The Delta independent., 1911-03-24

Lee went back to her own c.sa
vague sense of alarm. Certainly
they will not dare to interfere with an
officer in the discharge of his duties"
she thought She was eager to see
him, and the thought that he might be
obliged to ride away to Chauvenet
without word to her gave her deep
er feeling Of annoyance and unrest.
That he was in any real danger she
could not believe.
1t was disheartening to Cavanagh to
see how some of the most influential
citizens contrived to give encourage
ment to the riotous element & ..s
town. A wink, gesture, careless
word to the proper messenger, con-
veyed to the saloon FOUNDERS an assur-
ance of sympathy which infiamed their
resentment to the murderous point 1t
was confessedly one of the worst COM
munities in the state.
Lets run Cavanagh." was the sug
gestion of several of Gregg's friends.
The fact that the ranger was COM
missioned officer of the law and that
the rams head had been found on the
poacher'S pack made very little diff
ference to these irresponsible insti-
gators to assault. 1t was wonderful
how highly that loafing young rascal.
Joe Gregg. was priced at the moment.
ITS an outrage that the son of lead
ing citizen should be held up in this
way by one of the forestry Cossacks,"
Of ba 40 nj
The discussion which took place
over the bars of the town was at the
riot heat by o'clock. and soon after
10 crowd of bowling, whooping bad
boys and dfsreputable ranch hands
were parading the walks. breathing
out vile threats against the ranger.
Accustomed to men of this type. Cav
anagh watched them come ard go at
Halseys bar with calculating eyes.
There will be no trouble for an hour
or two. but meanwhile what is to be
done? Higley is not to be found. and
the town marshal is also out of
town." To Halsey he said: 81 am
acting. as you know. under both fed
eral and state authority. and l call
upon you rs a law abiding citizen to
aid me in holding these men prisoners.
shall camp right here till morning
or until the magistrate or the marshal
relieves me of my culprits."
Halsey was himself a sportsman-a
genuine lover of hunting and a fairly
consistent upholder of the game laws;
but. perceiving that the whole town
had apparently lined up in opposition
to the ranger. he lost courage. His
consent was half hearted. and he edg
ed away toward the front window of
his barroOm. nervously seeking to be
neutral-"to carry water on both shoul
ders." as the phrase goes.
The talk grew less jocular as the
drinks took effect. and Neill Ballard.
separating himself from the crowd.
came forward. calling loudly: "Come
out o. there. Joe! Come out and have
a drink"
His words conveyed less of battle
than his tone. He was. in fact. urging
a revolt. and Cavanagh knew 1t.
Gregg rose as If to comply. The
ranger stopped him.
keep your seat" said he. and to
Ballard he warningly remarked. "And
you keep away from my prisoners"
"Do you own this salOOn?" retOrted
the fellow truculently. 81 reckon Hal
sey's customers have some rights.
What are you doing here. anyway?
This is no Jail"
"Halsey has given me the privilege
Of holding my prisoners here till the
justice is found. 1t isn't my fault that
the town is without judge or Jail"
He was weakened by the knowledge
that Halsey had only half consented to
aid justice. but his pride was reused.
and he was determined upon carrying
his arrest to its legitimate end. I'm
going to see that these men are pun
fshed II have to carry them to Sui
phur City" he added.
"Smash the IightsT' shouted some
one at the back.
Here was the first real note Of war.
and Ross cried out sharply. "if man
lifts a hand toward the light I'll cut
1t on"
There was a stealthy movement In
the crowd. and. leaping upon the
counter. reckless cub reached for
the lamp.
Cavanagh's revolver shattered the
globe in the fellows very palm. "Get
down from there" he commanded