Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-10-16
JAYHAWKER6


fort He Msds Yos His I1fs. %
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Many years since I took fancy Il
travel far beyond the region Of rail-
roads and steamboats, into one Of the
new territories Of the southwest. My
object was to see what could be dons
on large scale In the way OF trade.
II was toward the close OF q nn<
spring day that rode up to the great
barnlike tavern Of one Of those spread
out. pine board towns OF the far wesi
which grow up so rapidly In the path
Of emigration. A large group Of rude
looking men stood on the steps and
seemed to be carefully criticising me
and comparing notes as dismounted
was conscious Of nothing peculiar
about me. except the generally smart
and ''uatty" appearance Of myself and
animal. The latter was q splendid
roadster that I had purchased In St
Louis. In fne condition. and with m
action that would excite the admira'
ton Of any horse fancier. was habit.
ell In a new suit. surmounted by Z
slouched hat. and completed by great
top boots. My saddle and bride were
half military In their shape and trim
mings. and had valise and blanket
roll strapped on behind. On the
whole. l think almost any. observer
would have set me down for some
thing more than q mere private citi.
zen travelling on his own business
I left my horse In care Of the nrst
man whom found willing to take
him and. ordering my supper. walked
about the uninviting barroom and
finally took q seat and began to read
u pamphlet that I had In my pocket
While | was thus engaged great
burly fellow came and stood 10 the
doorway and deliberately stared at me.
Good evening. SIR" said. Il should
like to make a few inquiries. II yos
| please. about the people here and
through the country. and
''Not Of me. you won'tY' was bis
rude rejoinder. and he was gone before
I could ask an explanation.
was little nettled at such boorish-
ness. still rather amused than annoy
ed. should probably have thought
no more Of II but for more Of the same
kind Of treatment that ! shortly ex-
perieHced. A shock headed girl called
me out to supper. and. finding table
abundantiy spread with the substan-
tials Of life. was appeasing my hun
ger vigorously when q Wild. wolhsh
face was thrust inside the door, and
two staring eyes surveyed me closely.
What's wantedY' asked, rather
irritated by the repetition Of such an
| attention. There was no answer. the
head was withdrawn. and within the
same minute had the pleasure Of see
Ing two more faces looking In upon me
through one OF the windows
what do those people meanT l
asked Of the girl who waited on me.
She shook her head. but there was
an expression on her face that 10.
formed me that she did know and
that she pItied me. was beginning
to feel decidedly uncomfortable; my
appetite was spoiled before Il was half
| appcased. and I resolved on the spot
to continue my journey that night
rather than remain In such an inhOs-
pitable place.
rose from my chair and put down
three silver dollars on the table.
That's for my supper and the
horses feed" said to the girl, "and
you may keep the rest yourself. Now.
please tell them to bring the horse
around right OF. for must be gone"
shall never forget the look Of pain
and pity that was shown at that mo-
ment by the face Of that rude. homely
girl.
They won't give you the horse" she
said shortly.
wont give me my own horser ]
echoed And why not. prayr
"Hush" she said. laying her hand
nrmly on my mouth. Don't be max
ing a noise. II they should think you
suspected Il. they would do Il now"
Now. although had no idea OF the
full import Of her startling words. yet
there was hideous suggestion In them
that fairly made my nesh creep.
For heavens sake tell me what you
mean" said family. Il can't ac-
count for the actions Of these people.
What do they mean. and what am
| TO dor
81 hoped should zee no more blood
she'd" the girl said. looking sadly and
wearily into my face. Then she put
her hand on my shoulder and contin-
ued nercely: IT'S all your own fault.
Why did you come herei ANY fool In
Jefferson could have told you what
they'd do II you came here"
"what do they take me forr
asked. q suspicion of the ruth break.
ing upon me.
"For Just what you are. Of course"
she said coldly-"the marshal. come
to serve writs Of arrest"
''They are mistaken; you are all mis-
taken" l protested. ~ am not q mar
shal. nor an officer Of any kind. ! am
merely a merchant. travelling on my
own business"
She looked at nrst incredulous. but
I continued to assure her Of my real
character. and she. seeing my sincerity.
soon believed me.
"But you can't make them believe
IT," she quickly added. 'The last mar
shal that was here was dressed and
mounted just like you. and that quea-
tion you abked Aleck Maxwell made
'em sure you're the same kind tn
truth is," and she lowered her voice.
"there's q great many horse thieves
und cattle stealers in this county-the
people are pretty much mp to it--and
there's dozens Of 'em sworn never to
let an officer 60 ont Of the county
alive"
What did they do to the marshal
you speak Off I asked. with Z cold
shiver.
~well they Just hung him to that
Hive oak across the road and buried
him under II"
Good heaven! But I'm not . mar
shal: I wouldn't harm . man In thu
county II could"
She shook her head.
"Its no use. stranger" she said
"They won't believe Jon; Jour looks
belle everything you ny. They'll
serve you the same way"
"Can't I escaper / asked, In q pors