The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1915-02-24

ners at tile first appearance Of Wilker-
son that there might be trouble brew
ing, but that the first blow must come
from the other side.
Boys" said the old cook. "you
know the sheriff. He's listened to
both sides. and he don't rightly know
which is the one to take. Bot ons
thing is certain-he's got to keep ordes
ana protect human life and our prop
erty. If those fellows make wrong
move we've got the sheriff on our side.
See?"
They had seen the point with many
mutterings. They had quietly prepar-
ed themselves for just the occasion
which the AIexican's act now gave. As
the bandit pulled his arm back with
the watch in his hand revolver crack
ed. and the arm fell shattered to his
side. And as Wilkerson glanced fu-
| riously about. him he saw the camp
ready. He cursed the maddened Next
can and grasped vigas by the arm.
"Stop your men" he implored.
Don't let them fire a shot or we are
lost"
1t was too late. Passions long re-
strained now broke out. and within
minute battle was raging between
the walls Of the gulch.
The miners had the advantage. They
fought from the shelter Of their own
cabins, and they were united by a
common purpose. Their attackers
we're scattered. were divided between
lust for loot and thirst for blood and
had no sure refuge nor rendezvous.
Yet they would eventually have made
the camp untenable had not the
thoughtful sheriff prepared 4 surprise
for both parties.
After consultation with his advisers
in the county seat lie had appealed to
the governor on the ground that us one
of the opposing forces was Mexican
be felt that superior authority should
handle 10 delicate situation. The
governor had agreed and ordered q
troop Of cavalry to the Master Key"
to preserve order 1t was just when
Wilkerson had seen his chance for a
grand coup that the troopers arrived.
Ruth, with some Of the women. had
taken refuge in Johns house on the
hill, with old Tom Kane us their body
guard. Wilkerson knew that II he
could capture Ruth he could make his
own terms. He directed several OF his
men to make det0ur around the hill
and effect this. Meanwhile he set fire
to a cabin below fl order to distract
the attention of Dorr and his men.
The ruse had nearly succeeded hut.
for Kanes quickness. Though he had
not used his gun for many years. he
had lost none Of his old time skill, and
when the marauders made their final
dash on the porch Of the house the
cook. With single glance over his
shoulder. shot from the hin. His man
tumbletl dead at Ruth's feet, and his
companions speaked back.
At that instant the cavalry rushed
in. and before five minutes were passed
their commander had separated the
c0mbatants and proceeded to disarln
them. -, e-,s
He then called Dorr and Wilkerson
to him and CURLY stated that his or
ders were to see that there was no
trouble. what your quarrel is don't
Know" he said.
Wilkerson tried to argue. but neither
the officer nor the sheriff. who now ar
rived. would listen to him. They also
turned deaf ear to John DORIS stateS
ment Of Wilkerson's crimes. including
the kidnapping Of Ruth in San Fran
cisco.
If you have anything against Will
kerson." the sheriff asserted. "swear
out Il warrant for him. I'll serve it
quick enough"
With this John must perforce be sat
isfied. but after conference with
Kane it was agreed that the latter
should SO to the county seat and make
formal complaint and procure war.
rant for WiIkerson's arrest on the
ground Of forgery.
You and know those deeds he
Hourishes aren't genuine" John said
earnestly. Lets make it an issue aud
try it In court. At any rate, we'll be
rid of him for awhile"
Il know you're right" the old cook
assented heartily. "l'll be Off today.
With these troopers around the greas-
ers won't dare do anything openly.
But keep your eyes open. John! They
will sneak something across II they
can"
Trust me for that" was the rcas-
surfing response.
But when Kane had gone Dorr re-
allied that lie was III a nasty predica
ment. Wilkerson was desperately play