Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1906-08-04
CHAPTER XXI

Rutus Dawes had been fortnight /
the settlement when newcomer appear
ed on the chain gang. This was a young
man of about twenty years of age. thin,
fair and delicate. His name was Kirk
land, and he belonged to what were
known as the educated" prisoners. He
had been clerk In banking house, and
was transported for embezzlement,
though, by some, grave doubts as to his
guilt were entertained. The command
ant Captain Burgess. had employed him
as butler In his own house, and his fate
was considered a lucky" one. So.
doubtless, 1t was, and might have BEEN
had not an untoward accident occurred
captain Burgess, who was bachelor of
the 'old school," confessed an amiable
weakness for swearing. Kirkland be-
longed to Methodist family, and owned
piety utterly out of place In that re-
gion. The language of Burgess made
him shudder, and one day he so far for
got himself and his place as to raise his
hands to his ears. "Ill soon cure you
OF thatV' cried Burgess, and forthwith
ordered him to the chain gang for 'n-
subordination."
He was received with suspicion by the
gang, who did not like white-handed
prisoners. Troke, by way Of expert
ment In human nature, perhaps, placed
him next to Gabbett. When the muster
bell rang, and the gang broke up, Rufus
dawes, on his silent way TO his separate
cell, observed notable change of Gus
tom In the disposition of the new con-
vict. Instead of placing him in a cell by
himself, Troke was turning him into the
yard with the others.
I'm not to go In there 2" says the ex-
bank clerk, drawing back in dismay from
the cloud of foul faces which lowered
upon him.
But you are, them says Troke. 1.-THE
governor says night in there'll take the
starch out of yer. Come, in yer 60"
Let him out watchman." said North,
who happened by.
Cant, sir, without an order from the
commandant"
81 order you, sirv' North cried. indie-
nant.
Very sorry, your reverenve; but your
reverence knows that daren't do such a
thing"
North rushed away to the command
ant, and the instant his back was turned,
Hailes, the Waterman. flung open the
door and darted into the dormitory.
Take that!' he cried, dealing Kirk
land blow on the head with bis keys,
that stretched him senseless. There 8
more trouble with you aristocrats than
enough. Lie quietp'
The commandant, reused from his
slumber. told Mr.. North that Kirkland
might stop where he was, and that he'd
thank the chaplain not to wake him up
because a prisoner set up bowling
North returned to the prison discon-
solately, found the dutiful Hailes at his
post, and all quiet. whats become of
Kirkland?" he asked.
''Fretted hisself to sleep, yer rever-
ence," said Hailes, in accents of par
entail concern. Poor chap, It's hard
for such young 'uns as he, sir"
In the morning Rufus Dawes, coming
to his place on the chain gang, was
struck by the altered appearance OF
Kirkland. His face was Of a greensh
tint, and wore an expression of bewil-
dered horror.
"Cheer up, mani" said Dawes, touch
ed with momentary pity. tits no good
being in tho mopes you know"
What do they do If you try to bolt p
whispered Kirkland.
xiii you," returned Dawes, in tone
of surprise at so preposterous a ques
ton.
"Thank Godr' said Kirkland.
The work of the gang that Afternoon
was the carrying of some heavy logs tt
the water-side, and Rufus Dawes OBJ
served that kirkland was exhausted
long before the task was accomplished
They'll kill you, you little beggarv
said he, not unkindly.
he had hardly uttered the words
when the boy flung himself beneath thu
log In another instant the train would
have been scrambling over his crushed
body, had not Gabbett stretched out al
iron hand and plucked the would-be sui
eide from death.
"Hold on to me-" said the giant. I'm
big enough to carry double"
kirkland uttered a cry, and then
holding up his irons with his hands
he started to run for the water.
Halt you young fool!' roared Troke
raising his carbine. But Kirkland KEEP
steadily on for the river. Just as h
reached it, however, the figure Of Mr.
North rose from behind pile of stones
Kirkland jumped for the jetty, missed
his footing and fell into the arms of tn
chaplain.
"You young vermin-you shall pa.
for thisr' cries Troke. you'll see
you won't remember this day."
ooh, Mr.. North" says kirkland
"why did you stop me! I'd rather b
dead than stay another night in tina
place"
"You'n get it, my ladr' said Cab
bett. when the runaway was brough