Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-07-13

Wv " " ueu ceulro OF
operations without the aid of one in
the secret of the mountain paths and
the case so cunningly hidden away.
They had always distrusted Dixon.
He was not mountaineer born, but
had come among them several years
before, had married a mountain girl
and entered into their moonshining
industry with zeal that should have
left nothing to be desired. But in
spite of all this the traces of suspi-
cion still lulked about him, and more
than one of the distillers denounced
in strong terms the impulse that had
prompted them to let him into their
confidence.
Now their worst fears had been re-
allied. The still had been raided, the
men caught at work were taken away
prisoners, and the fortunate few who
were elsewhere at the time of the raid
were left to stare blankly at the ruins
and then to look into each others
eyes and swear vengeance on the in
former.
The punishment was decided upon
instantly, without minutes hesita-
ton or dissenting voice; the only
thing that remained for them to do
was the drawing Of the lots to decide
who should apply the torch to the lit
tie cabin where Dixon and his family
were sleeping soundly, all uncon-
scious of the awful fate that every mo-
ment brought nearer.
fo,r-o,l a,,o Ia.
to draw the lots the character and
thoughts of each might almost be read
in his face and action. One might
well shrink from the pitiless stern
ness that showed in the faces of the
majority. Here and there was one
who looked relieved when lie found
that he had drawn n blank, but one
man stamped his foot and swore with
rage when he saw that he had drawn
blank and that the job had not fallen
to his share.
At length someone said: "Now,
Hawkins, it's your turn. Take your
pull" and in obedience to the sum
mons a tall, shambling figure rose
from the darkness of the outer circle.
hand to take his turn fit of coughing
seized him, and when it passed it left
him trembling with weakness. He
drew the lot quickly, as if fearful that
he would lose his turn, and sank
weakly down on an upturned keg
without looking ut his draw.
''Let's see it, Hawkins" said sever
nf ha Nd l,A ho, Il
mechanically. On the upturned palm
lay black bean. He had drawn the lot.
81 say, Hawkins, you trade with
me. You amt fit to do the job" said
one of the men, looking down with
rough pity at the shrunken figure.
But Hawkins closed his fingers over
the bean with fierce gesture, and
smoldering fire crept into his eyes.
He rose slowly to his feet, and said
with frmness and steadiness of tone
that surprised the others:
81 will do it myself. L hope am
man enough to not play the sneak"
and then he walked out of the cave.
Out on the mountain side Hawkins
wandered aimlessly until he stumbled
and fell from weakness and exhaustion
He lay passive where he had fallen,
and then there began struggle that
he had vainly tried to ward off by ac-
tion-a struggle of which none ever
knew save the silent stars and the all
seeing One above beyond them.
AS he lay there scenes from the past
came drifting across his memory-of
the time when he was young and
strong and happy; while pretty Jennie
Watson was true to him. Then Dixon
came, and his handsome face and fine
manners, and won her away from him.