The Irish standard., 1907-10-12

Inc lellOW eXpeClOrdteQ vigorously
into the leaves under foot, and draw.
ing one hairy hand across his lips,
flushed angrily to the unexpected in
quiry.
ooh, 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 We any good
to know
II thought l had seen you some
where BEFORE" said Brant, contemptu-
ously. and then swept his glance
about the circle. "a nice leader of
Ngilantes 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 a cur you are fol-
lowing in this AFFAIR.""
ooh, Ben's all right"
What ye got against him, young
feller?"
Just this" and Brant squarely
fronted the man, his voice ringing like
steel. 1--WE 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. 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. I
confess l don't know all about this
Cotton, but l know enough to say he
is an army deserter, a liar, 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
gdzzled 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. 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. I should imagine
you would feel proud Of your job"
Innocent? He'll"
"That is what l 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 1t was not Bob Hampton"
The men were impressed by his evi.
dent earnestness, his unqvestioned
courage. Several voices spoke almost
at once.
'Is that right?"
"Oh, 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
Il rather think you WILL he said,
confidently, his voice ringing out with
sudden authority.
He stepped back, lifted a silver
sharp, clear note. There was a grow
ing thunder of hoofs, quick, manly
cheer, . 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. their carbines
cleaning in tho sunlight. It 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
good job Of it, but no firing unless
you have to-"
The troopers went at 1t as If they
enjoyed the task, forcing their FESTIVE
horses through the thickets, and
roughly handling more than one who
ventured to question their authcr ity.
Yet the work was over in less time
than it takes to tell. the discounted
regulators driven pell.mell down the
hill and back into the town, the eager
cavalrymen hating only at the COM
mand of the bugle. Brant, confident
of his first sergeant in such emergen.
ey, merely paused long enough to
watch the men deploy, and then press
ed straight up the hill, alone and on
foot. That danger to the besieged
was yet imminent was very evident.
The black spiral Of smoke had be-
come an enveloping cloud, spreading
rapidly in both directions from its