The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-29
With a Harrow Tooth.

Il
Tam Joles and Hank Spain were moi
on good terms. They were skin by
marriage" but the matrimonial state
is not likely to adjust differences, nor
does the paternal roof always serve to
cover in harmony the heated blood OF
brothers. An unsatisfactory settlement
of small estate brought about a law
suit which was decided in Tam Joles'
favor. Hank Spain swore that no law
should deprive him of his rights
''What can you do?" Tam asked.
''What could Cain do?'' he replied,
turning on his brother-in-law a look
the molten anger of burning revenge.
''Cain could kill his brother"
"Well?" without removing his gaze.
''He could kill his brother with a
club, but can you kill me with one?"
with one or with two; it makes no
difference
'Now here, Hank, 1 don't want any
trouble with you. This affair has been
settled by the courts
"Was Abel settled by a court?"
80. well, if nothing but blood will
satisfy you, l am willing that you should
have enough of it. Name the weapons
and will be with you"
''Did Cain ask Abel to name his wea-
pons?"
You are blamed fool"
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 lnen 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-
guence of having killed man.
Tam was admitted to the bar, but hav-
ing shortly afterwards killed promi-
nent attorney, was forced to surrender
his license.
One day, about a 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 ill, 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 oil 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
the little fellow, and lifting him, sat
him on his shoulder. Hank fired, and
The child fell from his fathers shoulder.
A stream of blood ran from his fore
head He quivered. and was dead.
The murderer escaped. For years
Tam followed him. At last the father
came home. In the meantime his wife
had died of gtief. The miserable man
lived alone When the war came, he
joined the army. Peace, peace be-
tween bloody assailantS, but not pea e
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 so
long under the apple tree?"
.sOne night recently old Tam sat
under the tree. The moon was shining
brightly, and the young waving leaves
above wrought sad shadows on the
grave stone.
Thirty years ago to day since he fell
from my arms, unused the old man He
knelt by the two graves, and long re
manned with his face pressed against
the damp moss. He looked mp with a
start. Some one with a long, white
beard, knelt opposite him.
"Who are yOu:"
''Hank," replied a low voice.
Tam arose and held to the tree fol
support. His hand struck something
An old harrow tooth in the fork of the
tree. He graSped the iron and turned
to the now erect form of Hank.
"Are You ready to die''
"ror Gods sake don't kill me. 4
lave suffered enough. l have beer
dying for thirty years. l have come
here to pray"
"And to die"
"WOuld you murder me when I am
openitent. y
"The condemned murderer is ever
pendent. Yet justice calls for his guilty
blood.
Tam, sure, when you lay on the bat
tie field wounded, gave you drink of
water"
.'And years ago, you gave me a
drink of or ef."
''Look at me, Tam, am old, and al
most helpless. There are not many
days left for me in this world. l have
come far TO seek this peace and pray
for pardon. am afraid to die. l be-
lieve in an endless hell. Would you
see me go there"
Il would go with you to see you
squirm. -
Tam seized his victim and threw him
across the graves.
go Cod
The harrow tooth mashed his skull.
Long after life was extinct, the avenger
continued his work of retribution.
When morning came. a bloody mass
of flesh lay scattered over two graves.
An old man, holding in his hand a
bloody harrow tooth, sat with his back
against an apple tree dead.-Opie p
Read, in Teras Siftings.