Part two chapter three of the valley of fear by Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Chapter 3 Lodge 341 vermissa.
On the day, following the evening, which had contained.
So many exciting events McMurdo moved, his lodgings from old,
Jacob chapters and took up his quarters at the Widow McNamara's
on the extreme outskirts of the Town Scanlon, his original
acquaintance aboard. The train had occasion shortly
afterwards to move into vermissa and the to lodged together.
There was no other border and the hostess was an easygoing old
Irish woman who left them to themselves so that they had A
freedom for speech and action. Welcome to men who had secrets
in common Shasta, had relented, to the extent of letting McMurdo
come to his meals there, when he liked, so that his intercourse
with etty was by, no means broken on the, contrary, it drew
closer and more intimate. As the week's went.
By in his bedroom, at his new Abode, McMurdo felt it safe to
take out the coining molds and under many a pledge of secrecy
and number of Brothers The lodge were allowed to come in and see
them each carrying away in his pocket.
Some examples of the false money so cunningly struck that there
was never the slightest difficulty or danger in passing
it. Why with such a wonderful art at
his command McMurdo should condescend to work at all.
Was a Perpetual mystery to his companions, though.
He made it clear to anyone who asked him that if he lived
without any visible means it would very quickly bring the
police upon his track. Back one policeman was indeed
after him already but the incident as luck would have it.
Did the adventurer a great deal more good than harm after the
first introduction. There were a few evenings when
he did not find his way to McGinty's Saloon there to make
closer acquaintance with the boys.
Which was the jovial Title by which the dangerous gang who
infested the place were known to one.
Another, his dashing Manner and fear lastness of speech, made
him a favourite with the mall while the rapid and scientific
way in which he polished off his antagonist, in an all-in barroom
scrap and the respect of that rough Community, another
incident. However, raised him even higher
in their estimation Just at the crowded hour, one night, the
door opened and a man entered with the Quiet blue uniform and
peaked cap of the mine police. This was a special body raised
by the railways and Collier e owners to supplement.
The efforts of the ordinary civil police who were perfectly
helpless in the face of the organized ruffianism, which
terrorized the district. There was a hush, as he entered
and many a curious glance was casted him But the relations
between policemen and criminals are peculiar in some parts of
the states, and begin to himself standing behind his counter
showed. No, surprise when the policeman
enrolled himself among his customers.
A straight whiskey for the nidus.
Bitter said, the police officer. I don't think we've met before,
counselor. You'll be the new captain said
McGinty. That's so we're looking to you
counselor and to the other leading citizens to help us in
upholding Law and Order in this Township Captain, Marvin is my
name. We do better without you
Captain. Marvin for, we have our own
police of the township and no need for any Two goods.
What do you but the paid to love the capitalists hired by them to
club or shoot your poorer fellow citizen?
Well, well, we won't argue about that.
Said, the police officer good-humouredly.
Expect. We all do our duty same as we
see it but we can't all see it. The same, he drunk off his glass
and had turned to go when his eyes fell upon the face of Jack
McMurdo, who was scowling at his elbow.
Hello. Hello.
He cried. Looking him up and down.
He is an old acquaintance McMurdo shrank away from him.
I was never a friend to you. Not any other cursed copper in
my life said he and acquaintances.
Isn't always a friend said, the police captain grinning.
You're Jack McMurdo of Chicago ride enough and don't you deny
it McMurdo Shrugged? His shoulders.
I'm not denying. It said he do you think?
I'm ashamed of my own name. You've got good cause to be
anyhow, what the devil do you mean by that?
He roared with his fists clenched?
No, no Jack Bluster won't do with me.
I was an officer in Chicago before ever.
I came to this darned, coal bunker and I know a Chicago
crook when I see one Meadows face, fell don't tell me that
you're Marvin of the Chicago Central.
He cried. Just the same old Teddy Marvin
At Your Service. We haven't forgotten the
shooting of Jonas Pinto up there.
I never shot him. Did you not?
That's good impartial evidence. Ain't it?
Well, his death came in, uncommon handy for you or they
would have had you for shoving the queer.
Well, we can let that be back. Bygones for between you and me
and perhaps I'm going further than my Judy and saying it, they
could get no clear case against you and Chicago's open to you
tomorrow, I'm very well where I am.
Well I've given you the pointer and you're a sulky, dog.
Not to thank before it. Well, I suppose, you mean well,
and I do thank you. Said McMurdo in no very gracious
manner. It's Mom with me so long as I
see you. Living on the street said the
captain, but by the Lord, if you get off after this, it's another
story so good night to you. And goodnight counselor.
He left the ballroom but not before he created a local hero.
Mcmurdo's deeds in far Chicago had been whispered before he'd
put off all questions with a smile as one who did not wish to
have greatness thrust upon him but now the thing was officially
confirmed. The bar loafers crowded round
him and shook him heartily by the hand.
He was free of the community from that time on, he could
drink hard and show little trace of it.
But that evening had his mates can Lan, not been at hand to
lead him home. The fated hero would, surely
have spent his night under the bar, on a Saturday night,
McMurdo was introduced to the launch.
He had sought to pass in without ceremony as being an initiative
Chicago. But there were particular rights
in vermissa of which they were proud.
And these had add to be undergone by every postulant the
assembly met in a large room reserved for such purposes.
At the union house, some 60 members assembled at vermissa,
but that by no means represented the full strength of the
organization for there were several other lodges in the
valley and others across the mountains on each side, who
exchanged members, when any serious business was a foot.
So that a crime might be done by men, who was strangers to the
locality Altogether. There are not less than 500
scattered over the coldest tricked in the bear assembly
room. The men were gathered around a
long table at the side. Was a second, one Laden with
bottles and glasses on which some members of the company were
already turning their eyes McGinty, sat at the head, with a
flat black velvet cap upon his shock of Tangled black hair and
a colored purple stole round his neck.
So that he seemed to be a priest, presiding over some
diabolical ritual to right and left of him with a higher Lodge
officials. The cruel handsome face of Ted
Baldwin among them each of these War, some scarf or Medallion as
emblem of his office. They were for the most part, men
of mature age that the rest of the company consisted of young
fellows from 18 to 25. The ready and capable agents who
carried Out the commands of their seniors.
Among the older men were many whose features showed the
tigerish Lawless Souls within. But, looking at the rank and
file, it was difficult to believe that these eager and
open-faced young fellows were in very truth.
A dangerous gang of murderers whose Minds had suffered such
complete moral perversion that they took a horrible pride in
their proficiency at the business and looked with deepest
respect at the Met. Man who had the reputation of
making what they called a clean job to their contorted Nature's.
It had become a spirited and chivalrous thing to volunteer
for service against some man who had never injured them and whom
in many cases, they had never seen in their lives.
The crime committed, they quarreled as to, who would
actually struck the Fatal, blow and amused one another and the
company by describing the cries and contortions of Murdered man.
At first, they had shown some secrecy in their Arrangements,
but at the time which this narrative describes, their
proceedings were extraordinarily open for the repeated failure of
the law. Had proved to them that.
On the one hand, no one would dare to witness against them and
on the other, they had an unlimited number of a staunch
Witnesses upon whom they could call and the well field Treasure
Chest from which they could draw.
The funds to engage the best legal talent in the state.
In 10, long years of outrage, there have been no single
conviction and the only danger that ever threatened.
The scours lay in the victim himself, who, however,
outnumbered and taken by surprise might and occasionally
did leave his Mark upon his assailants.
McMurdo had been warned that some ordeal lay before him, but
no one would tell him in what it consisted.
He was led now into an outer room by to Solemn, Brothers,
Through the plank partition. He could hear the murmur of many
voices from the assembly within once or twice.
He caught the sound of his own name, and he knew that they were
discussing his candidacy, then they're entered, an inner guard
with a green and gold sash across Chest the body Master
orders that he shall be trust blinded and entered said he the
three of them removed his coat turned up the sleeve of his
right arm and finally passed a rope around above the elbows and
made it fast. They next placed a thick black
cap, right over his head and the upper part of his face so that
he could see nothing he was then led into the Assembly Hall.
It was pitch dark, and very oppressive under his hood.
He heard the rustle and murmur of the people around him and
then the voice of McGinty sounded dull and distance
through the covering of his ears.
John McMurdo said the voice are you already a member of the
Ancient Order of freemen? He bowed, his Ascent is your
lodge number 29, Chicago, he bowed again.
Dark nights are unpleasant said the voice.
Yes, for strangers to travel, he answered the clouds are heavy.
Yes, a storm is approaching our the Brethren satisfied.
Ask the body Master. There was a general murmur of
assent. we know brother by your sign and by your counter sign
that you are indeed one of us said McGinty We would have, you
know, however, that in this County and in other counties of
these parts, we have certain rights and also certain duties
of our own which call for good men.
Are you ready to be tested? I am.
Are you of stout heart? I am take a stride forward to
prove it. As the words were said, he felt
too hard points in front of his eyes, pressing upon them.
So, that it appeared as if he could not move forward without a
danger of losing them. Nonetheless, he nerved himself
to step resolutely out. And as he did, so the pressure
melted away. There was a low murmur of
applause. He is of a stout.
Heart said the voice. Can you bear pain as well as
another? He answered test him.
It was all he could do to keep himself from screaming out for
an agonizing pain. Shot through his forearm.
He nearly fainted at the sudden shock of it but he bit his lip
and clenched. His hands to hide his agony.
I can take more than that said. He this time there was loud
Applause, a finer, first appearance had never been made
in the large hands, clapped him on the back.
And the hood was plucked from his head.
He stood blinking and smiling amid, the congratulations of the
brothers One last word brother, McMurdo said McGinty, you have
already sworn the oath of secrecy and Fidelity and you are
aware that the punishment for any breach of it.
Is, instant and inevitable death.
I am said McMurdo and you accept the rule of the body Master for
the time being under all circumstances, I do then in the
name of Lodge 3. 41 vermissa, I welcome you to its Privileges
and debates. You will put the liquor on the
table, brother Scanlon and we will drink to our worthy
brother. Mcmurdo's coat had been brought
to him, but before putting it on, he examined his right arm,
which still smarted heavily there.
On the Flesh of the forearm was a circle with a triangle with in
it deep and red, as The Branding Iron had left, it one of the two
of his neighbor's, pulled up their sleeves and showed their
own Lodge marks. We've all had, it said one but
not all as Brave as you over it too.
It was nothing said he would have burned, an eight, all the
same, when the drinks, which followed the ceremony of
initiation had all been disposed of the business of the lodge
proceeded, McMurdo accustomed only to the prosaic performances
of Chicago listened with open ears and more surprise.
And he ventured to show to what followed Our first business on
the agenda paper said McGinty is to read the following letter
from division, master window, of Merton County large, 249 he
says, Dear Sir, there is a job to be done on Andrew Ray of Ray
and stir mash coal owners near this place.
You will remember that your lajos as Sir returned having had
the service of two brethren in the matter.
Of the patrolman last fall. You will send two good men?
They will be taken charge of by Treasurer Higgins of this large
whose address. You know.
He will show them when to act and wear yours in Freedom.
JW Windle dma. Oh f.
Wendell is never refused us when we have had occasion to ask for
the loan of a man or two, and it's not for us to refuse him,
McGinty paused, and looked around the room with his dull,
malevolent eyes, who will volunteer for the job.
Several young fellows held up their hands, the body Master
looked at them with an approving smile.
You'll do tiger Cormac if you handle it as well as you did the
last, you won't be wrong and you Wilson.
I've no pistol. So the volunteer army a boy in
his teens. It's your first.
Is it not well, you have to be blooded sometime.
It will be a great start for you as to the Pistol, you'll find it
waiting for you, or I'm mistaken.
If you're a porch ourselves on Monday, it'll be time enough.
You'll get a great welcome when you return.
Any reward this time as Cormac, I think said dark-faced, brutal
looking young man whose ferocity had earned him.
The nickname of tiger, never mind, the reward.
You just do it for the honor of the thing.
Maybe when it's done and they'll be a few odd dollars at the
bottom of the box. What is the man done asked the
young Wilson? Sure.
It's not for the likes of you to ask, what?
The man has done. He's been judged over there,
that's no business of ours. All we have to do is to carry it
out for them. Same as they would, for us
speaking of that. Two brothers from the Merton,
larger coming over to us, next week, to do some business in
this quarter. Who are they?
Are someone faith. It is wiser not to ask if, you
know nothing you can testify and nothing and no trouble can come
of it. But they are men who will make a
clean job when they're about it and time to cry.
Ted Baldwin folk are getting out of hand in these parts was only
last week that three of our men were turned off by Foreman
Bleeker. It's been owing him a long time
and he'll get it full and proper.
Get what a murder whispered to his neighbor.
The business end of a buckshot cartridge.
Cried the man with a loud laugh. What think you of our ways
brother? Mcmurdo's.
Criminals Soul seemed to have already absorbed the spirit of
the vial, Association of, which she was now a member, I like it.
Well said, he is a proper place for a lot of metal.
Several of those who sat around, heard his words and applauded
them. What's that cried?
The black-maned bodymaster from the end of the table?
It is our new brother sir, who finds our ways to his taste
McMurdo Rose to his feet for an instant.
I would say eminent bodymaster that if a man should be wanted,
I should take it as an honor to be chosen to help the large.
It was great Applause at this. It was felt that a new sun was
pushing its Rim above the Horizon, to some of the elders.
It seemed The progress was a little too rapid, I would move
said, the secretary haraway a vulture faced old grey beard,
who sat near the chairman that brother McMurdo should wait
until it is the good pleasure of the large to employ him.
Sure. That was what I meant.
I'm in your hands, said McMurdo, your time will come, brother
said the chairman we have marked you down as a willing man, and
we believe that you will do good work in these parts.
It's there is a small matter tonight in, which you may take a
hand, if it's so please, you I'll wait for something that is
worthwhile, you can come tonight, anyhow, and it will
help you to know what we stand for, in this community.
I will make the announcement later, meanwhile, he glanced at
his agenda paper. I have one or two more points to
bring before the meeting. First of all, I will ask to
Treasurer as to our bank balance.
There is the pension to Gymkhana ways Widow.
He was struck down during the work of the lodge and it is for
us to see that she is not the loser.
Jim was shot last month. When they cried to kill Chester
Wilcox of Molly Creek. Mcmurdo's neighbor, informed
him. The funds are good.
At the moment said the treasurer with the bank book in front of
him, the firms have been generous of late, Max, Linda and
Cole paid, 500 to be left alone. Walker Brothers, sent in 100,
but I took it on myself to return it and ask for five.
If I do not hear by Wednesday, they're winding gear may get out
of order. We had to burn their breaker
last year, before they became reasonable then, the West
Section calling company has paid its annual Ocean.
We have enough on hand to meet any obligations.
What, about Archie Swindon asked a brother?
He is sold out and left a district.
The Old Devil left, a note for us to say that he'd had rather
be a free Crossing sweeper in a New York than a large mine
owner, under the power of a ring of blackmailers by gar.
It was as well that he made a break for it before the note
reached us. I guess he won't show his face
in this Valley again. An elderly clean-shaved, man,
with a kindly face and a good brow Rose from the end of the
table which faced the chairman mr.
Treasurer, he asked may I ask who has bought the property of
this man that we have driven out of the district?
Yes, brother. Maurice it has been bought by
the state and Merton County Railroad Company.
And who bought the minds of Todman and of Lee that came into
the market. And the same way last year, the
same company brother Morris. and who bought the Ironworks of
Manson and of Schumann, and a Van de ER, and of at word, which
have all been given up of late, Hey were all bought by the West
Gilmerton General Mining Company.
I don't see brother Maurice said the chairman that it matters to
us who buys them since they can't carry them out of the
district with all respect to U eminent bodymaster.
I think it may matter very much to us.
This process has been going on now for ten long years, we are
gradually driving all the small men out of trade.
What is the result we find in their places?
Great companies like the Railroad or the general iron who
have their directors in New York or Philadelphia and care.
Nothing for our threats we can take it out of their local
bosses but it only means that others will be sent in their
stead and we are making it dangerous for ourselves.
The small man could not harm us. They had not the money nor the
power so long as we did not squeeze them to dry, they would
stay on under our power. But if these big companies find
that we stand between them and their profits, they will spare
no pains and no expense to hunt us down and bring us to court.
There was a hush at these ominous words and every face
darkened as gloomy looks were exchanged.
So omnipotent and unchallenged. Had they been at the very
thought that there was possible retribution in the background
had been banished from their minds and yet the idea struck a
chill to the most Reckless of them.
It is my advice. The speaker continued at we go
easier upon the small men on the day that they have all been
driven out the power of this Society will have been broken.
Unwelcome truths are not popular.
They were angry cries as a speaker is zoomed.
His seat McGinty rose with Gloom upon his brow.
Brother Maurice said he you were always a croaker so long as the
members of this large Stand Together, there is no power in
the United States that can touch them.
Sure, have we not tried it often enough in the Law Courts?
I expect a big companies will find it easier to pay than to
fight same as a little companies do.
And now Brethren McGinty took off his black velvet cap and is
stole as he spoke. This large has finished its
business for the evening, save for one small matter which may
be mentioned. When we are parting the time has
now come for fraternal refreshment and for harmony
Strange indeed is human nature. Here, were these men to whom
murder was familiar. Who again, and again had struck
down the father of the family, some man against whom they had
no personal feeling without one thought of compunction, or of
compassion, for his weeping wife or helpless children.
And yet the tender or pathetic in music could move them.
To tears, McMurdo had a fine tenor, voice, and if you had
failed to gain the Goodwill of the lodge before, or it could no
longer have been withheld after, he had thrilled them with, I am
sitting on the style Mary and on the banks of Allan water.
In his very first night, the new recruit had made himself, one of
the most popular of the Brethren marked, already, for advancement
and high office. There were other qualities
needed. However, besides those of good
Fellowship to make a worthy Freeman, and of these, he was
given an example before the evening was over, the whiskey
bottle had passed around many times, and the men were flushed
and right? For Mischief when their body
Master Rose, once more to address, Them boys said he as
one man in this town that wants trimming up and it's for you to
see that he gets it. I'm speaking of James, Stanger
of the herald. You seen how he's been opening
his mouth against us again. It was a murmur of assent with
many, a muttered oath McGinty. Took a slip of paper from his
waistcoat pocket, Law and Order. That's how he heads it reign of
terror in the coal and iron District. 12 years of.
Now, elapsed since the first assassinations which proved the
existence of a criminal organization in our midst from
that day, these outrages have never ceased until now they have
reached a pitch which makes us the opprobrium of the Civilized
world is it for such results as this that our great country,
welcomes to its bosom, the alien who flies from the despotisms of
Europe, is it that they shall remain.
Cells become tyrants over the very men who have given them
shelter and that a state of terrorism and lawlessness should
be established under the very shadow of the Sacred folds of
the starry flag of Freedom, which would raise Horror in our
minds. If we read of it, as existing
under the most effete monarchy of the East, the men are known
the organization is patent and public.
How long are we to endure it? Can we forever live?
Sure, I've read enough of the slush by the chairman tossing,
the paper down upon the table. That's what he says of us.
The question. I'm asking, is what shall we say
to him? Kill him?
Quite a dozen. Fierce voices.
I protest against that said, brother, but Maurice, the man of
the good brow and shaved face. I tell you Brethren that are
hand is too heavy in this Valley, and that there will come
a point. We're in self-defense.
Every man will unite to crush us out.
James Stanga is an old man. He is respected in the township
and the district his paper stands for all that is solid in
the valley. If that man is struck down there
will be a stir through this state that will only end with
our destruction. And how would they bring about
our destruction, mr. Stand back, tried McGinty.
Is it by the police? Sure, half of them are in our
pay and half of them are afraid of us or is it by the Law
Courts, and the judge, haven't we tried that before now and
whatever came of it. There is a judge Lynch that
might try. The case said, brother, Maurice
a general. Shout of anger greeted, the
suggestion I have, but to raise my finger cried McGinty, and I
could put 200 men into this town.
That would clear it out from end to end.
Then suddenly raising his voice and bending, his huge black
brows into a terrible frown see here, brother, Maurice, I have
my eye on you and I've had for some time, you've no heart
yourself and you try to take the heart out of others.
It will be any old day for you brother.
Maurice when your own name comes on our agenda paper, and I'm
thinking that it's just there, that I ought to place.
It Morris had turned deadly pale, and his knees.
Seemed to give way under him as he fell back into his chair.
He raised his glass in his trembling hand and drank before
he could answer. I apologize.
Eminent bodymaster. Do you unto every brother in
this Lodge? If I have said more than I
should, I am a faithful member. You all know that and it is, my
fear lest evil come to the lodge, which makes me speak in
anxious words, but I have greater trust in your judgment
than in my own eminent bodymaster and I promise you
that I will not offend again. The body Masters scowl relaxed
as he listened to the humble words.
Very good, brother, Maurice. It's myself.
That would be sorry if it were needful to give you a lesson but
so long as I am in this chair we shall be a United Lodge in word
and in deed. And now, boys, he continued
looking round at the company. I'll say this much that a
Stanger got his full desserts, there would be more.
Bouldin we need ask for these editors hang together and every
journal in the state would be crying out for police and troops
but I guess you can give him a Pity severe warning.
Will you fix it brother? Baldwin?
Sure said the young man, he eagerly.
How many will you take half a dozen and to, to guard the door,
you'll come Gala and you Mansell and you Scanlon and the to
willoughby's I promised a new brother.
He should go said the chairman Ted Baldwin looked at McMurdo
with eyes, which showed that he had not forgotten nor forgiven.
Well, he can come if he wants, he said in a surly voice, that's
enough. The sooner we get to work.
The better. The company broke up with shouts
and yells and snatches of drunken song.
The bar was still crowded with revelers and many of the
Brethren remain there. The little band who had been
told off for Duty passed out into the street proceeding in
twos and threes along the sidewalk.
So, as not to provoke attention. It was a bitterly cold night
with a half moon, shining brilliantly in a frosty
Star-Spangled Sky, the men stopped and gathered in a yard
which faced a high building the words vermissa Harold were
printed in Gold lettering between the brightly lit windows
from within came, the clanking of the printing press here.
You said Baldwin to McMurdo you can stand below at the door and
see that the road is kept open for us.
Arthur. Willoughby can stay with you.
You others? Come with me.
Have no fears, boys for. We have a dozen witnesses that
we are in the union bar at this very moment.
It was nearly midnight and the street was deserted save for one
or two revelers upon their way home, the party crossed the road
and pushing open the door of the newspaper Office Baldwin and his
men rushed in and up the stair which faced them McMurdo and
another remained below from the room above came, a shout a cry
for help and then the sound of trampling feet and the falling
chairs. An instant later, a gray-haired
Man. Rushed out on the landing.
He was seized before he could get father, and his spectacles
came tinkling down to mcmurdo's feet, there was a thud and a
groan. He was on his face and half a
dozen sticks were clattering together, as they fell upon him,
he rise. And his long thin limbs,
quivered under the blows. The others ceased at last but
Baldwin his cruel face. It in an infernal smile was
hacking at the man's head, which he vainly endeavoured to defend
with his arms. His white hair was dabbled, with
patches of blood. Baldwin was still stooping over
his victim, putting in a short vicious blow, whenever he could
see a part exposed. When McMurdo dashed up, the
stair and pushed him back, you'll kill the man said he drop
it. Baldwin looked at him in
amazement curse. You he cried, who are you to
interfere you that are new to the lodge stand back?
He raised his stick, but murder had whipped his pistol out of
his pocket. Stand back yourself.
He cried. I'll blow your face in.
If you lay a hand on me as to the lodge, wasn't it?
The order of the body master that the man was not to be
killed? And what are you doing?
But killing him. It's true.
He says, remarked, one of the men by guy.
You'd best. Hurry yourselves.
Cried the man below. The windows are all lighting up
and you'll have the whole town here inside a five minutes.
It was indeed the sound of shouting in the street and the
little group of compositors and pressmen was forming in the hall
below and nerving itself to action leaving the limp and
motionless, body of the editor, the head of the stair, the
criminals rushed down, and made their way.
Swiftly, along the street, having reached the union house,
some of them mixed with the crowd in.
McGinty Saloon Whispering across the bar to the boss of the job
had been well carried through. Others and among them McMurdo
broke away into side streets. And so, by devious paths to
their own homes End of chapter 3.
End of chapter 3.