Both of them were powerful, and finding themselves assailed in this fashion, one knocked the officer half-way across the street, wrenched his club from his grasp, and began laying it over his head. The stricken guardian of the peace shouted for help, and tried desperately to draw his revolver. Finally he got it out, but before he could use it that also was taken from him, and it looked as though little would be left of him.
THE POLICEMAN BROUGHT HIS CLUB DOWN ON THE HEADS OF THE
OTHERS.—P. 144.
But the other policemen came running up, and took a hand in the fracas. While some went for the one who was belaboring the representative of the law, others made for the second burglar. But he was more muscular, if possible, than his friend, and he laid about him with such vigor that three officers were prostrated before he could be secured. Calling to his friend, the two gave themselves up, demanding to know why peaceable citizens should be clubbed when quietly walking along the street.
“We had not uttered a disrespectful word,” said the first, “but were joking together, when that brass-buttoned idiot pounced upon us. We simply defended ourselves, as every man has a right to do, and we don’t propose to let the matter rest here.”
“He lies!” shouted the officer who had fared so ill, as he came forward, his hat off, and his clothing covered with dust; “he was arranging to rob the bank; they are the burglars that we’ve been watching for days; I know ’em all right.”
“We shall have to take you along,” said the chief, who saw that matters were considerably mixed.
At this point Ben thought it was his duty to interfere.
“If you will permit me, I am satisfied that some mistake has been made. These gentlemen did nothing——”