Evening journal., 1915-02-04

lhs eye and hidef the plans In the idol
ers breaks out in The snip. causing hgh
I'm simply a peace officer" the
sheriff said finally. II don't know
who's in the right That's for the
court to decide
wasn't ] In possession" demanded
Wiikerson. Haven't I been driven
out by force. me and my workmen?"
From what I've seen Of your work
men," was the curt response. 81 don't
like their looks And there are tales
going around that vigas Is in the
country"
How can I help who's in the coun
try7' demanded Wilkerson. much in
jured That's your lookout, not mine
All I'm asking FOR is protection"
The sheriff departed without giving
him any satisfaction, and Wilkerson
determined that he would act The
Mexicans were getting restless, and
the sardonic Vigas hintcd sharply that
he was impatient.
"All right" Wilkerson agreed. "Wen
Just 60 down 10 the road in the morn.
ing and then wall,-into the camp.
Leave it TO me. I'll simply say I've
come back to take charge and you are
my miners
vigas twirled his wiry mustaches
"And then?"
The men looked each other in the
eye. That evil glance was sufficient
John Dorr and Tom Kane. mean
while. had been in constant consulta
ton. One thing was constantly I'm theii
thoughts.
Ruth oughtn't TO be here" JohI
would say dismally. "lf It weren't 70
her we could quickly settle these out
laws. for that's all they are
y re"kon nobody would cry at tn
tna mo cook returned, ~ we di
w Of them But. as you sa!
rue girl is here, and that puts fightin
ont OF the question. Unless they stai
It. he added cautiously.
"Wilkerson IS bound to make som
kind Of n move mighty soon." sal
Dorr. He can't satisfy those fellow
OF his for long"
Yet when Wilkerson appeared at tn
entrance TO the camp one mornin
with a motley train OF followers Dor
was at a loss to know what to Dc
Wikerson was apparently peacefr
and expected peaceful reception
His boldncss ID almost carried hiI
through when the ignorance and CT
pidity Of one of Nigas' men gave job
and Kane the sorely wished for opei
ing.
The Mexican peered into the wiz
dow Of one Of the cabins and saw
gold watch on the table. Instantly
broke the glass with the butt Of hi
carbine and reached IN for his booty
Dorr and Kane had warned the m
ners at the FIRST appearance Of Wilke
son that there might be trouble brew
ing. but that the first blow must con
from the other side.
BOYS" said the old cook, "yc
know the sheriff. He's listened
both sides. and he don't rightly kno
which is the one to take. But oI
thing is certain-he's got to keep ord
and protect human life and our pro
erty. II those fellows make a wror
move we've got the sheriff on our sid
Seer
They had seen the point, with man
mutterings. They had quietly prepa
ed themselves for just the occasio
which the Mexican's act now gave.
the bandit pulled his arm back wit
the watch in his hand a revolver cracl
ed. and the arm fell shattered 10 h
side And as Wilkerson glanced r
riously about him be saw the can
ready. He cursed the maddened Mex
can and grasped Vigas by the arm.
"Stop your menw he implore
Don't let them ere a shot or we a
lost"
u was too late. Passions long 7
strained now broke out, and within
minute a battle was raging betwe
the walls ~ the gulch.
The miners had the advantage. Tn
fought from the shelter OF their oy
cabins. and they were united by
common purpose. Their attack
wsre scattered. were divided betwe
lust FOR loot and thirst for blood a
hal no sure refuge nor rendezvo
Yet they would eventually have ms
tie camp uutenable bad not
.houghfful sheriff prepared a snpr
for both parties.
After consultation with his advis
In the county seat be had appealed
the governor On the ground that as
n The opposing forces vas Mexil
be felt that superior authority she
handle 70 delicate a situation.
governor had agreed snd ordered
troop of cavalry 70 the Master X
20 preserve order n was just "
Wilkerson had seen bis chance 70
grand coup that the troopers arrive
Ruth, with some Of the women.
taken refuge in Johns house on
nill. with old Tom Kane a. their be
guard. Wilkerson knew thar n
could capture Ruth he could make
own terms. He directed several Of
ueu 70 make q detour around the