The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-11-28
MRS. ANNIE GREEN.
CHAPTER XXI,

CHAPTER XXI.
 "Thank God" Irepeated again and again. My friend was safe and my own deliverance was near at hand. could near the groans of the wounded man, but was not hypocritical enough with myself to acknowledge that in the least sympathised with him. His sufferings must have been great, but he deserved to suffer, for he brought it upon himself. have never been squeamish with regard 10 the methods or the intensity of pun ishment employed by the God of retribu- tion. sought my bed and endeavored to sleep, but might as we'll have tried to force my way through brick wall Would daylight never come2 How time does stop and mock a mans impatience The roosters began to crow, but confound them, they often crew at midnight. went to the door and peered through the grating A drizzling rain was falling, but dull, grayish light seemed to be settling down. Hicks had ceased groan. ing. Perhaps he was dead. If so, why did not Mrs. Hicks take the key and let me out? had almost worried myself into fever when heard the trampling of horses, and then, seized the bars and shook them as heard buggy wheels rat ting over the stones. l tried to shout but my voice failed me, and then, ashamed of my impatience, waited in silence. heard voices. A light came toward me and-I could not help it-I uttered cry of joy as Dr. Hill approached the door.
 Helloa, Barker, you are still here see," he said as he inserted key in the lock.
 "Yes, am here. You certainly did not expect that would run away"
 "I didn't know. Now you are all right" he added as the door swung open.
 seized the doctors hand.
 That will do, now. No foolishness remember. am sorry l had to shoot your landlord but had to do it to save my own life. Come in and let us see how he is getting along"
 Hicks no longer wore an amusing air. He lay on his back, breathing heavily The doctors bullet had done its work we'll The sheriff and two men, all rough looking, stood near. Mrs. Hicks, hold ing the little girl on her lap, sat on the foot of the bed.
 "You air all thieves" said Hicks. "The sheriffTs thief an he knows that know it. lfmy gun nader gone off, you d-d rascal, you wouldn't be standin' thar lookin' at me-"
 "Can do anything for your" Mrs. Hicks asked.
 "Yes, you ken let me alone, dam you. Hadn't been for you l would have killed the lunatic, got money an lit out rum here."
 "Mr. Hicks," said the doctor, "you'd better not try to talk"
 "Go to hell, will you l am in my own house an I'll talk as much as please Git outen here, all O you. Vilsie, what air you snortin' about? don't want none O yer cryin' round here. Never mind. Thar's comin' day when we'll straighten all this business up."
 "Mr. Hicks" said the doctor," am very sorry that this has happened, and if it were in my power would help you, but it is not. feel it to be my duty, however, to tell you that you cannot live but very short time."
 "You air liar l" Hicks savageiv re- torted.
 "You are dying now, Mir. Hicks"
 "Liari'
 could see that death had marked his face. His breathing became more diffi- cult. The doctor leaned over the bed. The dying man whispered
 "Liar."
 That was his last whisper. He's gone," said the doctor, turning to Mrs. Hicks. The woman, taking Vilsie in her arms, arose and said:
 "Little darling, your father is dead. Don't cry. It is better for us bo,h."
 Barker" the doctor remarked, tive will stay here until tomorrow and bury him. It is not necessary for me to go back with tho sheriff. gave myself up 10 the authorities when l reached the county seat, and shortly alserward, man