Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1908-02-15

SAlSn0tQ HSI di1S Mss I1c AISl-
With the magical pressure of hdf
lips upon his, he swung into the sad
die and spurred down the road. It
was a principle of his military train
ing never to temporize with a mob
he would strike hard, but he must
have sufficient force behind him He
refined up before the seemingly desert
ed camp, his horse flung back upon its
launches, white foam f1ecl1ing it's
quivering TANKS.
Sergeant" The sharp snap of his
voice brought that officer forward on
the run. Where are the men?"
"Playin' ball, most of em, sir, just
beyond the ridge
Are the horses out in the herd?'
Yes, SIR
Sound the recall; arm and mount
every man; bring them into Clencaid
on the gallop- Do you know the old
Shasta mine?''
No. sir
Halfway up the hill back of the
hotel. You'll find me somewhere in
front of it This is a matter of life or
death, SO jump lively now"
He drove in his spurs, and was or
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 miners mostly,
eager to have a 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 irregu1arly, the white
puffs of smoke blown quickly away by
the stiff breeze. Near the center Of
this line of skirmishers 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
I'D 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
this outfit
Il don't know as it's your affair."
the man returned, sullenly. I'VE amt
takin' no army orders at present, mis-
ter. We're free-born American citi-
zens, an we better let US alone
THAT is not what 1 asked you," and
Brant squared his shoulders, his
hands clinched. MY question was,
Who is at the head of this outfit? and
l 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 dom
most of the brain work. So if we've
got anythin' ter say, mister officer
man, 1 reckon we 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 We any good
.T 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, 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 cur you are fol-
lowing in this AFFAIR."
'.Oh, Bens all right
What ye got against him, young
feller2"
"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. 1 never yet saw any mob which
wasn't led and melted by some cow
ardiy, 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 1
Cotton but l know enough to say he
is an army deserter, liar, dive
keeper, a gambler, and, to my certain
knowledge the direct cause of the
death of three men, one soldier of
my troop Now isn't he sweet speci-
| men to lead in the avenging of sup
posed crime?"
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