The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-08

derson.
Lawton listened silently to the end.
Then he said;
A young man like you is likely to be
carried away by his own feelings. but
think you may be right. and if you are.
We can't do too much to stop tonight's
business, I hope it's not too late. but
I'm afraid"
How about the sheriff." asked Tom.
He was elected by farmer votes. and
he wouldn't dare resist. He won't de
lay them very long. I know about where
they're going when they leave the jail.
and we'll gain little by taking turn
just below here and cutting around the
town. Look there" he added, after
period OF silence. straining his eyes into
the darkness The flicker of a dim light
in the distance grew stronger as the
mare sped on. There's no house there
said Lawton. That's torch. They've
got him, and they're taking him to
big tree up the road here"
II was a strange scene that the torch
light revealed. Anderson was in
wagon. the moose about his neck. He
was kneeIing to say a last prayer. The
yellow light threw strange shadows on
his face, as if his features moved in
CHASTITY grimace Around the wagon
e+oC1 +bo cf-c1a 90 ,,,ar-4--.4 - rr-1--.-
cloths, with holes for eyes and mouth.
concealed their faces. Some stood with
hat in hand and bowed head Through
the silence came the voice of the man in
the wagon, speaking 10 his God in a
tongue strange to them.
As it died away. the whole group
sPrang into sudden action. The foot
steps Of the rescuers had been heard.
The farmers closed in about the wagon.
some Of them swinging the guns from
their shoulders. The significant click.
click, Of the hammers cut the night air
The next minute Lawton came into the
circle OF light, with hardly strength
enough to cry Hold on" as he stood
painting before the line Of shotguns.
Who's behind you:" asked the leader
Of the regulators.
''One man" said Lawton, still painting
as though his chest would break with
/ the pressure of pent breath. and as he
spoke Davidson came in view. He stag
gered as he ran. At the edge Of the lit
tie clearing he stumbled and pitched
forward On the ground. He rolled half
over and then raised himself on one
knee. He had not strength TO stand
Two such enemies. Il enemies they
were, need not be feared The muzzIes
Of the guns were lowered
What's up, Lawton ?" said some one
I've come to ask you to stop this
business" said Lawton hoarseIy
4 murmur went up from the crowd
You've come a long way for moth
+ ing. then said the leader stand
aside. boys, and get ready TO start that
wagon"
Lawton sDrang through the group and
stood by the wagon wheel.
No, you WON'T" he cried. Give me
a chance TO be heard, Jim Hendricks,
/ or the grand juryII hear me next week.
Hendricks started forward threaten
ingly, but Lawton held up his hand.
/ And LawtOn spoke quickly and blunt
/ " He told them that he would be glad
I to see Anderson hanged IF he was
guilty, but he had heard something that
made him doubtful OF the mans guilt
He might be wrong. but all he aske,i
! in Justices name was that they would
/ let the trial go on.
You've only heard one side Of the
case" he said, 1T amt fair. SchuT-
mans word wouldn't be good with many
/ Of you for horse fodder What makes
( it better when hes trying 10 swear away
/ a mans Iife2 Besides. there's no loss in
/ waiting You can get this man when
/ ever you want him, cant you? Then
wait till you hear his side. Lock him
( up until tomorrow night. and if you
think he's guilty. then III come out here
with you and put the rope around his
neck You'd give him fair hearing
! if he is suing for horse. This man
/ is suing for his life"
a. NAAF tiAlAAic VI MS appeal LaWiOl
had swung himself up over the wheel
and into the wagon, and standing be
side Anderson, he put his hand on the
moose. The tragic center of the little
group stood calmly He did not know
/ all that was said, but ne gathered
enough to understand that Lawton was
pleading for him. and as the farmers
hand touched the rope about his neck he
did not shrink. He looked I'D and
smiled, the smile of innocence viudi-
Gated.
A murmur went through the crowd. an
answering murmur part doubt and part
approval Perhaps Lawton's right"
He ought TO have q show." Lets give
him a chance. These were some Of the
words that came from the half-covered
lips Davidson, standing behind the
group. his hands clasped tightly to-
gether. listened breathIessIy. hopeful.
but uncertain Lawton s quick eye pass
ing over the crowd. saw it's irresoIution.
and saw more. He noticed a sIouching
figure moving slowly away into the
shadowy uncertainty Of the trees Dim
as was the Pickering light. he knew the