Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1915-01-29

ready. lie cursed the maddened Mex
can and grasped vigas by the arm.
"Stop your men, he implored
Don't let them fire n shot or we are
lust!"
II was too late. Passions long re-
strained now broke out. and within n
minute battle was raging between
the walls ~ the gulch.
The miners had the advantage. They
fought from the shelter OF their own
cabins. and they were united by
common purpose. Their attackers
were 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 a surprise
for both parties
After consultation with his advisers
IN the county seat he had appealed to
he governor on the ground that as one
Of the opposing forces was Mexican
be felt that superior authority shouli
handle so delicate a situation. The
governor had agreed and ordered
troop OF cavalry to the Master Key"
TO preserve order. II was just when
Wilkerson bad seen his chance for q
grand coup that the troopers arrived.
Ruth. with some OF the women. had
taken refuge I'm Johns house on the
hill. with old Tom ZANE as their body
guard. Wilkersoa knew that II he
could capture Ruth he could make his
own terms. He directed several OF his
men 10 make a detour around the hill
and effect this. Meanwhile he set fire
TO a cabin below In order to distract
the attention OF DOrr and his men.
The ruse had nearly succeeded but
for Kane's quickness. Though he had
not used his gun for many years. he
had lost none OF his old time skill, ana
when the marauders made their final
dash on the porch OF the house the
cook, with a single glance over his
shoulder. shot from the hip. His man
tumbled dead at Ruth's feet, and his
companions sneaked back.
At that instant the cavalry rushed
In. and before five minutes were passed
their commander had separated the
combatants and proceeded to disarm
them.
lie then called Dorr and wilkerson
TO him and curtly stated that bis or
iers 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 state
ment of Whkerson's crimes. Including
the kidnapping Of Ruth In San Fran.
cisco.
IF you have anything against VII.
kerson." the sheriff asserted. "swear
out a warrant for him. I'll serve 1t
quick enough"
With this John must perforcs be sat |
ished. but after conference with |
Kane 1t was agreed that the latter |
should go to the county seat and make |
formal complaint and procure a war.
rant for Wilkerson's arrest on the |
ground OF forgery.
You and ! know those deeds he
hourishes aren't genuine" John said |
earnestly. Let's make It an issue and |
try II In court At any rate. wen bs
rid Of him for awhile"
Il know you're right" the old cook |
assented heartily. I'm be OF today.
With these troopers around the greas.
ers won't dare do anything openly.
But keep your eyes open, Johnl They
win sneak something across II they
can"
Trust me for that" was the reas-
suring response.
But when Kane had gone Dorr re-
allied that he was in a nasty predica-
ment WilkerSnn was desperately play.