Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-04-11

"H.'ii get what he wants from the
darkies scattered through the swamp"
"But they don't use revOlvers.
They'll find some way Of furnishing
him with what he needs.
"And then he'll go to killing dogs
ag'in," was the disgusted comment OF
Gabe Horner. "lt's q waste of raw ma
terial. gentlemen.
"Whai do you propose?"
The knot Of six men was added TO
until all Of the original party were pres
ent with the exceptions of the real Hank
Boyer. myself, Landlord Bulinch and
Squire eager. The last TO arrive was
the negro. Pete. He had gone up the
creek, n directed by Cy Walters, but
went only n little way when he became
satisfied II was the wrong direction. He
then turned about and took the same
course as the veteran not only that. but
he went farther and discovered the dug
out. which was caught fast by an over
hanging limb, not far from where / had
turned II adrift. He spent some time in
looking for me, but, meeting with no
success, made his way TO the spot In the
swamp where the Others were assein-
bled, being directed thitber by the sig.
nails sent out for that purpose.
Pete told nothing Of his discovery
and remained silent participant in
the proceedings. The same was true
for o time Of Cy Walters, who. how
ever, listened closely TO every word
that was said. He desired to interpose,
but appreciated the disadvantage in
which he was placed. He and his step
son were under suspicion because of the
escape Of their prisoner. and 70 spring
the assertion upon his neighbors that a
mistake had been made by all and that
I was not what seemed would not re-
ceive single believer.
jim DUNCAN was the most violent In
his speech and more than once broadly
hinted at treachery ON the part Of the
jailers despite the fact that he ran risk
Of being shot in his tracks by the fierce
tempered veteran, who was never
known to accept an insult from any one.
Dungan's proposal was to gather more
dogs and push the hunt relentlessly un.
ill was run down or treed. He freely
expressed his regret for his leniency Of
the preceding evening and was eager to
make amends by the most vigorous pro.
ceedings possible.
Cy Walters remained glum and silent
until this course was decided upon.
Then he saw that IL would not do to
bold his peace any longer. That he pos
sessed high courage was again proved
by his action. Advancing to the middle
Of the group, he raised one hand with q
commanding gesture.
Gentlemen, I've listened to every
word tina. has been said here. Jim Dun
gan tlrowed ont slur or two that 1t
won't do fur him to repeat. ! let 'em
go cause ! see he was excited and
didn't weigh his words, but Le mustn' Z
speak 'em ag'in! II he had only said
that Archie and me was the two all
firedest fools in Mississippi, I'd have
took of my hat and said Amen, bot
that's all. Gentlemen. since sun up I've
larned thing which you oughter know.
It's this-the chap that you re hunting
fur amt Hank Boyer"
II proved rs Cy feared. His assertion
was received with scorn and anger. Not
even his own stepson would accept it.
His words seemed to have added fuel to
the fire aud intensified the deterIlina.
tion Of the others to push the hunt for
me with more merciless rigur than ever.
Cy Walters, however, was not the man
to yield position when once taken,
and it was because Of his stand and the
words he said and the declaration he
made that when looked back OF Black
Mans swamp il gave no sign.