Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1919-12-12

Copyright. 1919, by the Western News
paper Unton-)
They had rounded up Jim Marsha a
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 INSIDE
meanors showed an incorrigibility
that BODIED Ill for reformation.
They we're four in number, in tenn
porary camp, and Jim had hailed n
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
leveled 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:
81 won't try one to four, seeing that
you all have your shooting irons with
you and me none"
That's the last horse you stole, /
see," observed the leader Of the
group.
Correct" nodded Jim promptly.
Hes Judge Elston's daughters horse.
I was on my way to return him to
her."
A general cry Of der1sion greeted
this announcement.
Don't believe me, Ell? Well, I don't
blame you, but it's the truth. l got
mixed as to the exact road to Derby,
or you would never have had the
pleasure Of stopping me. You look as
If 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 whereY' queried Jim sharply,
a culver of concern in his ones.
For Chipperton. Where did you
suppose we were going to take your"
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,"
Eyes, it will be hanging" said the
leader, land to make sure of it we
won't trust your case to a Derby
milk-and-water 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 Boosting character that he
was. as two of the men proceeded to
tie him to a tree Jim regarded them
~anxiously, almost p~leadingly.
"See here, fellows" he spoke. II
have reason for wanting to be taken
to Derby. I've a 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 ret
me have half a dozen words with the
judges daughter"
You're keen, Jim, but it won't work
IL this case. You're just about slick
enough to get that te~nder-hearted
lady to plead for you. No. it's Chip
perton, straight and quick, and the
jury sets at d~aybreak.'
And the jumping of scene before
noon, so say your prayersT
The leader came up to him finally.
q lighted cigar in his mouth. You're
too slippery a customer to trust with
free hands, Jim," he said, but we
wan to treat you right. If you're
hungry. one Of the men shall feed
you. What you wantF"
II had a good meal less than an
hour ago." responded Jim. There's
one thing you can do for me, though"
whats that?'
eff you have an extra cigar. light II,
put it in my mouth, and I'm 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 goneI" yelled n Of the
men. as they got ready to resume their
Journey.
"Yes, and the horse, too" echoed
another, and then speedily they
mounted anu SIdFLeu Out 10 IT, dAu
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.
well have to take this man for
stealing your horse" began the
leader.
That Is not my horse" responded
Mrs. Tuthill. 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 v~igilantes drew back
d~umfounded and d~ismayed. The
word of a lady like Mrs. Tuthill could