Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1905-02-03

to say what shall be done with him ol
the opportunity TO pull the rope first II
he's hung"
No objection" said Budd, with an
oath. Il good idea, want that re
ward and the first pull on the rope"
"Or the first shot II you decide TO
shoot him." added the Kid
Yes, the first shot or the first pull
But It will be pull"
But II you decide to let him go scot
free we can't interfere; that's part Of
the bargain"
Yes, part Of the bargain" roared
Budd at the joke. I'm let him 80 scot
free but he won't go far"
We'll, gentlemen, we understand
each other" the Kid cnnouncet 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 Il
promise from US to let the captor de
eide the mans fate he was ready 10
expose the thief
NO. you don'tr' shouted Budd Brain
ard. IN 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
E!d around like a shadow They ate
and slept together. The Kid didn't re
sent Budd's presence. but sought
nightly to work upon his spiritual nd
ture. think II 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 un-
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 1t came time for
the Kid to redeem his promise a 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
Mixes saloon at Ave minutes past noon.
Budd was fierce and anxious, showing
the strain in his husky voice.
"Whora ia boS', ha Io-,onjaj bnpSa
~. Where's your horse thief?"
Don't hurry matters. Budd. I'm
coming to that part Of it. Does any
body here know who the thief is?'
There was negative growl, even
from Budd
Then l stand alone to claim the re-
ward" the Kid added. Coyote Mike
will hold 1t in trust for the new meet
ing house. 1t will be enough to build
it right away. and more"
- There was no comment Nobody
cared what the Kid did with the money
II 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 now we
have the money"
There We're several menacing move
ments In the direction of the belt, but
the Kid forestalled the action by add.
ing:
The horses stolen are all in good
condition down on Mexican Pete's
ranch. He let me keep them there I'M
til you wanted them. Now We'll ad-
3ourn the meeting until decide wheth-
er to hang or shoot the thief. If it's
either one, Budd, III surrender my
right and give you the first pull or
shot"
But Budd had made break for the
door. He was still unconverted, and the
Kid looked sorrowful. But If the Lord
can abide his time SO can l." he muir
INJURED.