Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1907-11-28

The scufae was over. Something was
happening that Tom could not see
when a fake Of redhot bark lit upon
his ear. He was face about in time to
see the roof of the burning hut tumble
In and a column of clean flame spout
high into the night. And there was
the wretched Ginger writhing in his
bonds within reach Of the burning
walls and with the flame of a fallen
brand licking the very camp bed on
which he lay.
This time Tom did not forget his
part. He ignored it and had the over
seer out of harms way in a few sec
onds. In two more his mask was
among the rest and his pistol pointed
with the others at the two white fig.
ures that now stood side by side
against the palisade, with torn night
shirts and clinched fists, defenseless,
but still defiant.
Now, look you here, my fine gentle
men" exclaimed Hockey from his sad
die. eff you've got any sense between
you, let's see you show it. You'll
only cut things shorter if you don't.
What chance do you think you've got!
All, it's too late to look that way now,
you old fool"
The doctors eyes were on his convict
huts; the men were pouring out of
them pellmell. Hockey Simpson wheel
ed his horse and rode up to them with
a magnificent air, dropping his reins
to wave his battered chimney pot as
if it were a generals cooked hat.
"My lads" cried he, your kind
master would call upon you to stand
by him in his hour Of need. Now's the
time to show him your gratitude. Stop!
Stop! Not all Of you at once!" And
with his horse he stemmed a rush of
Jealous spirits who explained them
selves in chorus as they unwillingly
fell back.
Stand by him?' cried one. Get at
him, you mean! Only give us the word
and We'll take him off your hands,
"And cut his throat
can slit his juggler''-
"And Mats AFTER
"The bluidy tyrants"
Hockey waved them back.
sis there a single man who'll take
he coves' side in the time of need?
Let him speak now or forever after
hold his mouth!!"
Not a convict stirred.
"Then." said Hockey, "you leave the
rest to us, and don't you interfere.
You're dead men if you do, but free
men if you stop where you are. Your
blood be on your own heads!'
And he cantered back to the palisade
with his chimney pot hat on the side
Of his head and the hook stuck rakish-
ly against his ribs.
Tom ran up to him and caught his
rein.
'The women have got into the store
Il saw the light-it's where they keep
the guns-will you leave them to me?"
mo bloodshed, then; they're scarce!"
"Tn make them prisoners"
"And o Of your iarks just yeti"
Tom was gone. With a horse pistol
in each hand, he dashed into the store
and caught Peggy and Miss Sullivan
in the act of lifting down the fowling
pieces.
"~Surrender!" he roared.
Miss Sullivan shrieked and hid he1
face. Peggy advanced.
"Shoot a woman if you dare" SAID
she. ""Tis me that dares ye!"
"Peggyw he whispered.
"Tom"
IL am here to save you both. Do as
I tell you, and make her do the same
I'm here to ave you both!!' he repeat
ed aloud. "There are horses in the sta
BILE. Come with me, and I'll put you or
them. Undo those outer doors, Peggy
He had said her name by accident
She gave him a warning glance. And
now Miss Sullivan stood her ground
s%teadfastly and, having recovered tina