Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-12-02

plates had all been filed, Orde address,
ed them.
Boys" said he, "the old mossback
has built up the sill of that gate until
we can't get draw on the water, and
he refuses to give, lend or sell US the
right to cut her out. Now, we've got
to get those logs out. Johnny Sims,
what's the answerY'
"Cut her out" grinned Sims.
Correct replied Orde, with a
chuckle. "But it's against the law to
interfere with another mans prop
erty."
This was so obviously humorous in
intent that its only reception consisted
Of more grins from everybody.
'sThe nearest sheriff's at Spruce
Rapid" commented some one philo-
sophically.
eve have sixty men, all told" said
Orde. 1--WE ought to be able to carry
It through"
He filed his plate and walked across
self next to Newmark.
"Hellow he greeted that young man,
"Fixed it with the doctor all right?"
eyes," replied Newmark, thanks.
think ought to tell you that the sher-
If is not at Spruce Rapids, but at the
village-expecting trouble"
Orde roared in delight
Boys" he called, "old Plug Hats
got the sheriff right handy. Has he
a posse?" inquired Orde Of Newmark.
II didn't see any, but heard that
the governor had been advised to hold
troops in readiness"
At last Orde's face cleared, and he
slapped down his tin plate violently.
II have ity' he cried aloud.
He instructed half dozen men to
provide themselves with saws, axes,
picks and shovels and march toward
the mill.
When near the structure the river
man saw the lank, black figure Of the
mill owner mount bony old horse
and clatter away into the forest.
Orde rapidly designated ten men Of
his crew. "You make things hum.
Get as much done as you can before
the sheriff comes, and when that sher-
iff comes want you to go peaceahly.
Understand"
"Cave in? Not muchv' cried Purdy.
"See here" and Orde drew them
aside in earnest conversation. When
he had finished he clapped each of
them on the back, and all moved off,
laughing, to the dam.
'Now, boys" he commanded the
others, mo row without orders. If
there's going to be fight I'll give
the word"
The chopping crew descended to the
bottom Of the sluice, the gate of which
had been shut, and began Immediately
to chop away at the apron.
The work had continued nearly an
hour when Orde commanded the fifty
or more idlers back to camp.
"The sheriff will be here pretty
quick now"
"And leave them to fight alone?
Guess not" grumbled tall, burly in
dividual.
cam I bossing this driver" demand
ed Orde.
The riverman growled.
Smack, smack, sounded Orde's fists.
The man went down in a heap, but
Immediately rebounded to his feet.
Orde seized peavy and stood with
the murderous weapon appraised.
"Lie down, you hound, or I'll brain
your he roared at the top of his great
voice.
The man crouched, breathless.
'Marchw commanded Orde. you're
through"
The man sullenly arose and SLOUGH
ed away.
The other men turned to the trail,
leaving the ten at the sluice. When
within the fringe Of the brush Orde
called halt.
"Now, boys" he commanded, squat
down and lay low. If fight would do
any gnnd vou know mighty well I'd
fight. And the boys won't be in jail
any longer than it takes to get wire
to DAILY to bail them out. Smoke up
and don't bother"
They filed their pipes and settled
down to an enjoyment Of the situa-
ton.
A half hour elapsed before the stu
alton developed further. Then Tom
North's friend Jim, who had gathered
his long figure on the top Of stump.
unclasped his knees and remarked that
old Plug Hat was back.
The men peered cautiously through
the brush. They saw Reed, accompa-
MED by the sheriff, approach the dam.
The working crew stacked their tools.
resumed their jackets and departed
with the sheriff.
"Well, I'll be dernedv. CALCULATED one
OF the concealed rivermen. THAT'S the
first time ever see one lonesome sher-
III gather In ten river hogs without the
aid of a Gatlin'."
Orde watched them disappear.
"Jim," said he. '.and you, Ellis. and
you, and you. and you, and you, get to
work on that dam. And remember
this-if you are arrested, go peaceably.
Any resistance will spoil the whole
game" The men broke into mingled
cheers and LAUGHTER as the full ssa.