The age-herald., 1899-06-11
orders the men will remain in the armory (signed.) JOHN B. HIGGLETON,
 Colonel Commandinp

Reginald distributes loaded cartridges to the men, giving twenty-five to each, and says to them:
 Tn accordance with the instructions you will remain here. We may have trouble tonight. If we do, expect every man to do his part, and I shall try to do mine We'll see whether we are tin-horn sol- diers or men. You are dismissed"
 At his reference to ''tin-horn soldiers he glances at Myrtle. who fiushes uneasily. She is beginning to regret her hastily spoken words.
 The men stand around in groups, dis cussing matters. They all believe they will soon be called upon, perhaps within the hour. for already men are beginning to gather in the vicinity of the jail, near at hand.
 Reginald goes to where Myrtle sits. She Is evidently i'll at ease.
 q regret extremely my inability to offer my services as an escort" he says, in his most polished manner. but if you ladies desire one shall be happy to detail Cor poral Holt to accompany you home"
 This is a, thrust at Myrtle. for she has seen fit to bestow many smiles on the aforesaid corporal of late.
 No, thank you," she replies, 'but we have only short distance to go, and are not in the least afraid Besides we are not going just at present"
 He notices, with a degree of satisfaction that she speaks more kindly. as if to make amends for her former treatment or hlm. He bows and leaves her.
 As he returns to the vicinity of the door he is handed another message This is not an order. but note, which reads as follows:
 Lieutenant Marvin:-I am at the jail, the crowd around which grows larger and more threatening every instant. Should they attack they can easily batter down the doors Shall try to smuggle the pris- oner. who Is nearly crazed with fright, to the armory. Expect me with him any min- ute.
 (Signed) HIGGLETON. Reginald promptly forms his company, and starts to warn Myrtle when through q rear door theTo looms in view three forms-Colonel Higgleton, Sheriff Nelms and the prisoner.
 The former goes at once to Reginald.
 Hide the prisoner quick" he says. pantingly. "The crowd is right behind us and they're armed"
 Reginald shoves the frightened negro in- to an empty locker but not before the action has been observed by a pair of cun- ming eyes, which peer through the window Into the armory.
 An instant later and a hundred excited men are tumbling into the armory through doors and windows.
 The noise is indescribable, but above the melee is heard Reginald's voice, unruff1ed, penetrating.
 oleduy, IIleIl' I4odu
 Ready"
 The mob has not expected such a busi- ness-lilIe action. and for the moment is nonplussed. They have unconsciously grouped themselves together, forming c good-sized crowd. Reginald takes out his handsome gold time-piece and faces them. He speaks slowly, distinctly.
 "If in just ninety seconds from the time I cease speaking every man of you is not outside this room I will order my company to fire on you. Tho prisoner on whom you are so intent to wreak your vengeance will be given a fair and impartial trial by law that law which guarantees to every man, white or black innocent or guilty, the privilege of trial by jury" Then he turns to his men and his eyes flash determinedly as he says:
 "When I give the order I expect every man of you to fire, and to kill. The ninety seconds have commenced,' and he glances at his watch.
 One of the mob, evidently the leader, speaks up
 q just want to say this: If you give the order to fire, I shall send @ bullet as straight through your heart as my good right arm will let me"
 At this there is a low murmur from the men of company l.. They are terribly averse to seeing their young commander shot down before their eyes.
 The first sergeant steps out of line and salutes.
 "For Gods sake, Lieutenant-," begins, but Reginald cuts him short.
 Sergeant Hudson, report to Colonel Hig- gleton, under arrest.
 This quells the little mutiny among the company, but they are debating in their minds what. they will do when the ninety seconds shah have elapsed.
 Glancing up, to his horror Reginald sees Myrtle still in her seat. The other girls have fled, frightened by the scene but she remains, impelled by something, she knows not what to stay till the end of the af- fair.
 As he looks she beckons to him and he goes to her hurriedly for seconds are pre- cious now. She rises from her chair and meets him half way.
 MT. Marvin, why will you" but she like the sergeant, is cut short.
 Keep your seat" he says, sternly, and walks back to his men, while a tear slow ly trickles down Myrtle's cheek. At last the realization has forced itself upon her that she loves this man, and she thinks of what her loss will be if he is killed. One minute has elapsed, and only thirty seconds remain. Every eye is fixed on Reginald, who is not visibly affected, and preserves his cool defiant demeanor.
 He turns to his men a few seconds there- after
 "Readyr'
 Instantly every rife is brought to
 
 drawn back.
 Then he faces the mob.
 You have just fifteen seconds to get out of here"
 For the space of two seconds not man moves.
 "Aim." commands Reginald.
 At this half a dozen of the mob back out of the door, among them being the very man who had threatened to put a bullet through the young officers brain. They recognize the futility of their attempt al a monumental bluff.
 Then a dozen more vanish speedily and silently through the same means of egress, and two crawl through a window This is followed by a general stampede, and three seconds before the limit of Reginald's ul- timatum has expired not one of the mob is visible.
 It is a great victory and no one, not even Colonel Higgleton appreciates the fact more than the penitent, beautiful Myrtle.
 No more attempts to lynch the negro were made. A week later he is given a speedy trial and sentenced to death. He al of ri