Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 62: what you’re looking at

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

- * er BONNY JEAN. 5d “And then there’s the old carbine, ” Mr. Lee added, ‘‘and Lady’s rifle.” ‘*Can she use it ?” The old man laughed until the tears stood in his dark eyes, ‘“You'd better believe she can!” he exclaimed, merrily. ‘‘Why, Jack, did you never see our Adelaide shoot? I’ve known her to bring down forty pigeons ata shot, and she’s ‘got her hand in’ on quail and snipe—no end of birds—on the wing, too!” the old man added, gleefully. ‘““Humph!” Well, perhaps she will have occasion to try her hand at larger game before to-morrow’s sun rises, Id give something to be able to knock over a few of these vigi- lantes myself; then there would be a chance to find out the leader of them and string him up at the end of a piece of rope. We are not safe while such creatures are at large; and not only our lives, but our property is in danger.” ‘‘We will do all we can,” returned the old man, gravely. ‘‘Come out and have some supper now. We need to fortify ourselves. Then for our plan of defense !” ‘*Or offense,” suggested John, ‘‘ for I’m determined to try to get at the first of these vigilantes |” He followed his host into the spacious dining-room, where Lady, radiant in a fresh white dress, with scarlet ribbons, was fluttering about, arranging the supper-table with her own hands. After the meal was over, they returned to the parlor, and the fire-arms were brought out for general inspection. John produced his own trusty rifle and the store of ammunition. The weapons were carefully loaded, and all was prepared. In those days there were no more laws in that remote region than—well, than there are now !—no reliable authority to which to appeal for protection. Then, as now, the country was wild and lawless. When men wished to punish criminals, they took justice into their own hands ; quick work was made of it, and little mercy shown. GOomiIGboo “S (e(o) =)