White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1932-09-01
THE DESERTS PRICE

dragged him up to the top step. "Now
tell us yore idea of what's the right
thing to d." he ordered.
We'll, he's guilty, amt he? What's
the use oratin' about it?"
I'm talkln' about trial. You say
hang him first an try him afterward.
Is that giving him a square deal?"
did he give poor Tom square
deal?" the man asked doggedly.
"That's what we're here to find out.
How about the time you were arrested
for blotting the Circle Lazy 81 brand :
Would you have enjoyed being hung
first an tried afterward?"
A laugh went up at Browns ex-
pense. Better give him a trial. I
reckon" he conceded sullenly, caught
in trap from which there was no
escape.
When Mccain appealed to the
amused crowd few moments later
his suggestion was carried by a large
vote. After all, there would be more
entertainment in trying the Texan
before they hanged him.
A committee was appointed to guard
the prisoner when he should be
brought out, after which Peter Nc
Cam went to the jan alone, waving
white handkerchief.
The deputy sheriff admitted him.
Mccain followed the officer to the
room where Stone, Yerby, and Wilson
were waiting. He explained tie facts
briefly.
Rand shook his head. "No, sir,
alat givin' up my prisoner to be tried
by any mob. If you want him you'll
have to come an take him.
GLOW about it?" asked the ranch
man, appealing to Stone. II named
the committee that will guard you.
Good men, all Of 'em. They'll stand
put. Question is, have you got case
good enough to stand a fair trial?
But I'll tell you this straight: it's that
or lynching, and you take yore choice"
II killed him because he needed
killing. I'm willing to stand trial on it
any time. Tha's why gave myself
up" the Texan said quietly.
Seems to be up to you, then, Mike"
the older Mccain said bluntly. "Will
you bring him out for trial? Or shall
we break in an get him."
The deputy surrendered. "All right.
I'll bring him out, but I'll be beside
him all the time"
huge bonfire had been lit in the
square and by the light Of 1t Stone
was tried. Fletcher, the only lawyer
IN the town, acted as Judge after a for
NAL protest against vigilante proceed
ings. A cattleman named Haskell
prosecuted. Peter Mccain called upon
someone to offer himself as attorney for
the defendant.
After pause his son Wilson spoke.
II reckon I'm no lawyer, but If Dave
will stand for me I'll do my best"
The Texan nodded imperturbably.
"Suits me-"
There were only five witnesses. Jas
per Stark and Gitner released from
solitary confinement, told Of finding
the body and Of Stones suspicious ac-
lions. Wilson cross examined them
very briefly, asking the same questions
of each.
"Did you mention yore suspicious to
anyone then or later?"
Both Of the witnesses remembered
Que or two to whom they had spoken
their doubts. but the persons named
were hangers-on at Pedros place, loaf
ers Of no reputation in the community.
IF you thought Stone killed Tom
why did you tell Sheriff LIE Page about
Miss GifTord?" young Mccain asked
Jasper.
II figured she might be in it with
him. I hadn't thing to go on but sus-
picions," he growled.
"Have you anything more to go OH
now?"
HE up an confessed, didn't hep
"We'll hear his story. I'm askin'
you for yours now" Wilson cut back
CURLY.
'Well, he'd told us he was allowin'
to bump off Tom on account Of being
jealous Of him."
when did he tell you that?"
Several times"
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