The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-09-01
IKE BRENNAN'S WATCH.

"Ef you think your cousin is scoundrc
young man. why, say the word, if its ncces
sary TO say anything. It's mean to shrug and
sigh, and shake IA mans good name away with
n shake of your hcad-that's what think y
And Ike Brennan pushed back his Panama, and
looked with anything but approval at Lyman
Snecd leaning, in sp0tcSs white duck, against
the China tree
In spite of his dappcr appearance, he was
not pleasant young man to look ai. He had
that uncertain, nervous way so irritating Il
the honest and purposcful, and it stood written
ON his face that he had not loved a living soul
No, not even the pretty Mona Duval, whom hr
quit Ike TO go and meet He thought he loved
her, but no feeling that possessed him was Il
more thoroughly selfish one
His cousin, Dick Burlc.on, loved Mona
that was quite sufficient to make Lyman Snccd
sure that She was necessary to his happiness
So he went eagerly now 10 meet her. Tx,
watched him up the street, muttcring:
"Oi two evils choose the least; but I've al
iCTs noticed that women, of two men, choose
the worst wonder if little Nona'll do that
same thing? Her father rode through many
darncd fight by my sidc-calcuatc I'll take
sides hCrc--ycs, sir"
lie rose slowly, lifted his rifle, and went
trailing up the hot avenue. He was on the
lookout for Dick, and very soon found him
among lot Of rough transfers who were Loaf,
ing in one of the principal stores Dick was
reading 10 them New York paper, and back
ing up his own side of some political question
with good deal of fervor The men were
pulling their boards and listening with that
true Texas phlegm which might at any mo
ment turn into llngovcnabc passion.
Ike waited until the end of one of Dicks
flowing periods and then said:
Thar, Dick, that'll do for the business OF
the United States surprising you come now
with me, and look after your own "A spell"
II was so unusual for Ike Brennan to med
die in any ones affairs that Dick gave instant
heed TO his invitation, and with final broad
side of splendid adicctiycs for his own party
joined Ike, and they sat down together in
The first quiet, shady seat.
Lyman Snced is playing the mischief with
your good name, Dick. rs against my habit
% look after anybody's business but my own
but I've reasons contrary this time
Lyman Snccd! lie is, is he?' And Dick
instinctiycly put his hand on the leathcrn
sheath that held his knife.
No tools, Dick, % that kind. It's me that
is making tili, quarrel you know, and let
nobody do my fighting"
What did he sayy'
That i 1t; he says nothing you can get
ibid Of Pitics his Uncle-pitics Mona Duval
and is. 50 sorry YOU will
WHAT
lie don't say-sh.ugs his shoulders and
shakes his head, and the shrug and shake stand
for drinking, gaming, anything you like to
make it,
III tell Lymqn Sneed--"
You'll say neither good nor bad. Dick.
Lyman is like a pine coal-if he don't burn.
u fapltr 1pssf. tipa.ts
away for Lyman TO pick up-that is just what
he wants you 10 dO-giye in a bit 10 the old
man; he thinks all creation of you, and if you
won't Try to please him, why Lyman will, that's
all"
I'm not going 10 take my politics and my
opinions from Uncle Jack Burleson-no, moi
for all his how-wallow prairie, and his cattle
and gold thrown in"
ale is an old man. Dick Life is a country
Jack Burleson has ne pretty thoroughly ov,
stands 10 reason he knows more an you"