The Octopus : A Story of California

nds, following the chase on horseback. One day, between two and three months after Lyman s visit to Los Muertos, as he was r

ed one of these himself and with it he illustrated the various commands he gave. As soon as one of the men under his supervision became more than usually proficient, he was told off to instruct a file of the more backward. After the manual of arms, Harran gav

that the Marshal and his deputies were coming down to Bonneville to put the dummy buyers of his ranch in possession. The report proved to be but the first of many false

anagers did not believe they were terribly in earnest in t

use that same day. Harran had caught up with him by the time he reached the

m alive. By the way," he added, "you know we served notices yesterday upon S. Behrman and Cy. Ruggles t

he ranch house, but as Harran rode up

ething is up. That's G

enemy's friend, dismounted without stabling his horse, and went at once to the dining-room, where visitors were invariably received. But the

ms on the porch, if he could see Magnus. At the time, the Governor had gone with Phelps to inspect the condition of the young w

d the room from behind his glasses. "Telephone, safe, ticker, account-books-well, that's progress, isn't it? Only way to manage a big ranch these days. But the day of the big ranch is over. As the

s," said Magnus, indifferently, "is, of course, gr

hat may be," re

his chair and rubbed a knee. Magnus, standing er

nding between the ranchers and the Railroad. I wish it could be adjusted. HERE a

nterviewed on the subject, M

overnor, I don't want to intervie

an, usually so garrulous, could want of him. At length, Genslinger

emarked. "That was an interesting campaign yo

now of Lyman's disgrace? Was it for this he had come? Would t

"a very interesting campaign. I watched it with every

t without its intere

, THAT I should say, Mr. Derrick, was the most interesting move in the whole game-to you. Hm, curious," he murmured, musingly. "Let's see. You deposited two one-thousand dollar bills and four five-hundred dollar bills in a box-three hundred and eight was the number-in a box in the Safety Deposit V

agnus burst forth. "Do you know what you

, blandly, "I'm not INSINUATING anyt

s a

bbed his chin

ave a chance to prove it before

he State," blustered Magnus. "My

their depositions in my safe for the last six weeks. We could make the arrests to-morrow, if we wanted. Governor, you sure did a risky thing when you went into that Sacramento fight, an awful risky thing. Some men can afford to have bribery charges preferred against them

account of the "deal" Magnus had made with the two delegates. It was pitiless, remorseless, bald. Every statement was substantiated, every statisti

g. Magnus did not reply. "I think it is correct enough," the editor continued. "Bu

y, not to allow this man to exult in the sight of one quiver of weakness, one trace of defeat, one suggestion of humilia

a good story to earth, but once I've got it, I lose interest. And, then, I wouldn't like to see you-holding the position you do, President of the League and a leading man of the county-I wouldn't like to see a story like this smash you over. It's worth more to you to keep it out of pri

ew grain tariff is published. I have means of knowing that the San Joaquin rate-the issue upon which the board was

e of campaigning for him. And you can't make any counter charge of bribery there. No, sir, the corporation don't use such amateurish methods as that. Confidentially and between us two, all that the Railroad has done for Lyman, in order to attach him to their interests, is to promise to back him politically in the next campaign for Governor. It's too bad," he continued, dropping his voice, and changing his position. "It really is t

enlarging the scope of the 'Mercury.' You see, I'm midway between the two big centres of the State, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and I want to extend the 'Mercury's' sphere of influence as far up and down the valley as I can. I want to illustrate the paper. You see, if I had a photo-engraving plant of my own, I could do a good deal of outside jobbing as well, and the investment would pay ten per cent. But it takes money to make money. I wouldn't wa

thous

nd down, and the bala

o what Genslinger had in mind,

ity could you give me

tly it was to your advantage to talk business with me. You see, I'm not going to print this article about you, Governor, and I'm no

nce cowered. But in the same moment the Governor realised this was not to be. Only its righteousness had made his wrath terrible; only the justice of his anger had made him feared. Now the foundation was gone from under his feet; he had knocked it away hi

of this week. We begin to set Saturday's paper at about four, Friday afternoon, and the forms are locked about two in the morning. I hope,"

and in a moment, Magnus heard the wheels

d about, I cannot understand. You may be, of course, assured of my own unquestioning confidence and loyalty. However, I regret exceedingly to state not only that the rumour of the charges referred to above is spreading in this district, but that also they are made use of by the enemies of the League. It is to be deplored that some of the Leaguers themselves-you know, we number in our ranks many small farmers, ignorant Portuguese and foreigners-have listened to these stories and have permitted a feeling of uneasiness to develop among them. Even though it were admitted that fraudulent means had been employed in the elections, which, of course, I personally do not admit, I do not think it would make very much difference in the confidence which the vast ma

ith renewed protest

g cabinet in his office, and wiped the sweat from his forehead and face.

ng blankly at the opposite wall. "My Go

knowledge of a prestige vanishing, a dignity impaired, knowledge that the grip which held a multitude in check was trembling, that control was wavering, that command was being weakened. Then the little tricks to deceive the crowd, the little subterfuges, the little pretences that kept up appearances, the lies, the bluster, the pose, the str

one hand, Genslinger with the other, and for one more moment, the last, to stand supreme again, indomitable, the leader; then go to his death, triumphant at the end, his memory untarnished, his fame undimmed. But the plague-spot was in himself, knitted forever into the fabric of his being. Though Genslinger should be silenced, thoug

ad proved expensive, the campaign resulting in Lyman's election had drawn heavily upon his account. All along he had been relying upon a "bonanza crop" to reimburse him. It was not believable that the Railroad would "jump" Los Muertos, but if this should happen, he would be left without resources. Ten th

igations. Investigation! There was terror in the word. He could not stand investigation. Magnus groaned aloud, covering his head with his clasped hands. Briber, corrupter of government, ballot-box stuffer, descending to the level of back-room politicians, of bar-room heelers, he, Magnu

his highest stake, his personal honour, in

eting, Magnus had called Harran and Annie Derrick into the office, and, after telling his wife of Lyman's betrayal, had forbidden either of them to mention his name again. His attitude towards his prodigal son was that of s

ion of some of his verses, gathered from the magazines in which they had first appeared. Presley had received a liberal offer for the publication of these verses in book form. "The Toilers" was to be included in this book, and, indee

roderson Creek. They were to go in the carry-all, Hilma, Presley, Mrs. Dyke, Sidney, and himself, and were to make a day of it. They would leave Quien Sabe at ten in the morning. Presley had at once resolved to go. He was immensely fond of Ann

send his manuscript, he would have to take it in himself. He had resolved to do thi

sley had put on a new khaki riding suit, very English-looking, though in place of the regulation top-boots, he wore his laced knee-boots, with a great spur on th

eat looking?"

efore yesterday, and if nothing happens, I believe it will go thirty sacks to the acre there. Cutter reports that there are spots on Four where we will get forty-two or three. Hooven, too, brought up so

" said Presley, rising.

self away, and Presley went down to

the ranch house, on the driveway, he was surpris

," called Presley. "Are

came forward and, putting his hand on the

town, Pres

do anything for

ealed envelope

ey, and you must be careful of them. A few years ago, when our enmity was not so strong, Mr. Genslinger and I had some business dealings with each other. I thought it as well just now, considering that we a

atering tank and Broderson's popular windbreak. As he passed Caraher's, he saw the saloo

he subscribed. More than once, the two had held long conversations, and from Caraher's own lips, Presley heard the terrible story of the death of his wife, who had been accidentally killed by Pinkertons during a "demonstration" of strikers. It invested the saloon-keeper, in Presley's imagination,

otested against his radical ideas. "You don't know the Railroad yet. Watch it

e "Mercury." Genslinger, as he feared, had not yet put in appearance, but the janitor of the building gave Presley the address of the editor's residence, and it was there he found him

ty-handed, and, on leaving Genslinger's house, he turned his pony's head toward the business part of

fine cigars, which, when it was too late, he realised that the master of Quien Sabe would never smoke, holding, as he did, with def

rses covered with white fly-nets, stood under a tree near the house, young Vacca dozing on the seat. Hilma and Sidney, the latter exuberant with a gayety that all b

he window as Presley cantered through the gat

ed. "Nobody's ready yet. Y

nnixter was without coat, vest or collar, his blue silk suspenders hung in lo

ley came in. "No, don't shake hands, I'm all lath

ck," observed Presley, sittin

I did

way, you didn't, hey?"

ned to strop his razor. Presley looked wi

he buys himself pale blue suspenders, silk ones? Think of it. You, Buck An

r from his face, and jerking his head over his shoulder, while he looked at Presley's reflection in his mirror; "s

, department-store bed of brass, with its brave, gay canopy; the mill-made wash-stand, with its pitcher and bowl of blinding red and green china, the straw-framed lithographs of symbolic female figures against the multi-coloured, new wall-paper; t

r they're good or not. They were painted by a three-fingered Chinaman in Monterey, and I got the

ed Presley. He hastened

rs. Dyke and Sidney to live with you. You

red Annixter, turning

"You're giving this picnic as much for Mrs. Dyke and the litt

, you make

e let them all go to grass, and never so much as thought of them. I don't want to seem to be officious, but you've changed for t

abruptly, his face fl

to see that a fellow can't live FOR himself any more than he can live BY himself. He's got to think of others. If he's got brains, he's got to think for the poor ducks that haven't 'em, and not give 'em a boot in the backsides because they happen to be stupid; and if he's got money, he's got to help those that are busted, and if he's got a house, he's got to think of those that ain't got a

rful eyes, seemed to be suddenly invested with true nobility. Beside this blundering struggle to do right, to help his fellows, Presley's own vague schemes, glittering sy

of anything adequate. "You're all right. That's the way to

ley laid the box on the

ked, "what in hell d

ust fo

en stinkodoras, or you

g gratitude-"

Annixter, and the i

s shaving, and Pres

m Washington?

ter. "Hello," he added, raising his head

. The noise was coming from the direction of the road that led from the Mission to Quien Sabe. With incredible swiftness,

" exclaim

road, and the "Jumping" of the ranc

t, Vacca?"

up the road. All at once, he jumped from his place, and dash

he sound of the hoof-beats rose to a roa

Annixter,

instant he shot into view in the

od!" crie

ddle; and, as he did so, the beast collapsed, shuddering, to the groun

cheeks fallen in, the eyes sunken. His clothes ripped and torn by weeks of flight and hiding in the chapar

again, rolling his sunken

re," crie

ned, levellin

orse, quick, do you hear? Giv

on't do. You know me, D

lowered

I'm unstrung, Mr. Annixter, and I'm running f

Annixter, dashing stablewa

's a

resley. "He wouldn'

eady far ahead,

t, Billy. Where's the stable-man? Get

, and Dyke himself, darting hither and thither about the yellow mare, buckling,

er the saddle flap as he tore at the cinch. "Wa

hey've watched every sprin

e hydrant.

, but they turned me back," he

stop to

and the li

of them. They're

e

ch strap, BILLY? God damn it, are you going to let him be shot before he can get a

the little tad? Is she well, Ann

e best horse in the county now. Let go her head, Billy. Now, Dyke,-shake hands

er, the buckskin cleared the stable-corral in two leaps; then, gathering her legs under her, her head

into the framework of the artesian well, clambering al

rom the ground. The others

Vacca. "He's going like the devi

oad, toward the Miss

down in a shout

down the Lower Road, going towards Guadalajara, too. They got guns. I can see the shine of the barrels. And, oh, Lord, say, there's three more men on horses coming down on the

were to the ground. At the gate where Dyke had turned into the ranch house grounds, they halted in confusion a moment. One started to follow the highwayman's trail towards the stable corral, but the ot

ger, ominous, vibrating with the alarm of the tocsin, sullen with the heavy muffling note of death. But close upon the bay of the hounds, came the gallop of horses. Five me

gang," exclaimed A

rman's cousin. He had two deputies with him; and the cha

aren't far behind,"

rant of what had happened. But on the porch of the Ranch house itself, alone, forgotten in the excitement, Sidney-the little tad-stood, with pale face and serious, wide-

station, usually so quiet, was now occupied by the crew of a freight train that lay on the down track; while on the up line, near at hand and heade

suit by turning back on his tracks to regain the mountains east of Bonneville. Now Delaney was almost on him. To distance that posse, was the only thing to be thought of now. It was no longer a question of hiding till pursuit should flag; they had driven him out from the shelter of the mountains, down into this populous co

adalajara, and he must reach it before Delaney's dogs and posse. Back he galloped, the buckskin measuring her length with every leap. Once more the station came in sight. Rising in his stirrups, he looked across the fields in the direction of the Lower Road. There was a cloud of dust there. From a wagon? No, hors

at he was an engineer born and bred. Delaney's dogs were already to be heard, and the roll of hoofs on the Lower Road was dinning in his ears, as he leaped from the buckskin befo

uted. "Both of you. Quic

and the huge drivers stirred, turning slowly on the tracks. But there was a shout. Delaney's posse, dogs and men, swung into view at the turn of the road, their figures leaning over as they took the curve at full speed. Dyke threw everything wide o

t did not shudder with the mighty strain of the steam; but the great iron brute-one of Baldwin's newest and best-came to call, obedient and docile as soon as ever the great pulsing heart of it felt a master hand upon its levers. It gathered its speed, bracing its steel muscles, its

had seen e

luck!" vociferat

dy out of the saddle and

ch between here and Pixle

es

e turned to Delaney and the others. They sprang into the ca

houted the sheriff to the bewildered

s to the right or the wrong of requisitioning the engine, and before anyone thought of the safety or danger of the affai

heriff above the roar of the locomotive. "They use it in case they have to derail runaway eng

n coming up on this track--" pr

ht engine rounded a curve, Dyke's engine came into view, shooting o

er on," clamoured the engine

felt the engine quiver under him; the familiar noises were in his ears; the familiar buffeting of the wind surged, roaring at his face; the familiar odours of hot steam and smoke reeked in hi

engine on the down line, plunging after him, rocking from side to side with the fury of its gallop. Not yet had he shaken the trackers from his heels; not yet was he out of the reach of danger. He set his teeth and, throwing open the fire-door, stoked vigorously for a f

notch. Directly ahead of him rose a semaphore, placed at a point where evidently a derailing switch branched from t

f the rails. To go forward was certain destruction. Dyke reversed. There was nothing for it but to go back. With a wrench and a spasm of all its metal fibres, the great compound braced itself, sliding with rigid wheels al

gineer once more became the highwayman, in peril of his lif

n pursuit, their eyes fixed on the smudge of smoke on ahead

ke down. Watch, now, an

OMING BACK. Ready, now

ocomotive, far less mobile than Dyke's flyer, was slow t

-look out, there's a shot

d leaped into the air from th

him! Fire

el began, shot answering shot, the sharp staccato reports

struck and struck and struck. The men leaned from the cabs towards each other, frantic with excitement, shouting curses, the engines rocking, the steam roaring; confusion whirling in the scene like the whirl of a witch's dance, the white clouds of steam, the black eddies from the sm

, an abrupt vision of chaos, faces, rage-distorted, peering through smoke, hands gripping outward from sudde

him. He can't go far now. After him aga

d his hip. How serious was the wound he did not know, but he had no thought of giving up. He tore back through the depot at Guadalajara in a storm of bullets, and, clinging to the broke

he mountains. He resolved to abandon the engine and make another final attempt to get into the shelter of the hills in the northernm

rom the platform to the road. He looked about him, listening. Al

ing him. He remembered that day, long ago, when he had opened the throttle of his first machine. To-day, it was leaving him alone, his last friend turning against him. Slowly it was going back towards Bonneville, to the shops of the Railroad, the camp of the enemy,

him yet. Never, while he could fight, would

ing trees out of the wheat like an island. He reached it, the blood squelching in his shoes. But the sight of two men, Portuguese farm-han

and the sheriff descende

e the engine between here and there, and strike off into the country. We'll follow after him

den, were still at the station. The party swung themselves up, D

horses to a gallop, the party set off along the Upper Road, keeping a sha

addle horse by the bridle, and looking attentively at a trail that had b

further up, and empty," said S. Behr

the bloodhounds gave tongue ag

ried S. Behrman

ing, perspiring, mopping the roll of fat over his coat collar, and turned in after them, trot

he murmured.

snow. In a short time, the posse swept into the open space around the divi

held them up, taken a horse and galloped to the northeast,

s hot on the scent, baying continually; the men, on fresh mounts, secured at the division house,

ed them. Fences were passed; fences whose barbed wire had been slashed apart by the fugitive's knife. The ground rose under foot; the hills were

re he is! Quick,

a labouring gallop straight up the slope. Suddenly, every member of the party shouted aloud. The horse had fallen, pitching the rider from the saddle. The man rose to his feet, caught at the bridle

. The minutes went by. The dry bed of a rivulet was passed; then another fence; then a tangle of manzanita; a meadow of wild oats, full of agitated cattle; then an arroyo, thick with chaparral and scrub oaks, and then, without

bank of rock, the roots of a fallen tree serving

the sheriff. "It's not the least us

splintering the foreleg of

inary fusillade, dismounted, and took shelter behind rocks and trees. On that rugged ground, fighting from the saddle was impracti

again, "for the last time,

r in a low voice. Then Delaney and Christian left the others, making a wide detour up t

lly a brave man; possibly occupied with keeping an uncertain seat upon the back of his labouring, scrambling horse, he had not noticed that he was so close upon that scene of battle. He certainly d

to crime, and who had instigated tireless pursuit through all those past terrible weeks. Suddenly, inviting death, he leaped up and forward;

way," he shouted,

Dyke drew the trigger. Had the cartridge exploded, death, certain and swift,

g and ducking, from tree to tree. His first shot a failure, Dyke fired again and again at his enemy, emptying his revolv

e men, Delaney and Christian from one side, the sheriff and the deputy from the other, rushed in. They did not fire. It

alf-starved, exhausted by days and nights of pursuit, worn down with loss of sleep, thi

nt to moment, his face flaming, his eyes bloodshot, his hair matted with sweat. Now he was down, pinned under, two men across his legs, and now half-way up again, struggling to one knee. Then upright again, with half his enemies hanging on his back. His colossal strength seemed doubled; when his arms were held, he fought bull-like with his head. A score of times, it seemed as if they were ab

nting, rolling his eyes, his clothes torn from his body, bleeding, dripping with sweat,

he'll get

ched the fight

cy," he commented, "but it

that heaped themselves upon him, however he might gain one instant of comparative liberty, some one of his assailants always hung, doggedly, blindly

d using the handcuffs themselves as a weapon, knocked down Delaney by the crushing impact of the steel bracelets upon the cow-puncher's forehead. But he could no lon

splintered foreleg, would have to be shot. Delaney's head was cut from temple to cheekbone. The right wrist of the s

eriff, on foot, leading the horse by the bridle. The little procession formed, and descended from the hills, turning in the direction of

in the rear of the cavalcade as it moved

ll panting, as he bound up hi