The state herald., 1914-03-13
CHAPTER X.
Rates Narrative.

Rdte's Narrative.
At Hundred Mile House the long
table had been removed from the din
ing hall. the benches set back to the
log walls. and at the head Of the room
an enormous Union Jack draped a
very small portrait Of Queen Victoria.
Beneath was the chair. in front Of 1t
a table set with writing materials and
the Bible, while at one end the school
ma'am looked very self-conscious as
clerk. in official black. with large red
bows like signals of distress.
On the right sat Iron Dale, Jesse, and
myself. and all our posse. very III at
ease. On the left we're two gaunt
American stockmen, both wearing
hats. while one had the star Of a
United States marshal Beside them
sat the general public. consisting Of
fearful George. two ranch-hands, an
Indian. and the captains bulldog.
Wee James. the captains grandson.
sat with the dog at first. but pres
emily he interrupted the court to say
that he would like to sit on me. He
sat with considerable weight for SO
small a person.
At Captain Taylor's entrance the
constable ordered US all to stand. At
sight OF the two strangers he mount
cd . single eyeglass. and stared with
growing wrath until they removed
their hats. Then. taking the chair.
he permitted us to be seated and or.
dered his constable to Bring tho
prisoners aft"
Had our cnptives been washed and
brushed. they might not have looked
so wretched or SO guilty. Old O'Flynn.
described by Jesse as whiskers. with
his head In n blood-stained bandage,
his right hand In a CORY handkerchief.
looked so III that he was given a seat
The Mexican. whose beautiful leather
dress. and soft dark eyes reminded
me sharply Of the opera.house.
seemed like trapped wolf. only
thinking Of escape TO the nearest
woods. Bull Durham's swaggering
Eallmtry was marr.d by obvious
traces OF a black eye.
Prisoners" said our justice OF the
peace. laying his hand on the Bible.
'':his book contains the only law
snow. I'm not here as Judge or law.
yer. but as one OF Her Majesty's on.
GERS trusted to do the sporting thing.
and to deal fairly and sQuarely with
three innocent men who have the
misfortune to be charged with crime.
You've only to prove to me that
you're innocent. and | have power
To let you 20 free. But ! warn you
10 tell the truth"
Seems n square deal. Cap" said
whiskcrs.
''It is square deal. Now. would
you like TO have some one OF your
countrymen as prisoners friend!"
Whiskers looked reproachfuily Mt
the United States marshal who de.
manded his extrndition. and the rep
resentativc OF stock associations who
offered fabulous rewards for his body
dead or alive"
wall" hs drawled. mot exactly"
You other prisoners. DO you nc.
eept this man as your spokesman 7"
''si. scnor."
That's all right" said Bull.
Prisoner o'Flynn. you are charged
with assaultins n woman, you othcu
with aiding and abetting. Guilty or
not Euiltyr'
ITS n fact" said whisksrr sadly.
"and all three OF US wishes to say
what's got TO bc said"-hc drew him.
scif up to his full heisht-"by gentle,
meni We tried TO forco lady to
xive hor husband away. She shaincd
us. and we honors Mrs. Smith for
what shc done. She told US to 20 to
blasos. Yes. siri We just owns up
that we'rc guilty as hell. as tho best
way OF showing our respect"
"Gontiemen." Captain Taylor spoke
very gently. Il understand that you.
o'F1ynn. received two wounds In pun.
ishmcnt. and that two Of your com.
rades were killed by the men who
avenged thin affront Ia that true1'
"it's n fact"
The verdict OF tho court IL. not
guilty
but prisoner. your confession
proves tho right OF tho settlers 10
organize for defense OF the settle.
.aent until 'ho constable could ~