Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1884-07-30
with a Harrow Tooth.


on good terms. They were "kin by
is not likely 10 adjust differences, nor
does the paternal roof always serve TO
cover in harmony the heated blood of
brothers. An unsatisfactory settlement
of II small estate brought about n law
suit which was decided In Tam Jolcs'
favor, Hank Spain swore that no law
should deprive him of his rights.
What can YOU do?" Tam asked.
"What could Cain doa" he replied,
turning on his brother-in-law look =
the molten anger of burning revenge.
"Cain could kill his brother
"Wellp' without removing his gaze.
''He could kill his brother with a
club, but can you kill me with one?n
with one or with two; II makes no
difference
"Now here, Hank, don't want any
trouble with you. This affair has been
settled by the courts
'Was Abel settled by court?"
80. well, If nothing but blood will
satisfy you, lam willing that you should
have enough of it. Name the weapons
and will be with you.
"Did Cain ask Abel to name his wea-
pous?" e.t
you are a blamed FOOL ef5
Hank turned away without replying.
When he had climbed the fence, he
wheeled around, shook both fists at
Tam, and passed out of sight.
Both inen were known to be desper-
ate, when aroused. In boyhood they
had come from Kentucky to the Ozark
mountains of Arkansaw, and attaining
manhood had taught school together.
Hank had attempted to preach, but
was driven from the pulpit in conse-
quence of having killed a man.
Tam was admitted to the bar, but hav-
ing shortly afterwards killed n promi-
nent attorney, was forced TO surrender
his license.
Ono day, about week after Hank
had declared his violent intentions, Tam
was walking around in his door yard,
carrying his little boy in his arms. The
child had been i'll, and the fresh morn
ing air, the birds, the old dog, and the
scenes which for so long had been denied
him, revived his little spirit, and in de-
light he clapped his wasted hands.
Hank crept along the lane fence. The
child took of his fathers hat, threw it
on the ground and laughed. Hank
thrust his gun between two rails, and
sank ON his knees. The father kissed
tho little fellow, and lifting him, sat
him on his shoulder. Hank fired, and
A stream of blood ran from his fore
head. He quivcred, and was dead.
The murderer escaped. Fof years
Tam followed him. AT last the father
came home. In the meantime his wife
had died of grief. The miserable man
lived alone. When the war came, he
joined the army. Peace, peace be-
tween bloody assailants, but not peace
for weary man, found Tam again at
home. He had no companions, save
two graves in the orchard. Here he
would sit for hours and hours.
Strangers who saw him there, often
said.
wonder why that old man sits SC
long under the apple treep"
Zone night recently old Tam SAT
under the tree. The moon was shining
brightly, and the young waving leaves
above wrought sad shadows on tho
grave stone.
Thirty years ago to-day since he fel
from my arms unused the old man. ii,
knclt by the two graves, and long re
manned with his face pressed agains
the damp moss. He looked up with /;
start. Some one with q long, whit
beard, knelt opposite him.
"Who are you9"
Hank" replied q low voice.
Tam arose and held to the tree fo
support. His hand struck something
An old harrow tooth in the fork of tn,
tree. lie grasped the iron and turned
TO the now erect form of Hank.
''Are you ready to diep"
"For Gods sake don't kill me.
have suffered enough. have beer
dying for thirty years. | have COM
here to pray"
"And to die
"Would you murder me when an
so penitent.
''The condemned murderer is eve
pcnitent Yet justice calls for his guilt,
blood"
Tam, sure, when you lay on the bat
tie field wounded, l gave you drink o
water"
"And years ago, you gave me
urlnk OF grleI.
''Look at me, Tam, am old, and al
most helpless. There are not man.
days left for me i'm this world. hav,
come far TO seek this peace and pra.
for pardon. am afraid to die. / be
lieve in an endless hell. Would 20,
see me go there"
II would go with you to see yo'
squirm."
Tam seized his victim and threw hin
across the graves.
30 God"
The harrow tooth mashed his skull
Long after life was extinct, the avengc
continued his work of retribution.
When morning came, n bloody mas
of flesh lay scattered over two graves
An old man, holding in his hand
bloody harrow tooth, sat with his bacl