The Tupelo journal., 1910-07-08

the fort. had learned to let the gamblers alone.
Whenever a row occurred between the sport and
the soldier the town marshal grabbed the soldier
frst-and last generally. Then the unlucky sol
der was whipsawed-fne and Jail in town
guardhouse and c~ourt-martial when he went back
to the post. Fighting B" and Drunken G" and
CRAZY T. 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 nor wise. The
result of several clashes with the town tin
horns and sports had already made them feel
that they were not getting an even break. More
over, had not a man just been pardoned by the
governor after receiving a 20-year sentence for
a deliberate, foul and unprovoked murder? The
case was an offense to justice still ranking In
the minds of soldiers and civilians alike. Every
one said it was safer to kill a man than steal a
COW. The sheriff knew all this and feared that
this murder Of Sergeant Hoeg, one of the best
liked men in the regiment, would be more than
they would stand. On his return from the post
ne d~eputized twelve good men and placed them
as 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 fiat, the fort was silent, with
only the ~sentries pacing back and forth In the
moonlight. Just the same, Sheriff Mcfarland
posted his men in the Jail and waited. Near mid
night a whisper went round the saloons: They're
coming" The walks around the plaza filled with
an expectant crowd. The jail In the 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
were cut and messengers we're all too slow.
Across Poverty fiat, down Main street. into
the plaza swung a body of men, in army over
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. 1t circled the plaza In column of fours.
Sentries took post at a 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 q pistol butt.
what do you want?" asked the sheriff nom
inside the door.
1--WE want Hunt"
"Now. boys, you don't" began the sherih.
Rut the leaders. voice cut in, clear, determined.
mo talk, sheriff. Open that door or we dy-
Mantle it"
Dynamite! The sheriff weakened. He looked
mn at his men standing with ready Winchesters
at the head of the corridor steps, where they
could have held back a regiment. They've got
dynamite. l guess we'll have to let EN- IN.
bows. Don't shoot" said he, and opened the door.
what followed was short, sharp-and terrible.
Three men took Hunt from his cell and marched
him to front and center Of the waiting platoon.
"Haye you anything to say?" the leader asked.
mo"
DO you want to pray?'
mo"
He was given a shove forward. The men
who held him stepped back to the ranks.