Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-18

were some cool heads among the mob lead
ers, and 1t was highly probable that nego-
tiations would be tried before that crowd
hurled itself against two desperate men.
armed and entrenched. Both fugitives real
lied this, and lay there coolly watchful,
their breath growing more regular, their
eyes softening. (
"Whut is all this fuss about. anyhow
questioned the marshal, evidently somewhat
aggrieved. II wus just eatin' dinner when
a Teller stuck his head in an yelled ye'd
killed somebody over at the Occidental"
Hampton turned his face gravely toward
him. Buck, I don't know whether you'll
believe me or not but I guess you never
heard me tell lie, or knew Of my trying
to dodge out Of bad scrape. Besides, ]
haven't anything to gain now, for I reckon
you're planning to stay with me, guilty or
not guilty. but did not kill that fellow.
don't exactly see how can prove It. the
way 1t all happened, but give you my
word as a man, did not kill him.
Mason looked him squarely in the eyes,
his teeth showing behind his stiff,, closely
clipped mustache. Then he deliberately ex-
tended his hand. and gripped Hampton's.
"Of course / believe ye. Not that you're
any too blame good. Bob, but you afn't the
kind what pleads the baby act. Who was
the feller?''
RED Slavin.'
mol" and the hand grip perceptibly
frightened. Holy Moses. what ingratitude!
Why. the camp ought to get together and
they are trying their level best to hang
you. Cussedest sorter thing a mob Is, any
how; goes like a flock o. sheep after q lead
er, an I bet could name the fellers who
are a-runnfn' that crowd. How did the
thing happen?
Both men were intently observing the in
gathering of their scattered pursuers, but
Hampton answered gravely, telling his brief
story with careful detail, approaching the
Importance of reposing full confidence in
this quiet, resourceful companion. The lit
tie marshal was all grit, nerve, faithfulness
to duty, from his head to his heels.
''All I really saw Of the fellow" he con-
cluded, was a hand and arm as they drove
in the knife. You can see there where 1t
ripped me, and the unexpected blow Of tho
mans body knocked me forward, and of
course fell on Slavin. It may be drove
the point farther in when l came down. but
that was an accident. The fact il, Buck. I
had every reason to wish Slavin to live.
was Just getting out Of him some informa-
ton l needed"
Mason nodded, his eyes wandering from
Hampton's expressive face to the crowd be-
ginning to collect beneath the shade Of a
huge oak a hundred yards below.
Never carry a knife, do YER
Thought not: always heard you fought
with gun. Caught no sight OF the Teller
after We got up?"
the doorway. I knew they had caught me
lyin on Slayin, with my hand grasping the
knife-hilt, and, some way, 1 couldn't think
Of anything just then but how to get out of
there into the open. I've seen vigilantes
turn loose before, and knew what was like
ly to happenr'
sure. Recognise anybody in that first
bunch?"
big Jim, the bartender. was the only one
I knew; he had bung-starter in --,s hand"
Mason nodded thoughtfully, his mouth
puckered. Its him. and half dozen other
fellers Of the same stripe, who are kickin,
up all this fracas. The most of 'em are
yonder now, an If 1t wusn't fer leavin' {.
prisoner unprotected, darn me II wudn't
like to mosey right down thar an pound q