"In the midst of life we are in death," muttered Duncan.
"True," rebuked the other "so live well the life which the Lord, thy
God, hath provided thee." Will Duncan laughed aloud.
"It is too late, Man-o'-God! There is no place in the world for a
younger son." The minister had not heard. He sprang toward the open
window, calling:
"Wait! It is written - 'Thou shalt not kill!' Bring him in, like just
and honest men, for a hearing. He may be a horse thief and a murderer
but you shall take the rope from his neck and he shall speak in his own
defense before he goes to his Maker."
So a hearing was given (although grudgingly, and with audible grumbling)
by the friends of Muldoon across the table which had so lately been his
bier, but in the end they took the Mexican out for the short-cut to
retribution.
Two hours later, around the same table was solemnized the funeral
service of Jim Muldoon. The minister would not return for six weeks. It
must be held at once. Gentleman Jack gave a suit of finest black
broadcloth for a shroud.
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