The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-02-24


faction of the role he would play In the
United States press when the sensa-
tional news OF this nights adventure
came out A court official who dared
to do bis duty despite lawless mob.
A receiver who turned n midnight at
tack into rout and shambles. That Is
what they would say. What II he did
exceed his authority thereafter? What
II there were a scandal? Who would
question? AS to soldlers-no, decidedly
no. He wished no help Of soldiers at
this time.
The sight OF n ship in the otiing to-
ward dark caused him some uneasi'
ness, for, Notwithstanding the assur-
ance that the course Of justice in the
San Francisco courts had been clogged.
he knew Bin Wheaton to be resource
full lawyer and n determined man.
Therefore IL relieved him TO note the
rising gale, which precluded the posi-
blllty of Interference from that source.
Let them come tomorrow II they
would. BY that time some of the mines
would be ownerless and his position
strengthened hundredfold.
He telephoned the mines to throw
out guards, although he reasoned that
none but madmen would think Of
striking there in the face OF the warn
ing which he knew must have been
transmitted Through Helen. Putting
on his raincoat he sought Stillman.
Bring your niece over TO my place
tonight. There's trouble in the air and
I'm prepared for it."
"She hasn't returned from her ride
yet. I'm afraid she's caught In tho
storm" The Judge gazed anxiously
Into the darkness.
During all the long day the vigllantes
ley in hiding. impatient at their idle
Tess and wondering at the lack of eff
fort made toward their discovery, not
dreaming that Mcnamara had more
cleverly hidden plans behind When
Cherry's note of warning came they
gathered In the back room aud gave
voice TO their opinions.
There's only one way 10 clear the
atmosphere" said the chairman.
you bet" chorused the others.
They've garrisoned the mines. so let's
go through the town and make a clean
job OF It, Let's hang the whole out
ut TO one post"
This met with general approval,
Glenister alone demurring. Said he:
want you TO hear me through before
deciding. Last night | got word from
Wheaton that the California courts
are against US. He. attributes II 10
influence, bot whatever the reason. we
are cut of from all legal help either
in this court or on appeal. Now. sup
pose we lynch these officials tonight.
what do we gaini Martial law in two
hours, our mines tied up for another
year. and who knows what elsei May
be corrupter court next season. Sup
pose. on the other hand. we fail. and
somehow | feel that We viii, for that
boss is no fool. What then? Those OF
In jail. You say we can't meet the
soldiers. I say we can and must. We
must carry this row 10 them. We
must jump 1t past the courts OF Alaska,
past the courts of California, and up
to the White House, where there's one
honest man. at least. We must do
something TO wake up the men in
Washington. We must get out Of poll
tics. for Mcnamara can beat us there.
Although he's stropg man he can't
corrupt the president. We have one
shot left. and II must reach the Poto-
mac When Uncle Sam takes a hand
well get square deal, so say let us
strike at the Midas tonight and take
her If we can. Some OF us VIII go
down. but what of IT."
Following this harangue, he outlined
a plan which In its unique daring took
away their breaths, and as he filed In
detail after detail they frightened with
excitement and that love of the long
chance which makes gamblers Of those
who thread the silent valleys or tread
the edge Of things. His boldness
stirred them and enthusiasm did the
rest.
"All want for myself" he said, ''is
the chance TO run the big risk. Its
mine by right"
Dextry spoke breathlessly to Slap
Jack in the pause which ensued:
"Ain't he hellerr
"Well go you" the miners chimed
TO a man. And the chairman added:
Lets have Glenister lead this forlorn
hope. Lam willing TO stand or fall on
his judgment" They acquiesced with
out a dissenting voice, and with the
firm hands OF natural leader the
young man took control
Lets hurry up" said one. Its
long 'mush' and the mud is knee deep"
mo walking for u.s." said Roy.
"Well go by train
by train? How can we get n
train?"
"Steal IT," he answered, at which
Dextry grinned dellghtedly at his
loose jcinted companion. and slapjack
showed his toothless gums in answer,
saying:
He sure is"
A few more words and Glenister. ac-
companied by these two, slipped out
into the whlrling storm, and half hour
later the rest followed. One by one
the vigilantes left, the blackness blot