Ugger

"Read," and Ugger moved a couple of steps back and to one side.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

There were no hostile Indians in that part of the country, and they knew that Ugger and his gang could not be there yet in sufficient force to dare venture to attack them, so they did not fear to advance on the little clump of trees with lighted torches in their hands.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

But, "and Ugger paused and glared at Thure and Bud," if I knowed I was on my deathbed an 'a-goin' tew die in five minits, I'd be willin 'tew swear that th' tew murderers was them tew boys a-standin 'thar.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

Here, at last, was a witness who would tell the truth, who would free them from this horrible accusation of murder; for, evidently by his actions, he was as much of a stranger to Ugger and Quinley as he was to themselves, and, consequently, he could not be in league with their two cunning and mendacious accusers.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

The force of the blow lifted Ugger, alias Greaser Smith, off his feet and hurled him to the ground as senseless as a log.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

Again some of the crowd laughed in a grim sort of a way; and again Ugger and Quinley scowled and glared wrathfully at the frank-spoken witness.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

Plainly there could be no collusion between this witness and Ugger and Quinley; and this apparent fact gave almost the positiveness of proven truth to his testimony, in the eyes of the crowd.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

Quinley did not prove to be as dramatic a witness as Ugger had been; but he told a seemingly straightforward and honest story of how he and his partner had witnessed the killing of the man supposed to be John

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

Quinley and Ugger scowled at this frank reference to their looks; and a few in the encircling crowd laughed grimly.

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895

"Wal," answered the man frankly, turning and looking squarely into the faces of Ugger and Quinley, "tew be honest, I didn't like th 'looks of them tew faces none tew much; an', as I had consider'ble of money 'long with me, I reckoned 'twould be safer for me tew travel alone jest then, so I jest sneaked out 'tother side of th 'trees an' rode back tew th 'trail alone."

The Cave of Gold A Tale of California in '49 Everett McNeil 1895