The Elbert County tribune., 1910-07-08

the fort had learned to let the gamblers alone.
Whenever row occurred between the sport and
the soldier the town marshal grabbed the soldier
frst-and last generally. Then the unlucky sol
dier was whipsawed-fne and jail in town
guardhouse and court-martal when he went back
to the post. Fighting B" and Drunken G" and
Crazy l" troops of the old Eighteenth grew dis
Greet If not wise. They avoided trouble and the
gamblers grew to think they owned the town.
The Twentieth knew nothing Of this and its en-
listed men were neither discreet wise. The
result OF several clashes with the town tin
horns" and sports had already made them feel
that they were not getting even break. More
over had not just been pardoned by the
governor after receiving 20year sentence for
a deliberate. foul and unprovoked murder? The
case was an ofense to justice still ranking in
the minds of soldiers and civilians alike. Every
one said 1t safer to kill man than steal
COW. The sheriff knew all this and feared that
this murder of Sergeant Hoeg of the best
liked men in the regiment, would be than
they would stand. On his return from the post
ne deputized twelve good men and placed them
guards in the jail. Gamblers eagerly volun-
teered but he would have none Of them.
The town buzzed now. Soldiers were going
to attack the jail. 1t was said. But not a blue
uniform was seen on the streets. When taps had
sounded across the fat. the fort silent with
only the sentres pacing back and forth in the
moonlight. Just the same. Sheriff Mcfarland
posted his men in the jail and waited Near mid
night whisper went round the saloons: They're
coming" The walks around the plaza filled with
an expectunt crOWu: Inc jail IN tne basement OF
the courthouse was dark but everyone knew that
behind 1t was Hunt guarded by the sheriff and
twelve determined men with Winchesters. An
attempt was made to notify the fort, but wires
we're cut and messengers were all too slow.
Across Poverty fiat. down Main street. into
the plaza swung body of men, in army
coats turned wrong side out, campaign hats car
bine at shoulder, Colts forty-fve at hip. 1t was
the army-trained machine in action, swift SILENT
certain. II circled the plaza In column of fours
Sentries took post at curt word of command
The crowds fell back before threatening carbine
muzzles Up the broad stone walk. Right front
into line. Halt" and a grim platoon faced the
jail door with carbines at the ready.
The leader stepped out briskly and hammered
with pistol butt
What do you want?" asked the sherin from
inside the door.
I'VE want Hunt"
Now boys. you don't" began the sheriff
But the leaders voice cut in, clear. determined
mo talk sheriff. Open that door dy-
Mantle It,"
Dynamitel The sheriff weakened. He looked
up at his men standing with ready Winchesters
at the head Of the corridor steps, where they
could have held back regiment. They've got
dynamite. guess we'll have to let em in.
boys. Don't shoot" said he. and opened the door.
What followed was short, sharp-and terrible.
him to front and center of the waiting platoon.
Have you anything to say?" the leader asked.
No"
DO you want to pray?"
mo"
He given a shove forward The men
who held him stepped back to the ranks.