Weekly Trinity journal., 1872-06-29

down upon the Salinas plains in attend
ance upon a r0deo, and, being on his re
turn, jogging along on his mustang, h,
saw, tar in the distance, but nearing him
an equally lone traveller. Slowly thcdis
tance between them decreased and, n,
/ they approached, Mapes with Calitomi;
prudeuce-slpped his revolver upon tn,
belt which sustained it, from his back,
round to his left side, bringing the hilt
under the shadow of his bride arm, and
within easy reach of his right-hand, 4
near look assured Mapes that he had NO
occasion for weapons the coming man
was OF middle age, but his look was worn,
weary, detected and hopeless-in local
/ phrase, his manner was that Of a person
who had lost his grip" and those who
have met that terrible misfortune art
never highway robbers, grip" being the
very quality wanted in that hazardous
pursuit.
The travellers met, with long, inQuir-
ing gaze, when from their lips simulta-
neously burst the words, Mapes"-
"Timms." After moment of mute
surprise, MNpes, spurring his mustang,
drew nearer Timms.
"So-we meet at last. | have been
wanting to see you this many II year"
The movement seemed ominous to
Timms, and he cried out "Don't-don't
shoot havo no weapons ! Besides, |
have kept my oath-at least rs we'll rs |
could. mover told the reason why you
did not attend the apple-bee, nor ever
brcathcd syllable about the sawed log
ON my solemn oath"
81 wasn't thinking about the ducling." ="
said Mapes.
Don't como any nearer returned
Timms.- 81 have always tried to use
that woman we'll but sho won't be used
we'll. have done my best to treat her
kindly; but she wouldn't be treated
kindly"
1t is no use to go over the grounds to
me, Timms."
But" replied Timms, "you have no
idea what that woman is you wouldn't
blame me il you only knew. she's brow
beat me, till amt half a man."
$50 l see" said Mapes.
"No, you don't scc," replied Timms.
" You don't see half. Look at this scar"
taking off his hat, and showing long
seam ON his scalp, that was dono with
the skillet.
"You have suffered" =" said Mapos.
Suffered" =" returned Tmms. You
ought to have sworn her, too. If you on
ly knew how have thought Of you and
Of my oath to you and how have borne
blows and been quot-how have been
called brute and fool and kept silent
how | have endured taunts and sneers,
hunger and discomiolts, without word
Of reproach-you would forgive me ; you
wouldn't horbor thoughts OF revenge"
"Thoughts Of roycngo," answered
Mapes. " Let us dismount, and have II
settlement; for | see my chance has
come ut last"
"Mapes, would you take the life Of an
unarmcd man ?"
"Timms, you're crazy. Let me cx-
plain. | have no wrongs to avenge. 1t
isn't for vengeance that have wanted to
see you. | have heard about you often
know all your life and experiences; and
l have only wanted to meet you, to offer
you home and friendship, employment
and opportunities for prosperity, here in
California. / owe you no debt but one Of
gratitude, for the incstimable service you
did me by that little job Of carpenter
work, and that | mean to pay. Come
with me-" lie took Timms' horse by the
bride, turned him about without rcmon-
STRANGE, and they travelled on in silence.
After awhile, Timms raised his eyes
timidly from the ground, and said
Mapes, she's the devil"