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MonkeyNotes-The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
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Davies again tries to reason with the crowd. He even offers drinks
to the men if they will change their minds. Smith mocks Davies
by saying that he only thinks in terms of money. Since it is
growing late and a storm seems to be approaching with a damp,
chilly wind, Davies suggests that they spend the night in town.
Canby, Ma Grier, and Davies all offer the men rooms for
sleeping. Farnley still wants to set off, even if he is alone. Judge
Tyler tries to convince him that the law will take care of Kinkaid's
murder. Davies adds that Risley is a good sheriff and is sure to
catch the murderer. An angry Farnley knocks Davies hands off his
knee and begins to run around. Just then Tetley appears with
military rigidity, wearing his old Confederate coat. With him are
Nate Bartlett, Tetley's weak son named Gerald, and his handyman
named Amigo. Clark makes it clear that Tetley does not like his
effeminate son. He forces him to join the posse in hopes of
making him into a man.
Filled with pride and self-assurance, Tetley displays power and
commands respect. When he speaks, men listen. He tells the men
that Amigo has seen the rustlers leave through the pass from the
south end of the village about four hours earlier. Amigo adds that
there were three men driving about forty head of stolen cattle.
Forgetting about spending the night in town, the men are again
anxious to leave and catch the rustlers. Davies says that the posse
should wait for the sheriff. He also warns against talk of
lynchings, for the rustlers should be brought in for a fair trial.
Judge Tyler reminds them that the present posse is illegal. Tetley,
however, promises that he will demand order and justice from the
posse. He then turns to Mapes and asks him to deputize the posse.
Mapes agrees even though the judge reminds him that it is not
legal for a deputy to form a posse. After Mapes recites a garbled
form of an oath, the posse rides off. A shouting Tyler warns
Tetley to bring the rustlers back alive or everyone will have to pay
for their murders. Davies runs after the posse, trying to stop them
one last time. Finally, he stands with Osgood and watches the
men departing, including Art and Gil.
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