Neil related the particulars of John’s career. “It is a burning shame—a reproach to the Territory, and will be an eternal reproach to us if we permit so great a villain to escape. Just reflect,—he is a horse-thief and a murderer, stained with blood, and covered with crimes. Let us arrest him at once.”
NEIL HOWIE
Captor of “Dutch John”
All to no purpose. The men, one and all, declined having anything to do with it. Meantime John came up and asked for some tobacco.
“Have you any money?” inquired one of the men.
“Not a cent,” was the reply.
“Then,” said his interrogator, “we have no tobacco for you.”
“Oh! let him have what he wants,” interposed Neil. “I will pay for it.”
John’s face wore a grateful expression. He thanked Neil, and with the Indian took his departure. Neil made another hurried appeal, not to let the murderer and road agent escape, but the men refused to help.
“Then,” said he, “I will arrest him alone,” and he strode rapidly after John, shouting,