Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1919-09-30

| Copyright. 1919. by the Western News
paper Union.)
They had rounded up Jim Marsh at
last, and they were a stern, relentless
| crowd. He had been a pest, and a
troublesome customer generally, a law
and order influence was in the air,
and his audacity in coming straight
back to the vicinity of his misde-
| meanors showed an, incorrigibility
that BODIED Ill for reformation.
They were four In number, in tenn
porary camp, and Jim Lad hailed one
Of them casually in the dark away
| from the camp fire. Instantly the
man had recognized him, had grabbed
the bride of the horse Jim rode and
leyeled a revolver.
Hands up" he had ordered, and
thus Jim was led within radius of the
blazing logs. Every man there was
promptly on his feet, hand at the hip
pocket, but Jim coolly shrugged his
shoulders and said:
II won't try one to four, seeing that
you all have your shooting irons with
you ana me none.
That's the last horse you stole,
see," observed the leader of the
group.
Correct" nodded Jim promptly.
"He's Judge Elston's daughters horse.
l was on my way to return him TO
her."
A general cry of dersiOn greeted
this announcement.
Don't believe me, Ell? Well, I don't
blame you, but it's the truth. / got
mixed as to the exact road to Derby,
or you would never have had the
pleasure of stopping me. You look as
| IL 1t was that"
you are precisely right" came the
stern reply of the leader. ''Tie him TO
that tree yonder, men. 1t will be two
hours before we move on for Chip
perton."
'For where" queried Jim sharply,
culver of concern in his tones.
For Chipperton. Where did you
suppose we were going to take you?"
ITO Derby. Wasn't it there the
crime was committed? OF course it's
Jail for me, maybe hanging, but let 1t
be at Derby. men,"
'Yes, 1t will be hanging" said the
leader, "and to make sure of it we
won't trust your case to Derby
milk-andwater jury. Your class of
thievery has become altogether too
common In this county of late, and
We vigilantes are going to act"
Jim looked crestfallen. Reckless,
cool and boasting character that he
was. as two of the men proceeded to
tie him to tree Jim regarded them
anxiously, almost pleadingly.
"See here. fellows" he spoke. 81
have reason for wanting to be taken
to Derby. I've very important mes
sage. Maybe 1t means life or death,
to deliver to Mrs. Mabel Tuthill.
Can't you take me to Derby by way
of Chipperton? Come, now! Just let
me have half dozen words with the
judges daughter"
You're keen, Jim, but 1t won't work
In this case. You're just about slick
enough to get that tender-hearted
lady to plead for you. No, it's Chip
perton, straight and quick, and the
jury sets at daybreak."
"And the jumping of scene before
noon. so say your prayers!"
The leader came up to him finally,
lighted cigar in his mouth. You're
too slippery a customer to trust with
free hands, JIM" he said, but we
want to treat you right. II you're
hungry, one of the men shall feed
you. What you wantT
Il had good meal less than an
hour ago." responded Jim. There's
one thing you can do for me, though"
whats that?"
IF you have an extra cigar, light 1t,
put IL in my mouth, and Pm sure I'd
enjoy it."
Sure" nodded the other, and, see
Ing the captive safe and comfortably
disposed, he returned to his follows.
why, he's gonew yelled one Of the
men, as they got ready to resume their
Journey.
"Yes, and the horse. too!' echoed
another, and then speedily they
mounted and started out to try and
pick up the trail of the fugitive.
They came upon him four hours
later, mounted upon the stolen horse
and facing away from Derby, and
Mrs. Tuthill by his side. The men
touched their, hats to her but sur
rounded Jim.
"We1l have to take this man for
stealing your horse" began the
leader.
THAT is not my horse" responded
Mrs. Tuthiii. Il have just given it to
him. Mr. Marsh went away on him
two months ago and has returned
after executing a mission which has
resulted in lifelong happiness for me-"
The astounded vigilantes drew back
dumfounded and dismayed. The
word OF lady like Mrs. Tuthill could
not be gainsaid. Jim grinned COM
fortably. He and Mrs. Tuthill were
bound for quite distance Jim had
really stolen the horse, but later In
jured by a fall, was &red for by Rob-
ert Tuthill. The latter had got into
bad ways. had deserted his wife, but
was living In voluntary exile away
from his old companions. In turn. he
| became i'll and was nursed by Jim,
| who. learning his story, was now the
means of imparting TO Mrs. Tuthill
| that a penitent. redeemed husband
awaited her forgiveness with love and
/ contrition.