The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-02-07

Benson" said Rogers, what would
you do with a gum"
Shoot 'em full of holes until they
turned this boat back"
Are you gamer" asked Rogers.
Understand that you'll be alone.
wouldn't help you; for, having been a
sailor. l know what mutiny means in
the courts. I'd rather go back with
either of you than to stand trial for
open mutiny."
Hang your mutiny!" said Quincy.
Were not sailors; we never agreed
to make this voyage. I'm an officer
of the law"
Feel the same way, Benson?" ask
ed Rogers.
The same. Give me a gun, and
I'll make that Captain and his two as
sistants walk chalkline."
he rest of the men, engaged with
their dinner, had paid no attention to
this discourse, and Rogers rose I'D.
reached into his bag, and produced
the note he had found in there on
awakening. Listen" he said:
Bill Rogers.-You seem to be
square fellow and up against it. +
had to dope you too because
you would not have signed if YOU
knew the other two would have gone
along. But l need just three men; so
| doped you all. You'll find their
guns and belts in your bag OF course
you known what to do if you get in
trouble. Good luck"
"Now," said Rogers, "those guns
are not now in my bag, and you can't
find them without my say-so; but. if
l put you onto them, will you call it
off? Will you let up, and go back
reporting that escaped? If you go
ashore by any means, will you take
me with you and turn me loose?"
They looked steadily at Rogers for
moment or two; then Quincy spoke.
IF you can furnish me my gun, Bill,
it's all off. I'll resign my job, if nee
essary: but l won't hunt you any
more?"
"Benson?" asked Rogers.
"The Canadian Mounted Police and
the whole Colonial Government can
go to hang Give me a gun, Rogers,
and I'll trouble you no more!
Rogers was about to speak, when
the big first mate appeared at the fore
castle door. and said in the forceful
manner of deep water mates:
Turn to. Where's that bloody
minded stage robber9 Hey! Here
you are! Get aft to the wheel again.
You can steer, if you are murderer"
"All right, sir answered Rogers
deferentially. and then, in whisper to
the two. he said. "In my bag, halfway
down. Two guns and two belts"
l
law. and fugitive from justice, went to
the wheel. and as he steered he smiled
again. grimly and painfully, for his
nose hurt.
Billings had followed him aft, UP on
the poop, and to the vicinity of the
after companionway, where he stood,
waiting for the CAPTAIN. Smelling,
having finished his dinner, had gone
forward to oversee the men, all of
| whom were now on deck and scatter
ing to their various tasks. That is, all
but two. Quincy and Benson. each
one girdled with beltful of cartrid-
ges, each carrying a heavy revolver
each scowling wickedly, were march
ing up to Smelling.
"Hands upw said Quincy sternly.
| up with EN- and go back to the
other end of the boat!"
Involutarily, it seemed, the second
mate obeyed. Up went his hands
over his head. Then, remembering
that he was second mate, he answered
whats this? Mutiny! Put them
guns down"
Quincy's gun spat out a red tongue
and Snelling's cap left his head
Next time I'll aim lower" said
Quincy. Fright about face! March,
Smelling was impressed. With his
hands aloft he wheeled and proceeded
them to the poop steps, up which he
climbed
But Billings had noticed, and acted.
With a shout down the companion
way to the Captain, he whipped out
pocket revolver and hurried forward
in the alley to meet the procession.