New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-12-21
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR DECEMBER Il. 1911,

counter with Iarpey the clergyman conscience was
suggesting 50 many troubling questions that he elt he
must get by himself and threSh the entire matter over
before deciding what TO do.
When Wrightman entered his adobe he was astounded
TO find on his table pile OF gold and silver CON- by
which lay 4 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. IARPEY
Puzzled the clergyman stared at the money which
amounted TO a couple Of hundred dollars. What could
it all mean Had AIescal Bill been touched by grace'
Was this his thankofferng for having been checked
in his career OF sin,
As he was still meditating he heard the ga'oping
Of many horses and soon the posse swept down the
road without stopping Someone shouted:
Padre pray for the soul Of Mescal Bill"
Utterly bewildered, Wrghtman stood motioness for
several minutes. Then he heard a solitary ho-cman
coming At 4 hard gaop. He ran into the road and
waved his arms. The rider drew up with a violence
that nearly stood the horse on its hind legs
Did the posse go by here he shouted
"Yes-if it posse. What's the trouble
"Mescal Bill held up the Morning Star and the boys
are going to get him and string him up Were K Of
them tinhorn gamblers and their crooked gawes-and
this cuss held up his own friends
Wrightman stood stock still for a second or $50, and
then in flash full understanding came to hu.-or 50
he considered. He had made MeScal Bill destitute and
desperate by robbing him and driving him from he
in the generosity Of his brave if laveSS he had
wished share the fruits of that crime with he
who had unwttingly driven him to it. tn hiking
God that he had a strong horse to ride the clergy
man rode as he had never ridden in his lie 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
was standing by the gate, white and frightened.
"Wherc in the world are YOU of TO- Padre. cried
Uncle Jack in establishment.
Wrightman poured out his story, as Tenplc.an and
the cowmen gathered about him. a mighty laugh
up fromall The old catteman leaned in hi, saddle
and Smotc the young great blow the sh .uder.
And of the locoed galootS hereabouts say YOU
have no nerve, Padre! And you stick up Mescal Bill.
and he sticks up the Morning Star even up and help
your play Come on, Boys. Whoop-e-el We sure can't
hang Tarpey after this"
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 a changeo OF
luck. Soon after passing the Templeton ranch
his horse had stepped loose rock and Spranci an
ankle which delayed his progress that he heard the
posse behind him he struck the steep trail leading to
the pass over the Mustang Ridge. Squirting his horse
at the wrong moment. the wild start of the animal
caused it to twist the injured foot and come down IN
heavy fall 1t scrambled up again; but not Alcsca
Bill, who had dashed his head against a stone. When
he opened his eyes he prisoner with rope round
his neck.
He was given few minutes longer. to gather his
senses. and realize what happen and his head
cleared 50 his nerve returned. Just the time OF
grace expired the Tempeton party at a hard pace
up the canyon and Uncle Jacks stentorian voice
mandcd 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 to those he took it from
added the Rev. Thomas Wnghman