In the third paragraph of the story, Bret Harte states, "A secret committee had determined to rid the town of all improper persons." These "improper persons" include Mr. John Oakhurst, a gambler; the Duchess, a prostitute; Mother Shipton, a witch; and Uncle Billy, a thief and drunk. The committee made this sudden decision because "It had lately suffered the loss of several thousand dollars, two valuable horses, and a prominent citizen. It was experiencing a spasm of virtuous reaction, quite as lawless and ungovernable as any of the acts that had provoked it." By expelling these "improper persons" and hanging two more for their crimes, the town leaders were hoping to improve the reputation of the town as well as perhaps settle a few disagreements with the likes of someone like Oakhurst who won too many hands of poker and too much of the leaders' money!
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