The Delta independent., 1911-04-07
By HAMLIN GARLAND
Copyright. 1910. by Hamlin Garland

eu on tue uOOr.
"Who's therew dema nded Lie.
"The law replied a wheezy voice,
"Open in the name of the law
Its old Higley." announced Lie.
"Open the door. Ross"
Come in, law she called ironical-
ly as the justice appeared. You look
kind of mice eaten. but you're all the
law this blame town can sport Come
in and do your duty"
: Higley "a tall man with a rusty
brown beard, very much on his dig
nity) entered the room, followed by a
short, bullet headed citizen in rum
pied blue suit with a big star on his
breast Behind on the sidewalk Bal
lard and dozen of his gang could be
seen Sam Gregg, the moving cause of
this resurrection of law and order fol
lowed the constable. Higley opened
hlpou Cavanagh. "Well, sir, what's all
this row? What's your charge against
these men?"
"Killing mountain sheep. caught
them with the head of big ram upon
their pack"
make him show his commission"
shouted Gregg Hes never been com
lnissloned. He's no game warden"
Higley hemmed "T-ah-oh. his au-
thorIty is all right. Sam; I've seen it.
If he can prove that these men killed
the sheep we'll have to act"
Cavanagh briefly related how he had
captured the men on the trail. THE
head of the ram is at the livery barn
with my horse"
"How about that?" asked Higley.
turning to Joe.
81 guess that's right" replied the In
solent youth. eve killed the sheep all
right"
Higley was in a corner. He didn't
like to offend Gregg, and yet the case
was plain. He met the issue blandly
Marshal, take these men into Gus
tody." Then to Ross: well relieve
you of your care, Mr.. Cavanagh. You
may appear tomorrow at g."
1t was farcical ending to a very ar
duous thirty-six hour campaign, and
Ross, feeling like a man who, having
rolled huge stone to the top Of hill.
has been ordered to drop 1t, said. 81
insist on the maximum penalty of the
law. Justice Higley, especially for this
man" He indicated Joe Gregg.
No more sneaking, Higley." added
Lie. uttering her distrust In blunt
phrase. You put these men through
or I'll make you trouble"
Higley turned and with unsteady
solemnity saluted. Fear not my gov
"A
made exit
After the door had closed behind
them Cavanagh bitterly complained
'I've delivered my prisoners over into
the hands of their friends. l feel like
fool. What assurance have l that
they will ever be punished?"
You have Higley's word" retorted
Lie. with ironic infection. He'll
fine 'em as much as $40 apiece and
confiscate the head. which is worth
fifty"
mo matter what happens now.
you've done your duty" added Lee
Virginia with intent to comfort him
Lie. now that the stress of the bat
tie was over. fell a-tremble. 81 reckon
Ill have to go to bed" she admitted
III All LIS hi6ut StTNICe Is
wearing"
She did indeed resemble the wreck
of woman as she lay out upon her
bed. her hands twitching. her eyes
closed. and Ross was profoundly
alarmed. you need the DOCTOR" he
urged. Let me bring him."
NO" she said huskily. but with de-
cision; I'm only tired. I'll be all
right soon. Send the people away
Tell 'em to go to bed"
For half an hour Cavanagh remain
ed in the room waiting to see II the
doctors services would be required
but at the end Of that time. as she
had apparently fallen asleep. he rose
and tiptoed out into the hall
Lee followed. and they faced each
other In such intimacy as the ship
wrecked feel after the rescue.
When they were quite alone Lee
said. "You must not go out into the
streets tonight"
"There's no danger. These hoodlums
would not dare To attack me-"
Nevertheless you shall not go" she
declared. wait a moment" she COM
manded and re-entered her mothers
room.
AS he stood there at Lie Wether-
ford's door and his mind went back
over her brave deed. which had gone
far to atone for her vulgarity, his re-
spect for het deepened. Lee Virginia
opened the door and stepped out close
beside him.
Her breathing is quieter." she whis-
pered. 81 think she's going to sleep.
It's been terrible night! You must
be horribly tired. will find you some
place to sleep. Please don't 20 till aft
er breakfast" she smiled wanly. 81
may need you"