Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-05-24

hhS bSdiueu pOpuldllOI Oh fdIO MOuI-
tain, which had assembled at the
Northern saloon. He continued:
These strangers have been robbed
Of that which is more precious in this
desolate country than gold-their food.
Long ago we formed regulations
governing this camp, which read, i'm
mediately following the section refer
ring to the return of stray dogs, as fol-
lows: Any person OF persons con-
victed of stealing grub or provisions
of any kind shall be publicly whipped
at the post in front Of the A. C. COM
panys store, and forced TO leave camp
II hours thereafter
Therefore, as il is your pleasure
TO carry out the letter of our law, as
chairman Of this meeting, ! will APP
point Mr.. Barton, Kid Sullivan and
Brocky Dick to execute the sentence
upon the accused, If he should have the
temerity TO appear among us.
This meeting is adjourned.
A man opened the door, closed II
carefully behind him, and said in a
tense voice: Here they comet"
The committee filed to the bar and
backed against it, while the eager
crowd pressed forward along the walls
and grouped themselves behind the
tables.
The door opened boldly and man
entered, followed by native Barton
sprang toward him with a cry, and,
grasping his hand, wrung it fereely,
why, Capt Is it you, Cap? Where
did you come from? Come here and
let me look at you, Charley! This is
good sight" and dragging the smil-
ing visitor by the arm, he brought
him toward the light, where the rest
Of the committee stood bewildered.
yes, I'm Charley, all right" an
swered the other.
He felt a heavy hand on his Shout
der, while the pitted visage Of Brocky
Dick was thrust before his eyes.
Guess We don't remember 'Brocky,
do We? Ye amt forgot that day at
White Horse rapids, when ye dragged
me of them rocks half-drowned, have
We? Well, ANTI Put her there!' and
turning to the indignant onlookers, he
said: Gents, they's vacancy on
this here committee from now on"
me, too" cried Barton. u resign
my place."
whats the trouble?" said Captain,
scanning the angry faces surrounding
him; then, spying the hairy front and
sneering eyes of Buckhurst and
| Thomas:
"Ah! Looking for more trouble, are
your"
That's hint" loudly proclaimed
Buckhurst. Il want to know what
this camps goin' to do with this here
strong-arm man."
The governor mounted a chair and
began:
Gentlemen, a miscarriage OF justice
seems imminent. Two Of our commit
tee have refused TO act, and as chair
man OF the recent meeting, ] will APP
point in their places Big Nike and
Mr.. Jones Of Australia.
To Matka's questioning eyes, the
circle OF stubborn faces BODIED trouble.
He loosed his knife in its sheath, and
taking his place beside Captain,
watched with wary glances for hos
tile sign.
Eyes! | held you up said Captain;
"but | was starving, and you refused
me grub"
"Don't We believe him!" yelled Buck
hurst while a murmur Of disbelief
sounded from the crowd He Just
walked in on US and took It,"
you lie!" Captains voice cooed soft
and clear.
AT the words the crowd, dividing
scrambled hastily toward the walls out
OF range. leaving Captain and Buck
hurst facing each other
The governor tactfully cleared his
throat and began:
"sir YOU have admitted that you
robbed these men at the point OF a
gun. You can't expect us to believe
mai these gentlemen refused food to a
hungry 'musher.
"sure. That don't go" scohed a
bearded bvstander. Il reckon you've
about had your little say.
well. | haven't had my little say
murmured Captain. Il want you 10
hear the truth Of this matter
"The truth" said the governor. !
don't see why we'd ought TO take your
word any more than these other lei
lers. Who are ye, anyhow
Hes Charley Captain ehorused
Barton and the kid" You've al
heard Of Captain, sQuarest man on the
Yukon. You Dawson men remember
the rescue Of the Porcupine party
don't ye?"
A murmur Of surprise greeted the re-
marks and men looked curiously at the
hero OF many wintry tales, while in
respectful silence he briefly told oil MS
meeting with the two at the village
A yellow mackinaw ghamed above
ne crowd while the voice Of Big Mike
roared: Meeting will come to or
der!"
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