The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-11-21
1t flung himself from the sadd


the United States. Who is leading
this OUTFIT"
Il don't know as it's your AFFAIR"
the man returned, sullenly. We amt
takin' no army orders at present, mis-
ter. We're free-born American citi-
zens, an ye better let US alone"
That is not what l asked you," and
Brant squared his shoulders, his
hands clinched. My question was.
Who is at the head of this outfit? and
I want an answer"
The spokesman looked around upon
the others near him with a grin of de-
rision. "Oh, we do, hey? Well, reck-
on we are, if you must know. Since
Big Jim Larson got it in the shoulder
this outfit right yere hes bin doin'
most of the brain work. So If we've
got anythin' ter say, mister officer
man, l reckon ye better spit it out
yere ter me, an sorter relieve yer
mind"
Who are you?"
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. if it'll do ye any good
to know"
Il thought l had seen you some
where before" said Brant, contemptu-
ously and then swept his glance
about the circle "a nice leader of
vigilant-5 you are a fine representa-
tive Of law and order, lovely speci-
men Of the free born American
citizen. Men, do you happen to
know what sort of a cur you are fol
lowing in this affair.""
oh, Ben's all right
What We got against him, young
feller?"
Just this" and Brant squarely
fronted the man, his voice ringing like
steel. I've seen mobs before today,
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 inaamed by some low
down sneak with an ak to grind.
confess | don't know all about this
Cotton, but | 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 a sweet speci-
men to lead in the avenging of sup
posed crime?"
Whatever else Cotton might have
failed in, he was man of action. Like
a 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 If
such 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, it is about time you woke up to
the facts of this matter couple OF
hundred of you chasing after two
men, one an officer OF the law doing
his sworn duty, and the other limo
cent of any crime. I should imagine
you would feel proud OF your job"
innocent? He'll"
That is what | said. You fellows
have gone off 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 it was not Bob Hampton"
The men were impressed by his evil
dent earnestness, his unquestioned
courage. Several voices spoke almost
at once.
Is that right!
ooh, say, saw the fellow with his
hand on the knife"
After we git the chap, we'll give
them people a chance to tell what
they know"
Brant's keenly attentive ears heard
the far-off chug of numerous horses
feet
II 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, a quick, manly
cheer, a crashing through the under
brush, and 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, thsk carbines
cleaning in the sunlight. 1t was
prettily, sharply performed, and their
officers face frightened.
Very nicely done, Watson" he
said to the expectant sergeant. De
ploy your men to left and right, and
clear out those shooters< Make a