Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1902-04-26
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CHAPTER III.

HEMS$5NSA AAACo Ill UClOIS NlllueI IL
kSsSSSsy was an hour full Of danger
to Craig's hopes of victory, for the men
were wild with excitement and ready
for the most reckless means of "sling-
ing their dust" 1 could not but adj
mire the skill with which Mr.. Craig
caught their attention.
'NGentlemen," he called out, we've
forgotten the judge of the great race.
Three cheers for Mr.. Connorv
Two Of the shanty men picked me
up and hoisted me on to their shoulders
while the cheers were given.
Announce the Punch and Judy"
he entreated ME in low voice.
l did so in a. little speech and was
forthwith borne aloft through the street
to the booth, followed by the whole
crowd, cheering like mad.
The excitement of the crowd caught
me, and for an hour I squeaked and
worked the wires of the immortal and
unhappy family in a manner hitherto
unapproached, by me at least. was
glad enough when Graeme came to tell
me to send the men in to dinner. This
Mr.. Punch did in the most gracious
manner, and again with cheers for Mr..
Punch's master they trooped tumultu-
ously into the tent.
We had only begun when Baptiste
came in quietly, but hurriedly, and
whispered to me:
IN sieu Craig, he's gone to Slavin's
and would lax you and M'sieu Graeme
would follow queek. Sandy, he's take
one leel drink up at de stable, and he's
go mad lax one diable."
1 sent him for Graeme, who was pre-
siding at dinner, and set off for Slavin's
at run There found Mr.. Craig and
Nelson holding Sandy, more than half
drunk, back from Slavin, who, stripped
to the shirt. was coolly waiting with
haunting smile.
"Let me go, Mr.. Craig" Sandy was
saying. II am a good Presbyterian. He
is papist thief, and he has my money,
and I will have it out Of the soul Of
him." ,..~,e ---st'*,s"s,,- s..... -~
, "Let him go, preacher" sneered sla-
vim. "I'll cool him off for you. But
you'd better hold him if you want his
mug left on to him.
"Let him go!' Keefe was shouting.
GLANDS offv' Blaney was echoing.
pushed my way in. whats up"
cried.
"Mr. Connor," said Sandy solemnly,
lit is a gentleman you are, though your
name is against you, and I am a good
Presbyterian, and l can give you the
commandments and reasons annexed
to them, but yon's a thief, papist
thief, and I am justified in getting my
money out Of his SOUL"
"But," I demonstrated, "you won't
get it in this way"
''He has my money" reiterated San
dy.
"He is blank liar and he's afraid
to take it up" said Slavin in low, cool
tone.
With a roar Sandy broke away and
rushed at him, but without moving
from his tracks Slavin met him with
a straight left handler and laid him fat
"Hooray" yelled Blaney. ireland
forever! and Selling the iron poker,
swung it around his head, crying,
Back, or, by holy Moses, III kill the
first man that interferes wild the
gamer
"Give it to himv' Keefe said saw
agely.
Sandy rose slowly, gazing round stu
pidly.
"He don't know what hit him."
laughed Keefe.
This reused the highlander, and, say
ing, "Pll settle you afterWard, Mr..
Keefe," he rushed in again at Slavin.
Again Slavin met him with his left,
staggered him and before he fell took
! step forward and delivered terrific |
light hand blow on his jaw. Poor San |
1y went down in heap amid the yells |
IF Blaney, Keefe and some others of |
he gang.
was in despair when in came Bap-
iste and Graeme.
One look at Sandy, and Baptiste tore
IF his coat and cap. slammed them on
he floor, danced on them and with a
ong drawn "Sap-r-r-r-rie!' rushed at
Slavin.
But Graeme caught him by the back
If the neck, saying, Hold on, little
man," and, turning to Slavin, pointed
% Sandy, who was reviving under
Nelson's care, and said, whats this
tor?"
"Ask him. said Slavin insolently.
He knows"
what is Il, NelSon2'
Nelson explained that Sandy, after
thinking some at the stable and glass
1t the Black Rock hotel, had come
lown here with Keefe and the others,
lad lost his money and was accusing
Slavin of robbing him.
did you furnish him with iquor?"
said Graeme sternly.
ut IS none Of your business" re-
olied Slavin, with an oath.
II shall make it my business. 1t is
not the first time my men have lost
money in this saloon"
"You Hep said Slavin, with deliber-
tie emphasis,
"Slavin." said Graeme quietly, 1T Is