Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1919-10-02

1Hey ndQ ROUNDED up jim MdFSn Ill
last, and they were a stern, relentless
crowd. He had been 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 i'll for reformation.
They were four in number, in tenn
porary camp, and Jim had hailed one
of them casually in the dark away
from the camp fire. Instantly tie
man had recognized him, had grabbed
the bride of the horse Jim rode and
leveled a revolver.
Hands up!' he had ordered, and
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
/ was on my way to return him to
her."
A general cry of derision greeted
this announcement.
"Don't believe "a Ell? Well, I don't
blame you, but it's the truth. I got
mixed as to the exact road to Derby
or you would never have had the
pleasure Of stopping me. You look as
if it was that
"You are precisely right" came the
stern reply of the leader cite him to
that tree yOnder, men. 1t will be two
hours before we move on for Chip
perton.'
"For where?'' queried Jim sharply
a culver of concern in his tones.
"For Chipperton. Where did you
suppose we were going to take your
''To Derby. Wasn't it there the
crime was committed? OF course it's
jail for me, maybe hanging, but let il
be at Derby, men,"
eyes, it will be hanging" said the
leader, "and to make sure of it we
won't trust your case to Derby
milk-and-water jury. Your class OF
thievery has become altogether toe
common in this county = late, and
we vigilantes are going to act.''
Jim looked crestfallen. Reckless,
I cool and Boosting 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 a very important mes
sage. Maybe it 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 a dozen words with the
judges daughter"
you're keen, Jim, but It 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 off scene before
noon, so say your prayers ~
The leader came up to him finally,
a 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. If you're
hungry one Of the men shall feed
you. What you want?"
II had a good meal less than an
hour ago." responded jim. "There's
one thing you can do for me, though"
"What's that?"
IF you have an extra cigar, light it,
put ii 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 gomez yelled one of the
men, as they got ready to resume their
journey.
"Yes, and the horse, tool" 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.
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 1t 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 a lady like Mrs. Tuthill could
not be gainsaid. Jim grinned com
fortably. He and Mrs. TuthiIl were