The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1911-06-22
CHAPTER Nv.
An Cd Acquaintance.


Il The Carson City lookup was an i'm
froylsed affair. although a decidedly
popular resort 1t was originally a
{wo-room cabin with gable to the
Xtreet, the front apartment at one
<lme low GROCERY. the keeper sleep
Ipg In the rear room. Whether sud
8en death or financial reverses, had
been the cause, the community had in
<ome manner become possessed of the
property. and had at once dedicated
h to the commonweal. For the pur-
Dose thus selected 1t was rather we'll
&dapted, being strongly built, easily
<uarded. and on the outskirts OF the
own. With iron grating over the
windows, the back door heavily spiked,
Md the front secured by iron bars,
my prisoner once locked within could
Probably be found when wanted. On
he occasion OF Keith's arrival. the
PORTION AUDITING upon the street was
occupied by rather miscellaneous
assembly drunk and disorderly
Elements conspicuous--w we're
waiting their several calls to appear
before local justice and make an
over for various misdeeds. Some we're
pacing the floor. others sat moodily
n benches ranged against the wall,
Fhile a few were still peacefully slun-
bering uron the noor. It was a frowsy,
4isreputable crowd, evincing but mild
curiosity at the arrival OF a new pris-
9ner Keith had barely time to glance
bout, recognizing no familiarity of
ace amid the mass peering at him, as
Re was hustled briskly forward and
Ihrust into the rear room, the heavy
door closing behind him with the snap
pf spring lock.
He was alone, with only the faint
psf murmur of voices coming to him
fhrough the thick partition. II was a
foom some twelve feet square, open
r. the roof, with bare walls, and con-
faining no furniture except rude
AAehch. Still dazed By the suddenness
of his arrest, he sank down upon the
feat, leaned his head on his hands,
Rnd endeavored to think. II was diff
ncult TO get the facts marshalled into
my order or to comprehend clearly
ne situation. yet little by little his
prain grasped the main details. and
Re awoke to full realization OF his
condition, Of the forces he must war
Rgainst. The actual murderers Of
nose two men on the trail had had
Rnelr suspicious aroused by his ac-
Ilons; they believed he guessed some
ming of their foul deed. and had de-
tormined to clear themselves BY
rharging the crime directly against
Rlm. II was a shrewd trick, and II
tney only stuck to their story, ought
Y succeed. He had no evidence, 9TH
u than his own word, and the marshal
- already taken from his pockets
" Papers belonging to the slain
Ian. He had not found the locket
iuden under his shirt. yet more
thorough search would doubtless re
veal that also.
Even should the case come to trial
~
"o~ would II be possible for him Il
ss'aolish innocence. and--would II
E'er come to trial? Keith knew the
Sharacser OF the frontier, and of Car
7oh City. The inclination OF its citi-
ems IN such cases was to act. first,
10 reflect later. The law had but
sender hold. being respected only
4 men backed by the strong hand, and
k'iihitive instincts were always In the
seendency, requiring merely leader
Y break forth in open violence. And
u .nls case would there be any lack
z leadership? Like a flash his mind
.teserted to Black Bart" There was
~ man capable of melting q mob. II,
- some unknown reason. he had suf-
.e'ent interest to swear out the war
an' and assist In the arrest, he would
I've equal cause to serve those fell
80 behind him In other ways. Nat
! 'a'V' tney would dread trial. with
IL possibility of exposure, and eagerly
asp any opportunity for wiping the
ave c'ean. Their real security from
.
'scoVery undoubtedly lay In his
reath, and with the RED Light"
<rowd behind them they would ex-
efience no trouble in getting fol-
pose. - 49,
ine longer Keith thought the less
e doubted the result. 1t was not then
problem of defence. but OF escape,
II ne believed now that no oppor-
my to defend himself would ever
allowed. The arrest was merely
- OF the plot intended to leave him
e'p ess in the hands of the mob. In
- Hicks was in no way blamable-
nad merely performed his sworn
- and would still die. II need be.
] oeience OF his prisoner. He was
eooi, but only an instrument they
- found means OF using.
Ne''n was essentially q man Of 80.
1 ~, 2 fighter by instinct. and 30 long
ssus'omed TO danger that the excite.
! s"t 81 i merely put new IRE into his
"s. Nov that he understood exact
"a H+&f