The National tribune., 1899-04-06
wake-duds, soaring daysint folks out av their

wake-duds, soaring daysint folks out av their
seven sinses"
The fighting had been quite severe tussle
for the soldiers. There had not been much
shooting, but q great deal OF clubbing with
gun-barrels and sticks, which left o good
many bloody heads and aching arms and
shoulders. Aboat half OF those in the meet
ing had succeeded in getting away, but this
still left some 10 prisoners in the hands of
Lieut. Bigelow, and he was delighted with
/ his success.
1t was decided to hold all the prisoners in
the lodge until morning, and two of the boys
who had gotten pretty badly banged about
the head were sent back to the railroad to
relieve and assist the guard left there.
II find about 10 or Is birds in the flock -
said the Deputy Provost, who was also Deputy
Sheriff, when they looked over the prisoners
in the morning, that we have warrants and
complaints for, for everything from plain
assault and battery to hoTse-stealing. IL
would save the military much trouble, and
serve the ends of Justice better, if we could
send them over to the Countyseat, and pnt
them in Jail, where the civil authorities could
get whack at them. I'd go there myself il
| could walk, but this bullet IN my shin dis
ables me-"
''rd like to do it." answered Lieut..
Bigelow, but 1 haven't the guard to spare
SO many of my men got disabled that
won't have more than enough to guard the
cars on the way back, and keep these whelps
| from jumping the train, or being rescued by
their friends when we stop at the stations.
The news of this affair is all over the country
by this time, and their friends will all be
out"
How fur is it to the Countyseat?" asked
Shorty.
''About Is miles, answered the Deputy
Provost.
Me and 81 Klegg III march 'em over
there, and obligate ourselves not to lose
rooster of EN-" said Shorty.
"That'll be pretty big contract" said the
Lieutenant, doubtfully.
''All right. We're big enough for it. Well
take every one Of 'em in, il we have to haul
some of 'em feet foremost in wagon"
eth be great help il many wavs."
considered Lieut.. Bigelow. The crowd'll
he looking for us at the stations and not
think of these Others. Those are two very
solid men, and will do Just what they prom
Use. think I'll let them try it. 1t would
be well for you to tell those men that any
monkey business with them will be un-
healthy. They'd better trust to getting away
from the Grand Jury than from them"
But as the Deputy Provost went over them
more carefully, he found more that were
wanted " by the civil authorities, and pres
emily had selected % very evil-looking fei-
lows, whose arrest would have been justified
on general appearances.
''Haint we bit Off more'n we kin chaw,
Shorty?" asked 81, as he looked over the
increasing gang. Hadn't we better ask for
some help?"
moi bit of it." answered Shorty, con-
fidently. ''Thatll look like weakenin' to
the Lieutenant and the Provo. We kin
manage this gang, or We'll leave 'em dead in
the hrush.''
"AIl right" assented 81, who had as little
taste as his partner for seeming to weaken.
Here goes for a fight or foot-race."
While the Deputy was making out list of
the men and writing note to the Sheriff,
Shorty went through the gang and searched
each man for arms. Then he took out his
knife and carefully cut the suspender buttons
from every one of their pantaloons.
Now we've got 'em, ST." he said glee-
fully, as he returned to his partners side,
with his hand full of buttons. They'll
have to use both hands to hold their britches
on, so they kin neither run nor fight.
They'll be as peaceable as lambs"
Shorty" said 81, in tones of fervent ad-
miration, az wuz afeared that crack you got
on your head softened your brains But now
/ see it made you brighter'n ever. You'll
be wearin' Generals stars before this war
is over"
bob Ramsey was a-blowin' about knowin'
how to handle men" answered Shorty. ''I'm
lust goin' to bring bim over here, and show
him this trick that he never dreamed Of"
After he had gloated over Sergeant Ramsey,
| s1,o-x L, sv,ko kIo -
start. 81 placed himself in front of the
squad, and deliberately loaded his musket in
their sight Shorty took his place in the
rear, and gave out:
Now, you ROSTERS, you see I've two re-
volvers and I'm q dead shot with either
hand. Pm good for IL of you at the first
Jump and my partner kin tend to the rest.
| Nov, If / see q man so much as make a
motion toward the side o the road Tll drop
him. Give the command, Sergeant Klegg"
"Forward-March J" ordered ST.
| 1t was as Shorty predicted. The prisoners
had entirely too much solcituie about their
garments to think of anything else, and the
march was made without incident Late in
| the afternoon they reached the Countyseat,
and marched directly for the public square,
in which the Jail was situated There were
few people on the streets, who gathered on
the sidewalks to watch the queer procession.
Shorty, with both hands on his revolverS
had his eyes fixed On the squad, apprehensive
of an attempt to bolt and mix with the crowd.
He looked neither to the right nor the left,
but was conscious that they were passing
corner on which stood some ladies. Then he
heard a voice which set his heart to tllrobbing
call out:
"Hello ST Klegg! 81 Klegg! Look this
| way. Where'd you come from?"
''Great Jehosephat Maria!" said Shorty
to himself But he dared not take his eyes
moment from the squad to look toward her.
ITO be cOntinued)