Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-08-12

Of the tender expression Wn1cn - tne out-
ward mark OF woman's love, returned
to the barroom-
The episode had not impressed the fud-
died observers deeply. and they asked her
no questions. Even Watts curiosity was
not aroused She eyed him closely for
while until she was satisfied on that point
Then creases came between her eyebrows,
and the omnibus compression to her lips.
But, whatever she meditated. there was
lack Of the accustomed impulsiveness.
Folding her barred arms, she apparently
surveyed the company. The revelry OF
the survivors was too far along to be dis
turbed By her black scowling. Only
Arnold Watts saw il, and he was soon
aware that her eyes were cleaning at
him. Her aspect alarmed him if it did not
disturb his placid exterior. and he rose
from his chair to retire. The whiskey was
still in the glass by his side. Ag strobe
across the room BE ye too proud To drink
with the boys?'' she cri d. wall. l
reckon nobody would tech the glass after
We; so the juice might Ell well be throw d
away"
She caught up the tumbler and dashed
its contents into his face. He took the act
for what il seemed-the wanton insult of
a sudden barroom foe who wanted tight
Nor did the others discern any difference
between her manner now. and when they
had seen her reckless assallant on
previous occasions. He paused an instant,
as though hesitating To encounter wo-
man. and would have rctreated it she had
not gripped his arm and whi-led him
round. The spectators intuiiively cleared
a space. SIeepers were quietly poked and
awakened. There was moment OF silent
expectation. Then Ag's right arm
Strengthened out. and her list reached his
face with a loud spat. Instantly they
were together, wrestling furiously. tramp
ing heavily to ard fro. knocking over
chairs and tables, and writhing in each
others locked arms. Then they flew
apart. and for an instant stood painting
and glaring. The woman was first to
close again. Darling upon her antago-
mist. she wrenciied him of his feet, strain
ed him across her hip, and finally flung
him heavily to the floor. The feat had
not been easily done. The muscles in her
arms had bulged Ike an athletes and the
cords had risen with the tension. She
stood with her bosom heaving and her
wild face aglow, but only for an instant.
Tor when Watts began 10 scramble to his
feet she threw herself upon him and bore
him down again.
Give me the note you've got in yer
belt" she hoarsely whispered. 1.-THE
forged note-I know its thar-or I'll have
yer life"
She whipped out knife. lie was not
"a coward. The CLEAN of knife did not
make lim obey. But her knee was on his
breast and her hand on his throat. He
was powerless from strangulation. She
felt for his belt and like flash cut to it
through his clothes. To tear open the
pocket required both her hands, and when
the choking stopped he cried out with an
oath that she was robbing him. terrific
blow on his mouth prevented him from
being understood by the excited men. The
papers in the belt were torn out, and then
crumping them into Il wad in her hands,
she let him get up. He staggered back,
drew n revolver. and fired before hand
could hinder Az clapped her hand to her
side. and blood ran out on the papers.
She turned unsteadily half way round, and
fell on her face.
Call Billy WIKI" she said; ''call him
quick"
Billy had heard the shot and was bending
over her."
Here, here" she continued in a whis-
per. 1.-THE crooked note is in this lot o
papers. Stick 'em in yer pocket. Thar"
Arnold Watts undertook to slip out, but
dozen hands grabbed him.
''I've got too much lead in me ever to
lit up ag'n. boys" Ag continued, speak
ing with increased d fficuty. so. good
by. Don't bar no ill-will about the lookin'
glass. Come close. Billy" He was
holding her head on his knee. Shake,
pard. | amt sorry fer what I've done.
and not so much fer what's happened to
me. The gals yourn. Billy. You wanted
the purity critter. an was dead set We
should have her. Take care o. the note.
an"
Billy felt the grip of her hand relax. but
the smile stayed in her face even after she
was dead.
There was only one thing that could
possibly happen to Arnold Watts. He
knew it so well that he did not utter a
word of protest. The drunken and ex-
asperated miners hanged him. The job
was not rs neat as though the accustomed
tree had been used instead of the empty
frame of the big mirror; but they would
not leave out that sentimental and pic
turesqe element. and Watts was the only
sufferer by the bunglng.