Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-12-20

Brant flung himself from the saddle
and strobe in front of the fellow. 81
mean business. You see this uniform?
Strike that, my man, and you strike
the United States. Who is leading
this OUTFIT"
Il don't know as it's your affair"
the man returned, sullenly. I'VE amt
takin' no army orders at present, mis-
ter. We're free-born American citi-
Gems, an We better let us alone"
THAT is not what asked you" and
Brant squared his shoulders, his
hands clinched. my question was,
Who Is at the head of this outfit? and
| want an answer"
The spokesman looked around upon
the others near him with a grin Of de-
rision. "Oh, ye do, hey? Well, reck.
on we are, II you must know. Since
Big Jim Larson got 1t in the shoulder
this outfit right yere hes bin dom
most Of the brain work. So II we've
got anythin' ter say, mister officer
man, / reckon ye better spit 1t out
we're ter me, an sorter relieve yer
mind"
who are your"
The fellow expectorated vigorously
into the leaves under foot, and draw
ing one hairy hand across his lips,
flushed angrily to the unexpected In
quiry.
"Oh, tell him, Ben. What's the
blame odds? He can't do ye no hurt"
The mans look became logged.
I'm Ben Cotton, II it'll do ye any good
to know"
Il thought had seen you some
where before" said Brant, contemptu-
ously, and then swept his glance
about the circle. "A nice leader Of
vgilantes you are, a fine representa-.
tive Of law and order, q lovely speci-
men Of the free born American
citizen! Men, do you happen to
know what sort of cur you are fol-
lowing in this AFFAIR.""
"Oh, Bens all right"
What ye got against him, young
feller?"
Just this" and Brant squarely
fronted the man, his voice ringing like
steel. I've seen mobs before to-day,
and I've dealt with them. I'm not
afraid Of you or your whole outfit,
and I've got fighting men to back me
up. l never yet saw any mob which
wasn't led and melted by some cow
ardly, revengeful rascal. Honest men
get mixed up in such affairs, but they
are invariably inflamed by some low
down sneak with an Ak to grind.
confess l don't know all about this
Cotton, but l know enough to say he
Is an army deserter, a liar, a dive
keeper, gambler, and, to my certain
knowledge, the direct cause of the
death of three men, one a soldier of
my troop. Now isn't he sweet speci-
men to lead in the avenging Of a sup
posed crime?"
Whatever else Cotton might have
failed in, he was man of action. Like
fash his gun few to the level, but
was instantly knocked aside by the
grizzled old miner standing next him.
None O that, Ben" he growled,
warningly. Il don't never pay to
shoot holes in Uncle Sam"
Brant smiled. He was not there
just then to fight, but to secure delay
until his own men could arrive, and
to turn aside the fierce mob spirit II
such a result was found possible.
Il really would enjoy accommodate.
ing you, Cotton" he said, coolly, feel
ing much more at ease, but | never
fight personal battles with such fell
lows as you. And now, you other
men, 1t is about time you woke up to
the facts Of this matter. A couple Of
hundred Of you chasing after two
men, one an officer OF the law doing
his sworn duty, and the other inno-
cent of any crime. l should imagine
you would feel proud Of your job"
Innocent? He'll"
THAT Is what I said. You fellows
have gone Of half-cocked-a mob gen.
orally does. Both Miss Spencer and
Mr.. Wynkoop state positively that
they saw the real murderer Of Red
Slavin, and 1t was not Bob Hampton"
The men were impressed by his evi.
dent earnestness, his unquestioned
courage. Several voices spoke almost
at once.
is that right"
"0h, say, saw the fellow with his
hand on the knife"
After we git the chap, wen give
them people a chance to tell what
they know"
Brant's keenly attentive ears heard
the far-off chug of numerous horses
feet.
Il rather think you WILL" he said,
confidently, his voice ringing out with
sudden authority.
He stepped back, lifted a silver
whistle to his lips, and sounded one
sharp, clear note. There was a grow.
ing thunder of hoofs, quick, manly
cheer, q crashing through the under.
brush and a squad Of eager troopers,
half'dressed but with faces glowing
In anticipation Of trouble, came gal.
looping up the slope. swinging out into
line as they advanced. their carbines
Cleaning In the sunItoA4 r.