The Washington times., 1915-05-31
The BLACK BOX
By E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM.
Continued From Yesterday

Continued From Yesterday
where's Long Jim?" the older one
asked.
their heads. A lariat, thrown with un-
| erring accuracy. had gathered them
both in its coil. With jerk they were
drawn close together, their hands
pinned to their side. Two cowboys
quickly disarmed them. Long Jim came
sauntering round from the other side of
the, range wagon. tightening the rope
as he walked.
Say, you've got hell of a nerve.
butting into a peaceable camp like this.
a-going to civilize US. eh?" Well. Mister
Harris. we can play that civilizing
game. too. Hey. boys. all together. tie
'em up against that wagon"
A dozen willing hands secured them.
The two men spluttered wildly, half in
anger, half in fear Of their tormentors.
but in few seconds they were secured
firmly against the canvas-topped wagon.
Nothings going to hurt you" Long
Jim showed fresh cartridges into his
forty-five. THAT Is. unless you're un-
lucky. Line up there. boys. one at
time now. Bud. you and Tim and Dough
head give them guys singe. their
hairs getting too long, The rest of you
boys just content yourselves doing
fancy decoration on the canvas all
tention to trimming them luSshuriant
whiskers, Mister Harris is a-sporting.
All ready now-one. two. three let EN-
whistle!" ,.-
veil as several bullets sung by their
whoa, old horse,' drawled Long
Jim. Flies bothering you some, eh
Sit easy, sit easy. Too dangerous hop
ping around that way. You might stick
yourselves right in the way Of one of
them spitbal!s. Some nerve tonic, this.
A. X. X Ranch brand. ready to serve
at all hours. cheap at half the price.
All, ha, pretty near shaved your upper
lip that time. didn't ]. Mister Harris.
My hands a bit unsteady, what with
all the excitement hereabouts. Say, put
stem on that chrysanthemum you're
doing Cotton-too."
| terror, ridiculous In their trussed up
state motionless and strained. crouched
| in terror while the bullets passed all
around them. Inspector French tapped
Long Jim on the shoulder
Look here" he demonstrated, you're
| looking for trouble You cant treat
the representatives of the law like
Long Jim turned slowly around. His
| po.iteness was ominous.
Say, You got me scared" he re-
piled. Am l going to be hung?"
THE law must be respected" French
| said firmly. Unite those men,"
| Long Jim scratched his head for a
| moment
Say, Mr.. Inspector" he remarked
| you're fine man in your way, but
You weigh too much.that,s what's the
matter with you. Boys" he added
turning. around, what's the best ex-
ercise for reducing fiesh?"
Dancing. they shouted
| Long Jim grinned. He fell a little
back. Suddenly he lowered his gun and
shot into the ground, barely an inch
from French's feet. The inspector leap
ed into the air.
"Once more, boys" the cowboy went
little higher next time. You barely
cleared that one"
The bullets buried themselves in the
dust around the inspectors feet. FUN
ing with anger. French found himself
continuously forced to jump. The two
watched with something that was al
most like grin upon their faces
Laura. protesting loudly, was Obliged
more than once TO look away to hid'
smile. Jim at last slipped his guI
into his holster
he declared. Unite the guys with III
warrant and bring out the bottle o
rye. Say" he went on. addressing tn
deputies as they struggled to their feet
| "and you. Mr.. New Yorker. Is 1t to b
friends and drink. or do you want
| QuRrrel7"
The deputies were very thirsty. TIL
| French's forehead. They all looked p
one another. Laura whispered i
| French's ear and he nodded.
We'll call 1t a drink" he decided.
! The hunted man turned around with