Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1902-05-19
CHAPTER III.


E=S-.SSd filed in before dinner. 1t
IsEs4Sy 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" l could not but ad-
mire the skill with which Mr.. Craig
caught their attention.
Gentlemen" he called out, "we've
forgotten the judge of the great race.
Three cheers for Mr.. Connorr'
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 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 l squeaked and
worked the wires of the immortal and
unhappy family in a manner hitherto
unapproached, by me at least. 1 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:
an 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."
l 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 a
haunting smile.
'Let me go, Mr.. Craig" Sandy was
saying. II am good Presbyterian. He
is papist thief, and he has my money,
and l will have it out Of the soul of
him.
LET him go, preacher" sneered Sla.
vim. "Ill cool him off for you. But
you'd better hold him if you want his
mug left on to him."
"Let him gov Keefe was shouting.
Glands OFF, Blaney was echoing.
Ipushed my way in. whats up"
cried.
"Mr. Connor," said Sandy solemnly
lit is gentleman you are, though YOU
name is against you, and am gooC
Presbyterian, and l can give you tn,
commandments and reasons annexed
to them, but yon's a thief, a papis
thief, and l am justified in getting m!
money out of his SOUL"
But" 1 demonstrated, "you won
get it in this way"
"He has my money" reiterated San
dy.
"He is blank liar, and he's afraiC
to take it up" said Slavin in a low, coo
tone.
With a roar Sandy broke away AM
rushed at him, but without movin;
from his tracks Slavin met him witt
straight left handler and laid him fiat
"Hooray! yelled Blaney. "Irelan,
forever" and, Selling the iron poker
swung it around his head, crying
''Back, or, by holy Moses, I'll kill tn
first man that interferes wild tn
gamer
"Give it to himv' Keefe said say
agely.
Sandy rose slowly, gazing round stu
pidly.
HE don't know what hit him,
laughed Keefe.
This reused the highlander, and, say
ing, '1'll settle you atterward, MI
Keefe," he rushed in again at Slavin.
Again Slavin met him with his left
staggered him and before he fell too
q step forward and delivered q terrifi
! right hand blow on his jaw. Poor SaI
dy went down in heap amid the yell
of Blaney, Keefe and some others o
the gang.
] / was in despair when in came Bal
|, tiste and Graeme.
: One look at Sandy, and Baptiste tor
off his coat and cap, slammed them o
] the floor, danced on them and with
j long drawn "Sap-r-r-r-rie!' rushed a
, Slavin.
j But Graeme caught him by the bac
of the neck, saying, "Hold on, littl
man." and, turning to Slavin, pointe
to Sandy, who was reviving undo
/ Nelson's care, and said, whats thi
for?"
''Ask him." said Slavin insolentl.
3 "He knows
what is it, Nelson?'
Nelson explained that Sandy, aftt
drinking some at the stable and gla:
at the Black Rock hotel, had con
: down here with Keefe and the other
= had lost his money and was accusiI
Slavin of robbing him.
:, did you furnish him with liquor
J. said Graeme sternly.
;, ut is none of your business" r
piled Slavin, with an oath.
81 shall make it my business. 1t
not the first time my men have 10
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