The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-08-01
(CoptInued.)

lie drove III MS spurs, ana was Oh
like the wind. A number of men were
in the street, all hurrying forward in
the same direction, but he dashed past
them. These were minors mostly,
eager to have hand in the man-hunt.
Here and there rider skurried along
and joined in the chase. Just beyond
the hotel, halfway up the hill, rifles
were speaking irregularly, the white
puffs Of smoke blown quickly away by
the stiff breeze. Near the center of
this line of slIirmishers a denser cloud
was beginning to rise in spirals.
Brant, perceiving the largest group of
men gathered just before him, rode
straight toward them. The crowd
scattered slightly at his approach, but
promptly closed in again as he drew
up his horse with taut rein. He look
ed down into rough, bearded faces.
Clearly enough these men were in no
fit spirit for peace making
you damn fool" roared one,
hoarsely his gun poised as if in
threat, what do you mean by riding
US down like that? Do you own this
country?"
Brant flung himself from the saddle
and strobe in front Of the fellow. Il
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, sulienfy I'VE amt
takin' no army orders at present, mis-
ter We're flee-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
] want an answer"
The spokesman looked around upon
the others near him with grin of de-
rision. ooh. 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 dom
most Of the brain work. So if we've
got anythin ter say, mister officer
man, reckon We better. spit it out
yere 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 angriiy to the unexpected Ia
quiry.
"Oh, tell him, Ben What's the
blame odds? He can't do We no hurt.
The mans look became logged.
I'm Ben Cotton, If it'll do ye any good
to know"
q thought 1 had seen you some
where before" said Brant, contemptu-
ously, and then swept his glance
about the circle "A nice leader of
vigilantes you are, 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 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 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. 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 I know enough to say he
is an army deserter, a liar, a dive
keeper, a 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 a sup
posed crime?"
Whatever else Cotton might have
failed in. he was a man of action. Like
fash his gun flew 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 10
shoot holes in Uncle Sam"
Brant smiled lie 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 result was found possible.
Il really would enjoy accommodate
ing you, Cotton" he said, coolly. feel
ing much more at ease, but l never
fight personal battles with such fel.
lows as you And now, you other
men, It 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 limo
cent of any crime. 1 should imagine
you would feel proud of your job"
Innocent? He'll"
THAT is what I said You fellows
have gone on half-cocked-a mob gen
orally does. Both Miss Spencer and
Mr.. Wynkoop state positively that
they saw the real murderer Of Red
CIav{n and II rac nor ROb Ham MON .