45 chapters
12 hour read
Selected Chapters
45 chapters
DEDICATED TO MY OLD SWEETHEART
DEDICATED TO MY OLD SWEETHEART
My sweetheart of the long ago— With rosy cheeks and raven hair— Sang lullabies so soft and low, All joyous was the rhythmic air. Though other links with luckless fate Have brought me bruises bathed in tears, From childhood up to man’s estate Her love has held me all the years. Our ties grow fonder, day by day, While graces, all, in her combine. Oh, love! make good and glad the way Where walks this sweetheart—Mother mine. CONTENTS THEME BUELL HAMPTON CHAPTER I.—AT LAKE GENEVA CHAPTER II.—A CHANCE
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER I.—AT LAKE GENEVA
CHAPTER I.—AT LAKE GENEVA
I T was only a game of tennis that brought on this affair of love’s entanglement. Ethel Horton, with rich, maidenly flushes on her soft cheeks, played as she had never played before—played and won. Athletic suppleness and vivacious buoyancy were emphasized in every movement of this intense American girl. With heightened color, she contested the game, point by point. It was thrilling sport, and her clever opponent was Lenox Avondale, an Englishman. And while this exciting neck and neck game was i
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER II.—A CHANCE MEETING
CHAPTER II.—A CHANCE MEETING
W HEN Ethel returned to her mother after dressing for dinner, her tennis suit had been exchanged for an airy lace dress of soft material and such complete simplicity that it set off her youthful form to the very best advantage. “By the way, mamma, Lady Avondale is the other Englishwoman stopping at the hotel. She and the Countess Berwyn are traveling together.” “Lady Avondale!” exclaimed the mother, “did you say Lady Avondale? My dear friend, Lady Avondale!” “How charmingly fortunate,” lisped Mr
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER III.—A DECLARATION
CHAPTER III.—A DECLARATION
L ADY AVONDALE was very gracious to the Americans, flattering their vanity by presenting them to the Countess of Berwyn. On the Following day, much to their gratification, she introduced them to her son, Dr. Lenox Avondale. Doctor Avondale was, in fact, a rather distinguished personage. He was perhaps forty years of age, and while not an especially brilliant conversationalist, he talked quite fluently of the race-track, the chase, and kindred topics. Of the English army he knew much, having been
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IV.—THE DEPARTURE
CHAPTER IV.—THE DEPARTURE
W HEN Mrs. Horton and Mrs. Osborn learned from the messenger boy that Ethel was with Doctor Redfield their agitation became apparent. They agreed that the best thing to be done was to hasten their departure from Lake Geneva. They wisely decided not to mention the affair to Ethel; but they determined to be more careful and observant of her in the future. Before retiring, they determined to start for the Southwest on the following day. Lady Avondale was blandly polite, and she assured Mrs. Horton
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER V.—A FRONTIER BANKER
CHAPTER V.—A FRONTIER BANKER
M EADE, Kansas, was at that time almost a typical western frontier town, situated some forty miles southwest of Dodge City—the nearest railroad station—and on the western bank of a small stream known as Crooked Creek. It had then a population of three or four thousand people, and was an important commercial centre for ranchmen and cattlemen. When Hugh Stanton arrived on the old four-horse stage-coach from Dodge City, late one afternoon, he found himself covered with dust and almost exhausted fro
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VI.—MAJOR BUELL HAMPTON
CHAPTER VI.—MAJOR BUELL HAMPTON
M AJ. BUELL HAMPTON, editor and proprietor of the Patriot , called at the bank one morning and was introduced to Hugh by Captain Osborn. “I am indeed delighted,” said the major, as he extended his hand, “to meet any one who is Captain Osborn’s friend. The captain and I were both for humanity during the late unpleasantness, acting our parts, however, in different ways; and now we are neighbors and friends, both believing in the same government and respecting the same flag, although I must say we
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VII.—THE CATTLE KING
CHAPTER VII.—THE CATTLE KING
H UGH STANTON had now been in Meade about a month, and was well pleased with his new position. Money poured in from the East for investment, and seemed as free as water among the people. Deposits continually increased in the bank, while the ruling rates of interest were very high. Investments were quickly turned and immense dividends declared and sent on to the Eastern capitalists, who in turn became intoxicated with the desire for more of these large profits, and consequently sent back their mo
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VIII.—A COMMITTEE OF FIVE
CHAPTER VIII.—A COMMITTEE OF FIVE
T HE Barley Hullers’ Association was a secret society made up principally of tried and true members of the Farmers’ Alliance. It had been founded by Maj. Buell Hampton, who was district organizer of the Farmers’ Alliance in southwestern Kansas. It was said that the primary incentive of the farmers thus associating themselves together was to prevent the excessive prices which they were compelled to pay for articles purchased, and to raise the ruling prices which they had been forced to accept for
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IX.—AN AFTERNOON DRIVE
CHAPTER IX.—AN AFTERNOON DRIVE
H UGH STANTON was not only a successful, hard-working young man of affairs, but he possessed innate refinement and gentleness. Scrupulously honorable himself, he frequently gave others credit for higher and more manly attributes than they really possessed. His unusually dark hair and fair skin would cause the most casual observer to turn and look at him a second time. His small feet and hands and tapering fingers suggested effeminacy; but Hugh Stanton was not effeminate, for his heart was strong
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER X.—HOME OF THE HORTONS
CHAPTER X.—HOME OF THE HORTONS
J OHN HORTON had erected his home upon a little hill overlooking a lake that had been made by damming the Manaroya. More than twenty acres of placid water were within its shores. Rising back of the house—which, of itself, was palatial—was a picturesque hill, much higher than the one upon which had been built the residence. This hill was covered with heavy forest trees that stretched away to the north. The grounds about the Horton country home were laid out as artistically as a city park. A wide,
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XI.—DADDY’. CONSENT
CHAPTER XI.—DADDY’. CONSENT
E THEL HORTON remained on the veranda watching Mrs. Osborn’s carriage as it disappeared in the gathering darkness. Her mother complained of fatigue and retired to her room. In reply to an inquiry from her father, Ethel said: “Oh, yes, daddy, I like Mr. Stanton very much. He is quite interesting. I think your tastes and mine are much alike anyway, don’t you?” “I think they are,” replied the cattle king, gallantly, “although it is a compliment to me, rather than to you, my little girl.” Ethel laug
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XII.—KANSAS PROHIBITION
CHAPTER XII.—KANSAS PROHIBITION
O NE evening, not very many days after Hugh’s visit to the Horton family, he happened to meet Linus Lynn, the justice of the peace. Linus Lynn not only discharged the duties of village squire, but he was also engaged in the land, loan, and insurance business. He introduced himself to Hugh in the most matter-of-fact way, by saying that he had been intending, for some time, to do himself the honor of calling at the bank and getting acquainted. “But business, you know, Mr. Stanton, is a very jealou
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIII.—MAJOR HAMPTON’. LIBRARY
CHAPTER XIII.—MAJOR HAMPTON’. LIBRARY
W HEN Hugh told Captain Osborn of his conversation with Judge Lynn, the captain laughed. “And so he told you the country was going to the dogs, did he? Well, my boy, when Judge Lynn, as he is called, imbibes a few drinks of whiskey, he is fond of uttering prophecies of the nature you describe. He owes everybody in town. I would not be surprised if he would ask you for a loan of five or ten dollars before a week.” “Well, if he should,” asked Hugh, looking up, “would I be safe in letting him have
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIV.—THE SONG
CHAPTER XIV.—THE SONG
T HREE men stood on the veranda. “Why, how do you do?” said the major, “come in. I am very glad to see you.” Judge Linus Lynn, with his weather-beaten tile, Bill Kinneman, with his red eyes, and Dan Spencer, with his wobbling tooth, all stalked into the room. “Why, hello, pardner,” said Dan Spencer, as he caught sight of Hugh, “how d’ ye do?” They all shook hands. “We jist drapped in fur a minit, Major,” said Bill Kinneman, “to say hello. Did n’t know yer hed company, or we would n’t hev cum. He
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
“HOME AGAIN.”
“HOME AGAIN.”
“His Excellency, Maj. Buell Hampton, an old played-out politician, who edits a little five-by-nine sheet around the corner, known as the Patriot , has returned to the city. The editor of the World is not advised as to whether the old boodler has been away organizing a society of Farmers’ Alliance in some remote township, or a lodge of Barley Hullers. It is only a question of a short time until this illiterate decoy duck will slink from southwestern Kansas to pastures that are new.” During the fo
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
“AMENDE HONORABLE.”
“AMENDE HONORABLE.”
“At the solicitation of Lem. Webb, Esq., and on account of a promise of five dollars, I maliciously and wilfully permitted a libelous and untruthful item to appear in the columns of the World this morning, derogatory to the character of Mai. Buell Hampton. “This open letter is a public acknowledgment on the part of the editor of the World that he knew the item in question to be a malicious lie, at the time it was published, and he hereby publicly apologizes to Major Hampton. The editor further d
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVI.—THE OLD VIOLIN
CHAPTER XVI.—THE OLD VIOLIN
H UGH called at the Patriot office to congratulate the major on Fewer’s retraction. He found him in his den dictating an editorial to his daughter. Hugh was made welcome, not only by the major’s words, but also by Marie’s smile. “You see that my daughter is my amanuensis,” said the major. “She has mastered the pothooks of shorthand so thoroughly that she is able to report the speeches of our public men, although some of them are very rapid talkers. In addition to this she is the ‘typo’ of the Pa
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVII.—LENOX AVONDALE’. ARRIVAL
CHAPTER XVII.—LENOX AVONDALE’. ARRIVAL
A S the weeks wore into months, Hugh Stanton saw a great deal of the Hortons. The cattle king seemed drawn to Hugh by some strange attachment which he could not explain. Even Mrs. Horton began to feel a sense of security about Hugh’s presence at their home that she could not have believed possible a few months before. Perhaps she relied on Mrs. Osborn’s assurance that she would be responsible for Mr. Stanton’s non-interference with their plans for Ethel. Hugh had been thrown much in Ethel’s soci
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XVIII.—A LOVE SONG
CHAPTER XVIII.—A LOVE SONG
D OCTOR AVONDALE was comfortably lodged at the Osborn House. His haughty indifference and condescending politeness had undergone a marked change. He sought to cultivate an acquaintance with the townspeople, and his efforts were generously rewarded, for very soon he was on friendly terms with the best people of the town. He persistently sought to identify himself with the Hortons. It became generally understood that he was Ethel’s accepted suitor. They frequently went driving or horseback riding
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIX.—AN INVITATION TO JOIN
CHAPTER XIX.—AN INVITATION TO JOIN
A S Hugh Stanton walked along the street toward the hotel, after his call at Major Hampton’s house, he tried to analyze his feelings toward Ethel Horton. His conversation with Captain Osborn had filled him with a sense of responsibility and uneasiness. The assurance of Marie that Ethel did not take kindly to Lord Avondale was a confirmation of the captain’s assertion that she was not yet betrothed to the Englishman. Was it his duty and within his power to save Ethel Horton from a life of unhappi
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XX.—A DINNER AT THE HORTONS
CHAPTER XX.—A DINNER AT THE HORTONS
B ARLEY HULLERS,” mused Hugh, when he awoke the next morning, “composed of chosen spirits, with boutonnihres of barley heads as an insignia of rank. I doubt not that if I were engaged in agricultural pursuits I should join them. But why, I wonder, did Major Hampton solicit me to identify myself with the order? The more I see of the old major the more I admire him, notwithstanding the half mystery that seems a part of him, and the contradictory elements in nis nature. Let me see—I have decided to
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXI.—THE FOOT-RACE
CHAPTER XXI.—THE FOOT-RACE
T HE Saturday afternoon following the dinner at the Hortons’ and Lord Avondale’s departure, several ranchmen, cattlemen, and townspeople were seated on the veranda of the hotel. They had been discussing local politics and venturing opinions as to the probable result of the coming election. “I’m assoomin’ the only big money I’ve got to bet on the ‘lection,” said Bill Kinneman, “is on the proposition thet nobody kin tell fur sure jist how ‘t will come out. Mos’ every one’s jist guessin’ and strugg
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
“FIFTY-FIVE TRUE MEN.”
“FIFTY-FIVE TRUE MEN.”
“The remnant of the Spartan band numbers, all told, fifty-five souls. These do not glory in saying, ‘There are only a few of us left,’ but are bowed down in abject humiliation at the thought of the Pharisees and hypocrites, with whom, in the past, they have been associated. These traitors pledged their support at yesterday’s election. They sold out to the enemy—they have bartered their votes, their manhood, and their honor, like Judas of old, for a few pieces of silver. The bloated bondholder an
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
“LATER.”
“LATER.”
A few evenings after the election, Bill Kinne-man and Dan Spencer and their three committeemen associates met in the old mill to divide their booty. As it was not the regular night for the Barley Hullers’ meeting, they had no fear of being molested. “Say, Bill,” said one of the committeemen, “did you see the major’s editorial?” “See it,” replied Kinneman, in a surly tone, “I surely did. Waal, Spencer, speekin’ wide-open like,” he continued, “it’s dang near time we hed thet report made.” “All rig
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIII.—A FORGED LETTER
CHAPTER XXIII.—A FORGED LETTER
A LMOST a month had passed since Lord Avondale’s departure, and yet Hugh had not visited the Grove. He thought a great deal about Ethel, and he was conscious of a sense of relief now that the Englishman was gone. One evening, about this time, he determined to pay the Hortons a visit. His reception was most cordial, and he fancied that there was more than usual of the old-time animation in Ethel’s eyes. An opportunity came during the evening, when they were alone, but he did not improve it as he
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIV.—REVERSING THE HIGHER COURTS
CHAPTER XXIV.—REVERSING THE HIGHER COURTS
T HE evening after the mailing of that fatal letter to Dr. Jack Redfield, some one rapped on Hugh Stanton’s door. “Come in,” said Hugh, as he went on with his toilet. The door opened, and Judge Lynn walked in. The judge’s facial appearance gave evidence that he had just come from a barber shop. He frequently passed one hand over his smooth-shaven chin, as if to call attention to it. “Hello, Mr. Stanton,” said he, as he helped himself to a chair. “You’re dressin’ up like you might be goin’ somewh
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXV.—ALMOST A TRAGEDY
CHAPTER XXV.—ALMOST A TRAGEDY
I CAN’. speak for Captain Osborn,” said Marie, as she seated herself before the piano, “but I fear, Mrs. Osborn, that you misjudge Mr. Stanton.” “Oh, thank you,” said Hugh, bowing at the compliment. “Papa insists,” Marie went on, as she looked at Hugh with her laughing eyes, “that you are wonderfully appreciative, and, doubtless, critical.” “Indeed,” interposed Mrs. Osborn, with some surprise, “well, had I known that, I would have been more careful in the selections I played.” Marie turned to th
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVI.—REACHING A DECISION
CHAPTER XXVI.—REACHING A DECISION
T WO weeks had passed since the Osborn dinner. One morning the captain observed to Hugh, “My boy, have you been idling your time away, or can’t you decide?” “I don’t quite catch your meaning,” said Hugh, pleasantly. “Well, to be more explicit,” replied Captain Osborn, “you haven’t yet asked Ethel Horton to become your wife, have you?” Hugh’s face reddened, and he answered, slowly,’ “No, I have not.” “Perhaps you have changed your mind,” the captain went on. “Mrs. Osborn says you are desperately
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVII.—THE HOT WINDS
CHAPTER XXVII.—THE HOT WINDS
L ORD AVONDALE took up his residence, as before, at the Osborn Hotel. He called frequently at the Hortons’, and was also much in Mrs. Osborn’s society. The tongue of gossip was again beginning to wag. She and the Englishman renewed their relations afresh, and went on with a boldness that might almost cause one to doubt the truthfulness of the rumors. Lord Avondale’s self-conceit and audacity were more apparent than on his former visit. He felt sure that Ethel Horton would soon become his wife; a
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXVIII.—“THY WILL BE DONE”
CHAPTER XXVIII.—“THY WILL BE DONE”
A FEW days after the country had been devastated by the hot winds, Hugh met Major Hampton on the street. “Come on,” said the major, “I am going over to the Patriot office, and I want to have a talk with you.” “All right,” replied Hugh; “financially, I am ruined; and I now have more time on my hands than anything else.” On reaching the major’s den at the Patriot office, he turned to Hugh and said, “I can distinctly see, Mr. Stanton, that there’s something on your mind. Perhaps you’d like to ask m
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXIX.—JACK REDFIELD ARRIVES
CHAPTER XXIX.—JACK REDFIELD ARRIVES
C ATTLE Thieving and Its Punishment,” was the headline of an editorial written by Maj. Buell Hampton for the Patriot . This editorial, perhaps, brought its writer more subscribers from the cattlemen than any other one editorial ever published in southwestern Kansas. Notwithstanding this article and the wide notice it received, cattle thieving continued. John Horton estimated that he had lost, during the year, fully one hundred thousand dollars worth of beeves, while other cattlemen of less prete
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXX.—THE QUARREL
CHAPTER XXX.—THE QUARREL
M RS. HORTON was tireless in her devotion to Ethel. “The poor child,” said she to Mrs. Osborn, “needs a change—salt breeze and good old English air again, and then the color will come back to her cheeks.” “How charming it will be,” replied Mrs. Osborn, “to see jolly old England once more.” She was a little nervous as she spoke, and seemed ill at ease. She had called at the Hortons’, accompanied by Lord Avondale. Ethel begged to be excused, pleading weariness, and remained in her room. The Englis
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXI.—THE PASSING OF LORD AVONDALE
CHAPTER XXXI.—THE PASSING OF LORD AVONDALE
R EACHING the privacy of her room, Mrs. Osborn threw herself into a chair and cried. She felt relieved afterward and thought how foolish it was of her to have quarreled with Lord Avondale. Unlocking a small drawer of her writing-desk, she fondly scrutinized, with an absorbing and passionate glance, a late photograph of the blasi Englishman. “Yes,” she said aloud, “I was very rude to Lenox. But I will make amends. He shall come to-night, and we shall be friends again. Of course the dear fellow ca
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXII.—THE SILENCING OF GOSSIP
CHAPTER XXXII.—THE SILENCING OF GOSSIP
W HEN Lord Avondale had gone, Captain Osborn turned mechanically toward his wife. She stood before him, defiant and beautiful, like a tigress at bay, without defense or chance of escape. “Lucy,” said he, in resolute and yet sorrowful tones, “my very soul revolts at you. A pretty-faced woman whose purity is questioned is like a rose broken from its stem. We cannot use the one as a decoration and dare not trust the other as a companion.” She started to speak, but he motioned her to silence. “Expla
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXIII.—A RIDE AMONG SUNFLOWERS
CHAPTER XXXIII.—A RIDE AMONG SUNFLOWERS
W HEN Mrs. Horton learned of the flight of Lord Avondale and of the death of her friend, Lucy Osborn, she was prostrated with grief and chagrin. The Englishman had sent her a hastily-scrawled note, briefly stating that he released her daughter from their engagement, and that his immediate departure was of the greatest importance. A few mornings after this, Ethel asked her father if she might go with him on a trip that he had planned to the Cimarron River. “I just feel, daddy,” said she, “like ta
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXIV.—THE PRAIRIE-FIRE
CHAPTER XXXIV.—THE PRAIRIE-FIRE
A KANSAS prairie is a veritable inland sea. From Meade to the northwest a broad expanse of buffalo-grass lands stretched away for many miles, almost as level as the top of a table, without even a single gully or rill to break its tiresome monotony. Often, at night, I have walked along some quiet roadway far into the country, listening to the silence that enveloped me. Sometimes the very air that, seemingly, pulsed with monotonous stillness, would be startled by the sharp, quick bark of a wolf in
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXV.—A BUCKING BRONCO
CHAPTER XXXV.—A BUCKING BRONCO
T HE great fire left nothing in its trail but ruin and hunger. The farmers were, indeed, in sad circumstances. Want and misery were in reality glaring at the people with gaunt and hollow eyes. The spring sunshine and rain had clothed the landscape in brilliant green; the hot winds had changed all, as if by magic, into a world of dullest brown; while the great fire had spread over the prairie a sable robe of ruin. Nor had the fire-king been entirely cheated of the sacrifice of flesh and blood. Th
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXVI.—A STARTLING REVELATION
CHAPTER XXXVI.—A STARTLING REVELATION
F AR into the night John Horton lay in an unconscious condition, between life and death. The physician characterized the wound as an ugly one, and expressed great doubt as to the outcome. Agreeable to his advice, it was thought best not to move the patient for a few hours at least; and a comfortable cot was provided, on which he lay moaning, tossing, and mumbling incoherently. By his side sat the grim-visaged Captain Osborn, whose heart was tender with sympathy and solicitude. Occasionally the c
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXVII.—TRYING TO REMEMBER
CHAPTER XXXVII.—TRYING TO REMEMBER
C APTAIN OSBORN had sent word to Mrs. Horton immediately after the accident, that her husband was detained on some business matters and would not return home until the following day. With the gray dawn of morning, he took counsel with Hugh whether it were better to keep up the deception or communicate with the family, and tell them of the accident and of Mr. Horton’s real condition. It was finally decided that the deception was a necessity, and every effort should be made to keep the facts from
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXVIII.—TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION
CHAPTER XXXVIII.—TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION
A FTER what seemed to Captain Osborn to be an interminable length of time, the wounded man arose from his chair and gazed long and earnestly at his reflection in the mirror; then, turning, he said: “God be praised, Captain Osborn, I remember all. Yes,” he went on, as the two men clasped hands, “I remember my two lives. I’ve lived them all over, even down to the time when I was thrown from the mustang in front of your bank. I must be known as John Bruce Horton, but, for God’s sake, bring me my bo
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XXXIX.—JUDGE LYNN HAS AN IDEA
CHAPTER XXXIX.—JUDGE LYNN HAS AN IDEA
A FEW days later Judge Linus Lynn called at the Patriot office, and Major Hampton looked up from a book he was intently reading as his study was invaded. “Come in, Lynn,” said the major, “and be seated. How are you, anyway?” “Comfortable, my dear Major, quite comfortable, I assure you,” replied Lynn, as he helped himself to a cigar from an open box. “That’s right, Judge,” said the major, observing his familiarity; “shall I help you to a light?” “Thanks,” said Judge Lynn, “I’m always provided wit
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XL.—THE CATTLE THIEF CAUGHT
CHAPTER XL.—THE CATTLE THIEF CAUGHT
A T Horton’s Grove they were indulging in a family reunion and thanksgiving for all that had occurred. The cattle king had almost entirely recovered from the effects of his fall, and his wound was rapidly healing. Therefore, when Kinneman reported the last depredations of the cattle thieves, it threw no particular gloom over the household. “We are too thankful, and our happiness is too great,” said Ethel, “to care very much about a few hundred head of beeves.” “Quite true, daughter,” observed Mr
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XLI.—A ROSICRUCIAN
CHAPTER XLI.—A ROSICRUCIAN
T HE cattle king and his associates were shocked into silence by their discovery. That Major Buell Hampton, of all men in southwestern Kansas, should turn out to be the master spirit of the cattle thieves, was quite beyond their apprehension. “Gentlemen,” said the major, “I realize that the situation is an embarrassing one. I certainly had no idea of meeting you, and I am equally certain that you had no expectation of finding in me the cattle thief of the Southwest. I, perhaps, could explain, bu
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XLII.—A NEW-MADE GRAVE
CHAPTER XLII.—A NEW-MADE GRAVE
W HEN Hugh returned to the street, Captain Osborn was concluding one of the most eloquent speeches of his life. His appeal to the better nature of his hearers was having a noticeable effect. Indeed, the wild huzzas and shoutings, which the major had mistaken for the clamoring of the people for his heart’s blood, were, in reality, cheers of approval at Captain Osborn’s words. He admonished them to give up the idea of taking so-called justice into their hands, and to permit the law of the land to
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter