Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 46: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BONNY JEAN, 39 death-bed, told me—gave me—” he hesitated, aay then plunged on desperately—‘‘ he promised Jean to me.’ ** Vou lie!” Philip sprang forward and caught the ruffian by the throat. “You'll not repeat that, Gabriel Black,” he groaned in desperation, ‘‘ or I'll have your worthless life !” ‘‘Wait !” panted the other—Philip’s hand ~involuntarily re- laxed his grasp upon his throat—‘‘ wait until I tell you. Jean loves me, or, of course, she would not have married me. I could not force her to become my wife. Sucha marriage would be illegal.” Philip saw that there was reason in his words, and released his gasping victim. Once free, Gabriel Black drew himself up, and continued : ‘«She zs my wife ; but her mother has instigated Jean to ac- company her to New Orleans, and I do not intend that they shall go. Therefore I propose to follow, and put an end to their foolish journey. My wife must obey me.” Philip’s brow grew dark with anger, yet pity for the unfor- tunate girl rushed over his heart like a flood. Black still stood before him, and the other vigilantes gathered around, waiting for their captain's commands. They did not have to wait long. ‘You are in my power now, Mr. Randall,” said Black, at length, ‘‘and L intend to give you your just deserts. Men !"— he turned to the group of dark-faced outlaws—-‘‘ this man is a spy upon our actions ; you know the penalty ?” ‘¢ Death!’ hissed the men, as in one voice. ‘‘Death it shall be!” responded Black, savagely ; ‘‘and the best way to settle all controversy.. Here are pine trees enough and to spare. String him up, men, and have done with it.” They closed around their prisoner in an instant. Philip drew his revolver quickly, and pointed it straight at the heart of Gabriel Black. ‘‘One step nearer,” he cried, in a clear, ringing, defiant Eomichbooks (G0)