The Cairo bulletin., 1905-02-01

to say what shall be done with him or
the opportunity to pull the rofe first if
he's hung"
NO objection" said Budd. with an
oath y good idea! | want that re-
ward and the first pull on the rope
"Or the first shot il you decide TO
shoot hi:ng" added the Kid
YES. the first shot or the first pull.
But It viii be pull"
But if you decide TO let him go scot
free we can't interfere; that's part of
the bargain"
YES, II part OF the hargainr' roarea
Budd at the joke. I'm let him 20 scot
free. but he won't 90 far"
"Well. gentlemen, we understand
each other" the Kid announced The
one who claims the reward has all 10
say about what shall be done with the
thief. Then I'll have him here tonor-
row nooa."
A sudden suspicion OF the truth
dawned on us The Kid was going to
save the thlefs life 1t was another
one Of his freaks. After exacting n
promise from US 10 lot the captor lie
eide the mans fate be was ready to
expose the thief
NO, you doA't" shouted Budd Brain
ard IN camp on your trail every
minute Of the day ana night. aud III be
ii ut the end III have half the re-
ward and lalf the say"
l. e.. 4 . 10.
Kid around like a shadow, They ate
and slept together The Kid didn't re-
sent BCdd's presence. bat sought
nightly e. work upon his spiritual ma
ture. ! think * ihe watch had been
csIcndcl TO fortnight Budd would
either have been converted or stam-
peeled fr new grounds without half
the reward
The I'D Appeared 10 make no IN
usual cffoits to hunt down the thlss.
lie talked religion TO Budd most Of the
time AID prayed fof him the rest. Budd
looked pretty pale and haggard the
next morning; he was wild eyed ana
desperate. But when it came ,.me for
the lid TO redeem his promise a look
Of hope entered Budd's eyes. His vigil
would s1ol end
The lid was the only collected one
of the crowd assembled at Coyote
Mixes saloon ut five minutes past noon.
Budd was fierce ana anxious. showing
the strain in h's husky voice
Where is he:" lie demanded horzc-
ly. Where's yolr horse thieft'
Don't hurry matters. Budd. I'm
coming 10 that part Of IT, Dacs any
body here know who the thief is:"
There was negative growl. even
from Budd.
Then l stand alone to claim the re
ward" lie Kid added. Coyote Mike
will hold it in trust for the new meet
| Ing house. 1t viii be enough TO build
1t right away, ana more
There was no comment. Nobody
cared what the Kid lid with tie money
if he could produce the horse thief.
| Understand lm 80 liaye The only
say what shau lie d5ae with the man.
You can trust me 20 deal rightly With
him. Il there any objection
/ There was none audible. but plenty
under the breath Then the Kid did
something 20 take their breath away
/ lie stood up oil barred ami said:
I'm him-ihe horse thief and the
claimant of the reward. We needed the
meeting house SO badly that had to do
something" re paused. And now we
have the money"
There were several menacing move
ments in the iiretion II tie belt. but
the Kid forcstal;ca the action by add
! ing:
The horses stolen are all in good
condition down on Mexican Pete's
ranch. He LEI me keep item there VA
til you wanted them. Now wen ad
journ the meeting until decide wheth.
er TO hang or shoot lie thief II lis
either one. Rndd. I'll surrender my
right and give you the first pull or
shot"
But Rudd had made break for the
door lie was still unconverted. and the
Kid looked sorrowful. ''But if the Lord
can abide his time 50 can l." he muir
INJURED.