Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-04-25
CHAPTER xxvI.

characteristic from the first. When he
aud his two friends rode through the
little village Of Aldine on their way
home, il was in his power TO brush
aside every threatening cloud and bring
peace and good will upon the excited
community. He had only to draw rein
and make known to the loiterers around
the place that the genuine Hank Beyer
had been arrested and was then on his
way to the county seat In charge OF the
sheriff. The faCt that his own father
had recognized che scamp and refused
to assist him would have placed the
identity II the young man beyond doubt.
And yet the colonel resolutely refused
to speak the word Believing ths; had
taken refuge under his roof. he was
eager to defend me, and. as be expressed
il, meant to teach the Doors lesson
they would remember all their lives.
In his stern wrath he scorned tn ac-
knowledge the situations Of his neigh.
bors, but rode forward, grim, determined
and silent, 10 his home To use COM
ing for tght.
AS for myself. l should have been
glad 20 withdraw when night came,
and. mounted Oh swift horse, taken my
chances Of escape-which were good
but dared not propose anything OF that
nature TO my host He had laid out his
line Of action and would brook no inter
ference from any one.
The warning whistle Of Captain
Warren had scarcely reached us in the
stiffness Of the autumn night when he
came In sight through the gloom, walk
ing rapidly up the front path. Before
he reached tho porch he was joined 10y
Captain Vernon, who opened the un-
fastened door and entered the parlor.
"weli, "said the former. without the
slightest agitation, 'they aro within
100 yards anil coming ut a fast gait.
"How many do you maker" inquired
the colonel.
at is hard 20 tell In the darkness
but all seem 10 be talking nc the same
time, and they are struggling along. ap-
paronily without leader. There must
be score.
"No doubt Jim DUNCAN Is at their
head, and ne is as brave rs be IL fool
ish. 4"
"They need n sharp lesson. y
"And will receive IL. They will ap-
proach from tine front, " added the colo
mel. ave shall have few words with
them before the firing begins. Most OF
the men have seen service, and they
will first summon Us to surrender. lt -
policy TO compel Them to strike the
opening blow. You three will station
yourselves by the windows at the front
Of the parlor, with the sashes raised.
When give the word. We will all open
FIRE together.
ave promise you that" assented
Captain Warren, speaking for the rest
Of Us.
"And don't forget that each Of you
has repeating Winchester. Pump the
shots into them ns fast as you can. \
battle is often won by its opening IL
will BE- mercy TO the survivors TO pick
of dozen or so. The chances are that
they will run after a reception like
that.
Perhaps to organize in larger force
than before.
what OF :hat:" demanded the colo
mel as if he snuffed the battle and rev.
eled in the intoxication il impaired
"Ah, there they arel"
Looking out from the darkened par
lor, we saw number Of shadowy fig
ures gathering near the entrance to the
grounds The night was like the preced-
ing one, cool, crisp and clear, with only
the star CLEAN to aid our vision. This
was weakened by the shade of the trees
that surrounded the house, but by look
ing straight down the wide walk there
was little difficulty in making out the
moving forms.
As nearly as could judge there were
twenty odd, so that the vigilantes OF the
preceding night had been augmented by
Others. They had halted at the entrance
to the grounds. as II for consultation.
There were four windows at the front
Of the parl lr. and three Of us took our
station there, each with rifle in hand.
Colonel u insley, as our leader, re-
mained in the hall near the front door,
ready to receive the message which was
expected from the mob. In the impress
i've silence I caught the sound Of .
light football at the head Of the stairs.
Miss Mansley had violated the COM
mand of her parent to the extent Of
leaving her room.
The minutes passed, and still none OF
the shadowy forms at the 'front.' Of the
grounds approached. In the stiffness Of
the night we could hear the murmur Of
their voices. II Jim DUNCAN was the
leader, he did not have his vigilantes
under the best Of discipline. Colonel
Mansley grew inpatient, for he did not
understand the meaning Of the delay,
and Captain Warren. nearest me on the
right, muttered:
'It looks as il their courage had Pc
tered out and there is none that dare
show himself in front Of the others"
"They may open fire from where they
st and or pass around to the rear, where
we shall have poorer chance at them.
"They can't effect much at long
range All, there they come"
Instead Of one man two advanced
from the group and walked up the path
beside each other. As they drew nearer
it was seen that each carried rifle.
While was peering through the gloom,
trying to identify them, Captain Warren
> said in low voice:
1.-The one on the right is Jim Dun
gan.''
"And his companion is Cy Walters,
I added. easily recognizing the massive
figure of the ex.soIdier.
"You are right. 1t is he."
They came forward at q deliberate
walk, apparently puzzled by the dark
ness and silence of the mansion, but
they showed no signs Of timidjty. At
the foot of the porch the two halted. and
DUNCAN called in clear voice:
"Hello, tho housei'
Colonel Mansley instantly stepped
forth and, advancing to the edge of the
upper step. asked In his sharp military
| fashion:
"Well, sir, what do you wishi"
The two men gave salute by touch.
ing their forefngers to the fronts Of
their hats, but he stood proud and erect
without acknowledgment
"You have = young man in your