The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-02-26

ment to tho riotous element Of the
town A wink, a gesture, a careless
word to the proper messenger, con-
veyed to the saloon FOUNDERS an assur.
ance of sympathy which innamed their
resentment to the murderous point. It
was confessedly one of the worst COM
munities In the state.
Lets run Cavanaghr' was the sug-
gestion Of several Of Greggs friends.
The fact that the ranger was q COM
missioned officer Of the law and that
the rams head had been found on the
poachers pack made very little diff
ference to these irresponsible insti-
gators to assault It was wonderful
how highly that loaffng young rascal,
Joe Gregg. was prized 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,"
declared one Of the merchants.
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 disreputabIe ranch hands
were parading tho walks. breathing
out vile threats against the ranger.
Accustomed to men Of this typs, Cav
anagh watched them come and 60 ct
Halsey's bar with calculating eyes.
There will be no trouble for an hour
or two, but meanwhile what h to b
o. 49, A. ~
the town marshal II also out Of
town." To Halsey he said: II am
acting. as You know, under both fed
eral and state authority, and I call
upon you as 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 q 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 ;ocular as the
drinks took effect, {. Neill Ballard,
separating himself from the crowd.
came forward, calling Loudly: ''Come
out O there. Joe! Come cut and have
q drink"
His words conveyed less Of battle
than his tone. He was. in fact, urging
q revolt, and Cavanagh knew it.
Gregg rose as II 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. II 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 TIL the
Justice Is found. It 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
1shed II have to carry them to Sui
phur City" he added.
Smash the Hghtsr' shouted some
one at the back.
Here was the first real note Of war,
and Ross cried out sharply. IF a man
lifts hand toward the light I'll cut
1t off"
There was q 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.