Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1919-02-21


like, poultrified, be-poodIed object he
was-burred and sheathed In rumpled
gray feathers from his hair to his
heels. The sight and smell Of him
scared the horses. There were tufts
Of feathers over his ears and on his
chin. They had found great joy In
spelling that arlstocratlc livery in
which he had arrived.
Then came poor Purvis. They had
just begun to apply the tar and feath-
ers to him when Curtis had stopped
the process. He had only a shaking
ruff of long feathers around his neck.
They lifted the runaways into their
saddles. Purvls started Off at gaIop,
shouting "Come on, Bart" but they
stopped him.
'Don't be in hurry, young feller."
said one Of the Indians and then there
was another roar Of laughter.
"Go back to yer work now" Curtis
shouted, and turning to me added:
"You ride along with me and let our
feathered friends follow u.s."
So we started up the road on our
way back to Cobleskill. Our guide left
us at the town line some three miles
beyond.
Latcur was busy picking his arms
and shoulders. Presently he took of
his feathered coat and threw 1t away,
saying:
They'll have to pay for this. Every
one O. those jackrabblts will have to
settle with me-"
you brought 1t on yourself" l said.
You ran away from me and got us all
into trouble by being too smart. You
tried to be a fool and succeeded be-
yond your expectation"
1t was dark when left my COM
panions In Cobleskill. l changed my
clothes and had my supper and found
Judge Westbrook In his home and re-
ported the talk with Curtis and our
adventure and my view Of the s'tua-
ton back In the hills. / observed that
he gave the latter a cold welcome.
Il shall send the sheriff and a
posse" he said with troubled look.
pardon me, but 1 think 1t will make
bad matter worse" I answered.
I'VE must not forget that the pa
troons are our clients" he remarked.
l yielded and went on with my work.
In the next week or so 1 satisfied my
self of the rectltude of my opinions.
Then came the most critical point in
my history-a conflict with Thrift and
Fear on one side and Conscience on
the other.
The judge raised my salary. want
ed the money, but every day would
have to lend my help, directly or lndl-
rectly, to the prosecution Of claims
which 1 could not believe to be just.
My heart went out of my work. / be-
gan to fear myself. For weeks 1 had
not the courage to take issue with the
learned judge.
One evening 1 went to his home de-
ternlned to put an end to my unhap-
piness After u little talk told him
frankly that l thought the PATRONS
should seek a friendly settlement with
their tenants.
"WhyT he asked.
Because their position is unjust,
un-American and untenable," was my
answer.
He rose and gave me his hand and
smile of forbearance in consldera-
ton Of my youth, as 1 took 1t.
l left much irritated and spent a
sleepess night In the course Of which
1 decided to cling to the ideals of Da-
vid Hoffman and Silas Wright.
In the morning l resigned my place
0nd asked to be relieved as soon as
the convenience of the Judge would
allow 1t. He tried to keep me with
gentle persuasion and higher pay, but
/ was firm. Then wrote long letter
to my friend the senator.
Again l had chosen my way and with
due regard to the compass.
CONTINUED Next Week