the same"
He looked around again for signs Of
assent but unfortunately there was
none. No one shared his doubt, and
Squire eager spoiled the possible effect
Of his appeal by sad swaying Of his
head and the remark:
Hank has been away long 'nough to
pick up some differences Of speech, if
that is what you mean, Jim, but you're
way off,"
In another respect this remark served
me we'll. 1t reused the resentment Of
Jim. Evidently he was the leading
spirit Of the neighborhood and was not
accustomed to be opposed like this, even
by Squire eager. Noticed the flash Of
his gray eye and the compression Of his
thin lips as he said:
"Waal, we'll take till tomorrer morn
ing to drive cat what doubts we have
in mind'
"But we hain't got no doubts, Jim,"
remarked man standing at the leaders,
elbow.
"That don't make no difference I
have"
= "How are We going to have them
aforesaid doubts removed" asked the
squire.
II have plan that will do it," was
the reply of DUNCAN.
was satia1ed that he had no definite
scheme at that moment, but that he ex.
pected to hit upon something decisive.
Begging your pardon, gents, I think
Mr.. DUNCAN is right. No matter how
black it looks against Hank, give the
poor devil a show"
1t was Hank himself who made this
remark, and nothing could have been
more polite. At that moment there
was not person in the room besides us
two who was not morally convinced
that was the real criminal. Jim Dun
gan believed it, but the rude chivalry
Of his nature answered my appeal. He
intended to respite me until morning,
when none would be more eager than
he to pull the rope over the limb with
me dangling from the end Of it.
The mans personality impressed it.
self upon the rough group. They ac-
oepted his decision and looked expect
antly at him for further orders.
"We'll hold this fellow till tomorrer
morning. Then, if matters stand as they
seem to be now-that ia if we hain't
found out that he's what he says he is
why that ends it,"
"Will you bind him7" asked one Of
the mob.
III you're afraid he might bite you,
we'll put muzzle on to him, replied
Jim with fine sarcasm, and general
guffaw followed.
"No, gents" he added. 1--WE won't
tie him up, cause there amt any use
Of 1t. Well take his gun away from
him, set him in the very chair from
which he has riz and put two men to
watch him through the night. How
will that dop''
A general nodding Of the heads
showed how quickly the leader had
nodded the turbulent spirits into his
way Of thinking.
"I'll app'int," he continued, looking
round the room into the different faces,
ICY Walters and Archie Hunter the
guards. They'll stay here with the pris.
oner all night, ready to shoot him on
the first move. Hank, I'll trouble you
for your shooting iron aud cartridges"
said DUNCAN. turning abruptly toward
me.
I promptly handed them over with
the remark:
II surrender with pleasure to you
and place myself at your disposal"
He showed the weapon without speak.
ing into his capacious hip pocket, the
rest Of the crowd looking silently on.
Night had fully come and an oil lamp
was lighted by Landlord Bulfnch and
placed on the table. DUNCAN talked for
few minutes in low tone with the
host, and then. turning to me, spoke
loud enough for all to hear:
"Young man, whether you are Hank
Boyer or not. we're going to give you
show for your life. Tom Bulfinch will
need this room, so we'll place you in
another As you've heard, Cy Walters
and Archie Hunter will stand guard
over YOU
II haven't the pleasure Of knowing
the gentlemen.
'Ehat g Cy standing in the corner of
the room. He sarved with Morgan
through the war, and he's in favor Of
stringing you up without five minutes
delay"
"That's So" remarked Cy, with an
emphatic nod. "Tbe most favor I'd give
that chap is to let him have the 'witch's
parole. That's me every time"
1t sometimes happened in wartimes
that a prisoner convicted or believed to
be guilty of some heinous crime was
told to run for his life while several of
bis captors discharged their guns at him
as he strove to get beyond range. In
variably he was brought down at the
first volley. This constituted the
Hyyitch's naro1e ~
Cy Walters was big six footeri with
his heavy, sandy beard reaching almost
to his eyes. which were small and pierc-
ing. He wore dilapidated straw hat
and tousled garments, the trousers tuck
ed in the tops Of his enormous boots.
He was one Of the few who had Win
chester, which probably he had carried
through the war, and there could be no
question that he was an expert in its
use. ASH learned afterward, no was q
lieutenant under the partisan leader
Morgan and was one Of his most terri
bic raiders. He had tho reputation Of