108 
KANSAS. 
a long and winding w 7 ay to elude pursuers, they took the route to 
Blanton's Bridge. They strengthened their valor by taking an¬ 
other “ drink.” Jones, running in his horse by the side of Mr. 
Branson, said, “ I heard there were one hundred men at your 
house to-day,” and talked a good deal “ of the sport they would 
have had with them,” and regretted “ being cheated out of it.” 
This affair, though done in the darkness, was soon brought to 
light. The people felt that the life of another of their citizens 
was to be taken by the hands of a lawless mob, at the suggestion 
of two men who were the accessories to the murder of Dow, and 
who were connected with this new outrage. Earnestly, as honest 
men will act when they feel that life is at stake, and that the life 
of a valued friend, these settlers acted; and the tidings flew on the 
speed of wings from one claim to another, until a few, a lesser 
number than the party with Jones, were gathered together. With 
the intention of rescuing the prisoner from a cruel death, they 
took a nearer route than that taken by Jones, and reached the 
house of Mr. Abbott, where they made a stand. The settlers 
were only ten or twelve in number, partially armed, and on foot, 
while the party now with Jones, whose numbers had somewhat 
fallen off, was mounted and armed. Soon after the settlers had 
reached Mr. A.’s house, and had recovered their breath after 
their running walk, Jones and his party appeared on a full canter. 
As soon as they saw the little band of footmen, they endeavored 
to avoid them by passing the other side of the house. The set¬ 
tlers understood the ruse, and passed quickly around to meet 
them, forming, as they did so, in a line across the road. 
Jones and his party halted, and asked, “ What’s up ? ” 
The reply was, “ That’s what we want to know — 4 What’s up ? ’ ” 
Some one from the band of settlers asked, “ Is Mr. Branson 
with you ? ” 
He answered for himself, 44 I am here, and a prisoner.” 
The word of command given from the little band of footmen 
was, “ Bide out to our side,” which he did without hesitation, 
notwithstanding Jones’ threat of 44 1 Tl shoot you.” A question 
then was raised by the free-state men as to the ownership of the 
horse he was riding; and, as he said it was not his, he was ordered 
