Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-11-14

even though manacled, so 1 tied the
rope to a tree and gave another gentle
squeeze to the bulb. A tiny spray
just mere mist-sent the bandits into
renewed contortions and freshened
their powers of vituperation. l had
carefully planned this hour. I now
drew forth some stout straps
with halter fixtures, and clamp
ing one end to a
ring l attached to the rig l made their
canture comnlete hv Fastening the
other end to the irons. When each ror
Der was assigned to his allotted place
had quite body guard, and as | now
carried the whip end of the expedition,
l sprang to my seat and drove to the
village.
Poor devils,"I thought, as we
trudged up the HILL "a mans a sorry
looking animal when cowed and driv-
en-"
But l soon suppressed my sympathy
many hapless victims. Men stricken
down with the flush of ambition on
their faces and the hope of success
still in their eyes-children rendered
homeless or forlornly desolate-women
-ah, when | thought of the women
could lay the whip to their backs and
scourge them with each onward step.
h. ,,,i,, t1p
men catching sight of us, streamed
down the hillside, chattering like mag
pies. When the situation was ex-
planned they went mad.
"A rope! A rope! Lynch them!
Well string them to tree."
In vain | shrieked commands. The
crowd swelled and the mob excitement
increased. Finally, during skirmish
over the delegate to be sent for ropes,
gained attention.
"Men," | shouted, rising on the seat
and drawing my revolver ''Pll fire on
the first one that takes a step! Listen
to what l have to say. These men are
my prisoners. l alone captured them.
/ am going to take them to justice and
secure the rewards. Don't hinder me,
boys-I will not be fooled with. Help
me, u continued, land I'll do right by
you. What say you-will you do it?'
With the mention of the reward the
situation was changed. l knew it
would. The miners had rugged sense
of justice and honor on money lines,
and would be the last to cheat me out
of my deserts.
Indeed we will! Three cheers for
the lad! All together! Hurrah!
hurrah! hurrah!' Thus we swept on,
the miners growing more calm as we
neared the village.
picked out few of the most trust
worthy men, and we debated the best
way of landing the bandits at Butte,
for | was determined to have all the
glory due, and carry my prizes home.
We feared that the rest of the gang
might be lurking among the hills, and
would succor their comrades in spite
of our numbers. 1t was finally de-
cided that we should take them to the
nearest station on the main line, so
after rest and refreshment we detailed
a large guard and set out.
We boarded the train safely and Sc
cretly, every precaution being taken to
avoid publicity The officials were com
municated with, and gave orders that
no stops should be made until Butte
was reached.
Arriving at Butte, where the news
had preceded US, the town turned out
en- masse in my honor. No dignitary
of state was ever rendered so much
homage. Had | not conferred a last
ing benefit upon the West? Such an
example as these wretches would make
salutary warning to all of their ilk.
There was no stopping that crowd.
The mob spirit was at fever heat when
we arrived, and no appeal to reason,
or show of force, could mitigate the
sentence the self-appointed justices
had meted out for the fiends. The
cries grew hoarser, the clamoring loud
er.
up with them! String them up!'
Amid the maddening cries, the
groans, l forced my way through the
crowd and made off for home and
happiness.-Wave Magazine.