Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-21

the reaction from the highly strung emotions the en-
counter with Tarpey the clergyman's conscience was
suggesting many troubling questions that he felt he
get by himself and thresh the entire matter
before deciding what to do.
When Wrightnan entered his adobe he astounded
to find his table pile of gold and silver coin by
which lay note that read:
Padre I've collected little something for the church
I'll keep my commission for the work and hike along for
the talest timber | can hit W. TARPEY
Puzzled, the clergyman stared at the money which
amounted to couple of hundred dollars. What could
it all Had Mescal Bill been touched by grace
Was this his thankoffering for having been checked
in his of sin?
As he still meditatng he heard the galloping
of many horses, and the posse swept down the
road without stopping. Someone shouted:
"Padre, pray for the soul of Mescal Bill"
Utterly bewildered Wrightman stood motionless for
several minutes Then he heard solitary horseman
coming at hard gallop. He into the road and
waved his The rider drew up with violence
that nearly stood the horse on its hind legs.
did the posse 90 by here?T he shouted.
"Yes-if it was posse. What's the troubleo"
"Mescal Bill held up the Morning Star, and the boys
going to get him and string him up. We're sick OF
them tinhorn gamblers and their crooked games-and
this held up his friends"
Wrightman stood stock still for second or two, and
then in a flash full understanding came hirn-or 50
he considered He had made Mesca Bill destitute and
desperate by robbng him and driving him from the
country. This had led the gambler to his crime Yet,
wished share the fruits of that crime with the man
who had unwittngly driven him to it. Thanking
God that he had strong horse to ride, the clergy
rode as he had ridden in his life, toward
the canyon.
In a little while he had reached the ranch house.
where he found Uncle Jack and few Of his American
cowpunchers mounting to join in the chase. Mildred
standing by the gate, white and frightened.
"Where in the world are you off to- Padre?' cried
Uncle Jack in establishment.
Wr;o bic
the cowmen gathered about him. A mighty laugh
went up from ALL The old cattenan leaned in his saddle
and smote the young great blow the shoulder
"And some of the locoed gaoots hereabouts say you
have nerve, Padrel And you stick up Mescal Bill.
and he sticks up the Morning Star to up and help
your play! Come Boys. Whoop-e-e! We sure can't
hang Tarpey after thisl'
And, whooping and yelling and exploding their six
shooters the troop went charging up the canyon while
Mildred waved farewell and good wish.
MEANWHILE Mescal Bill had run into change Of
luck. Soon after passing the Ternpleton ranch
his horse had stepped loose rock and sprained an
ankle which delayed his progress that he heard the
posse behind him he struck the steep trail leading to
the pass the Mustang Ridge. Squirting his horse
at the wrong moment, the wild of the animal
caused it twist the injured foot and down in
heavy fall 1t scrambled up again; but Mescal
Bill, who had dashed his head against stone When
he opened his eyes he prisoner with rope round
his neck.
He was given few minutes longer, to gather his
and realize what happen and his head
cleared his returned. Just the time of
grace expired the Tempeton party hard pace
up the canyon and Uncle Jacks stentorian voice
manded halt in the proceedings.
The story was soon told by Templeton himself.
"And here's the money Tarpey left with me. which
of must be returned those he took from
added the Rev. Thomas Wrightman.
There silence. Then there went up rollicking
thunder of laughter that echoed and eechoed against
the hills and down the CANYONS.
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