The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1905-02-02

TO say what shall be done with him or
the opportunity to pull the rope first if
he's hung"
oath. a good idea. | want that re-
ward and the first pull on the rope"
"Or the first shot if you decide to
shoot him. added the Kid.
Yes, the first shot or the first pull.
But it will be Il pull"
But if you decide to let him go scot
free we can't interfere; that's a part of
the bargain
Yes. part of the bargain roared
Budd at the joke. III let him 90 scot
free. but he won't go far"
well, gentlemen, we understand
each other" the Kid announced. The
one who claims the reward has all TO
say about what shall be done with the
thief Then I'll have him here tomor-
row noon.'
A sudden suspicion of the truth
| dawned on us. The Kid was going to
save the thief's life. 1t was another
| one of his freaks. After eXacting
promise from us TO let the captor de
eide the mans fate he was ready to
| expose the thief
mo, you dont!'' shouted Budd Brain
ard. III camp on your trail every
minute Of the day and night, and I'll be
in at the end. I'll have half the re
ward and half the say"
True to his word, Budd followed the
! csbo OF
and slept together. The Kid didn't re-
sent Budd's presence, but sought
nightly to work upon his spiritual ma
ture. | think if the watch had been
extended to a fortnight Budd would
either have been converted or STAN
peded for new grounds without half
the reward.
| The Kid appeared to make no IN
usual efforts to hunt down the thief
He talked religion to Budd most of the
time and prayed for him the rest. Budd
looked pretty pale and haggard the
next morning; he was wild eyed and
desperate. But when it came time for
the Kid to redeem his promise look
Of hope entered Budd's eyes His vigil
would soon end
The Kid was the only collected one
of the crowd assembled at Coyote
Mikes saloon at five minutes past noon.
Budd was fierce and anxious, showing
the strain in his husky voice.
Where is he?" he demanded horse
| ly. where's your horse theft"
Don't hurry matters, Budd. I'm
coming to that part of it. Does any
body here know who the thief isl"
There was a negative growl, even
from Budd
'Then l stand alone to claim the re-
ward" the Kid added. coyote Mike
will hold it in trust for the ne ,~"c--
ing house. 1t will be enough i. Il
it right away, and more"
There was no comment. Nobody
cared what the Kid did with the money
if he could produce the horse thief
understand, I'm to have the only
say what shall be done with the man.
You can trust me to deal rightly with
him. Is there any objection?"
There was none audible, but plenty
under the breath. Then the Kid did
something to take their breath away.
He stood UP on barrel and said
I'm him-the horse thief and the
claimant of the reward. We needed the
meeting house so badly that | had to do
something He paused. and new we
have the money
There were several menacing move
ments in the direction of the belt, but
the Kid forestalled the action by add
ing:
''The horses stolen are all i'll good
condition down on Mexican Petes
ranch. He let me keep them there UNI
til you wanted them. Now well adj
journ the meeting until decide wheth-
err to hang or shoot the thief. If it's
either one, Budd, I'll surrender my
right and give you the first pull or
shot"
But Budd had made break for the
door. lie was still unconverted. and the
Kid looked sorrowful But if the Lord
can abide his time so can l." he muir.
INJURED