Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-06-30

"What have you there?" remarked one
of the newcomers, pointing to the boy who
stood by, looking with open-mouthed as
tonishment on the weird scene.
Nothing but a kid that we picked up"
answered Matt. LET him alone, will
you?'
Say, fellows" went on the visitor,
whats the matter with letting the boy
fire some of his rockets and make re-
spectacle illumination for this proceed
ing?"
The others agreed, and the child was
placed in position at the head of the two
lines that had formed and had in his hand
big rocket that was to be fired at the
signal, and then the bands were to be
taken from the prisoner and he could be
hit by any one who was quick enough. 1t
was thought that he would get enough
punishment to prevent him from ever re-
turning to that section again. He evident
ly thought SO, too, for he was trying his
best to escape.
"All ready" called Matt. Cor
The bandage was dropped from the
mans eyes and the ropes came from off
his feet and arms. a dozen whips were
raised to strike, but before they could be
used a'dramatic scene followed. The boy
who was to fire the rocket dropped the
signal in the grass and the lunches Of
fire went skurrying away in the tall sun.
flowers. For himself, the little fellow
| made one leap, and before a whip descend
ed he was clinging to the mans neck with
both arms around the same in an embrace
that meant great deal.
"Oh, it's papav' he cried, and the man.
instead of running, stood holding the child
to his breast.
well, this is CO." said Matt. "What
have you men been doing?"
| Make him rum" called one of the more
eXcitable ones among them. He raised
his whip again, but Simpson stood be.
tween and would have received the blow
on his own shoulders.
You have captured the wrong man."
said the stranger.
But you didn't say So"
How could when you had put a yard
of cotton over my mouth? l was looking
for something to eat, and you made a
rush and got me tied before | could get
word to YOU. tried not to let you get me,
though"
| les, you tOugnt ike q tiger"
My boy and are travelling back east, y
went on the man. "One of our horses gave
out back here ways, and we had to get
along with one. The boys mother died
in the mountains, and l must take him tc
my folks. We are very poor, but we are
honest"
Then how did you get the horse that
belongs to the gang?'
81 did not get the horse. This is my owr
horse"
"We'll see about that. Come on, boys
said the leader and they went toward the
rancho house, where the men had theil
headquarters.
Bring little fireworks and his play
things called one of the men, and they
gathered up the remainder OF the rockets
On the way the boy fired several, and theii
path was thus marked with fire and shout
ing, for the men enjoyed the sight as wei
as he.
AS they came into camp they saw all the
upper gang men and the remainder of the
lower gang employees gathered there. Thi.
unwonted sight made them afraid thai
trouble was in the air.
I'VE have got your horse" called Matt
as they drew nearer.
80 have We" came the strange answer
Sure enough, as they entered the camr
there was brought horse with piece
of picket rope tied to his neck, and wher
they stood him beside the horse ridden by
the stranger the two animals looked like
as twins.
but this is the right one" explained
one of the men. pointing to the rope. He