The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-12-05

And you rfll rot yay us, them. Cap
tain LawtonY said the Skinner, trem.
bling in every joint; for just then he SAN
a party of mounted dragons silently en-.
circling the whole party.
oh! pay you--yes. you shall have thu
full measure of you: reward. There ID
the money that Colonel Singleton sent
down for the captors of the spy," throw
ing bag of guineas with disdain at the
others feet. But ground your arms, you
rascals, and, sc that the money is truly
told
The intimidated band did as they were
ordered; (; and while they were eagerly en-
ployed in this pleasing avocation, few
of Lawton's men privately knocked the
fiints out of their muskets.
WELL" cried the inpatient captain, sis
it right? have you the promised reward?'
There is Just the money" said the
leader; -"and we will now go to our
homes, with your permission"
Hold so much to redeem our promise
now for justice; we pay you for taking
spy, but we punish you for burning,
robbing and numbering. Seize them, my
lads, and give each of them the law Of
Moses-forty, save one."
This command was given to no unwill-
ing listeners: and in the twinkling of an
eye the SINNERS were stripped and fast
cned, by the halters of the party, to as
many apple trees as were necessary to
furnish one to each Of the gang. Swords
were quickly drawn, and fifty branches
cut from these were selected few of tho
most supple of the twigs, and willing
dragoon was soon found to WELD each of
the weapons. Captain Lawton gave the
word. and the uproar of Babel commepc-
ed in the orchard.
The 1agellation was executed with
great neatness and dispatch. Lawton di-
rected his men to leave the SINNERS to
replace their own clothes, and to mount
their horses.
You see. my friend" said the captain
TO the leader, II can cover you to some
purpose, when necessaTy. If we meet
often you will be covered with scars,
which. if not very honorable, will at least
be merited."
The fellow made no reply. He was busy
with his musket, and Fastening his COM
rades to march when, everything being
ready, they proceeded sullenly toward
some rocks at no great distance. The
moon was just rising, and the group of
Dragons could easily be distinguished
where they had been left. Suddenly turn
ing, the whole gang levelled their pieces
and drew the triggers. The soldiers re-
turned their futile attempt with laugh
of derision, the captain crying aloud:
"Ah! rascals, knew you, and have
taken away your fints.'
You should have taken away that in
my pouch, too," shouted the leader, fir
ing his gun the next instant. The bullet
grazed the ear of Lawton, who laughed
as he shook his head, saying, "A miss
was as good as a mile" One of the
dragons was in the act of plunging his
spurs into his horse as the fellow fired.
The distance to the rocks was but small,
yet the speed of the horse compelled the
leader to abandon both money and mus
ket to effect his escape. The soldier re-
turned with his prizes, and offered them
to the acceptance of his captain, but Law
ton rejected them. telling the man to re-
tain them himself, until the rascal ap-
peared in person to claim his property.
The patrol departed, and the captain
slowly returned to his quarters, with an
intention of retiring to rest.
Ito be continued.)