The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-26

was We thinkin' on7 Maggie to yer room; lock
yourself IN. and fergit whar ye put the key"
Billy obeyed mechanically. And Ag, after
watching him to his door with sembiance on
her rugged face of the tender expression which is
the outward mark of q woman's love- returned
to the barroo
The episode had not impressed the fuddled OBJ
servers deeply, and they asked her no questions
Even Wattss curiosity was not aroused. She
eyed him closely for awhile, until she salts
fed On that point. Then creases came between
her eyebrows, and an omnous compression to
her lips. But, whatever she meditated, there
was lack of her accustomed imuplsiveness
Folding her barred arms she apparently surveyed
the company. The revelry of the survivors was
too far along to be disturbed by her black scowl-
ing. Only Arnold Watts saw it, and he was
soon aware that her eyes were cleaning at him
Her aspect alarmed him, if ii did not disturb his
placid exterior, and be arose from his chair to
retire. The whisky was still in the glass by his
side Ag STROBE across the room.
BE we too proud to drink with the boys?" she
cried. wall, reckon nobody would touch the
glass after We; SO the juice mought ez well be
throwd away
She caught up the tumbler, and dashed its
contents into his face. He took the act for what
it seemed-the wanton insult of sudden bar
room foe who wanted fight. Nor aid the 9TH
ers discern any difference between her man
ner now and when they had her a reck-
less assailant on previous occasions. He paused
ar instant as though hesitating to encounter a
woman, and would have retreRted If she had not
gripped his arm, and whirled him round The
spectators intuitively cleared a space Sleepers
were quietly poked and awakened There was
moment of silent expectation. Then Ag's right
arm Strengthened out, and her fist reached his
face with loud "srat" Instantly they were
together, wrestling furously. tramping heavily
to and fro. knocking over chairs and tables, and
writing in each others arms. They then few
apart and for an instant stood painting and glaring
The woman was first to close again. Darling
upon her antagonist, she wrenched him off his
feet strained him across her hip, and flung him
heavily to the floor. The feat had not been east
~ done The muscles in her arms had bulged
like 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,
for when Watts began to scramble to his feet
she threw herself upon him, and bore him down
again
Give me the note we've got in yer belt" she
hoarsey whispered, ''the forged MOTEL know
it's thar-or III have yer life"
She whipped out knife. He was not a cow
ard. The CLEAN of the blade did not make him
obey. But her knee was on his breast and her
hand on his throat. She felt for the belt and
like fash cut to 1t through his clothes. To pull
open the pocket required both her hands. and
when the choking stopped he cried out with
oath that she was robbing him. terrific blow
on his mouth prevented him from being under
stood by the excited spectators. The papers in
the belt were torn out, and then crumpling them
into wad in her hands she let him get up. He
staggered back. drew revolver and fred before
anybody could hinder Ag clapped her hand to
her side, and blood ran out on the papers. She
turned unsteadily half way round and fell on her
face.
Cali Billy Wiki" she said. Call him quick. I"
Billy heard the shot, and was already bending
over her.
"Here-here," she continued in a whisper;
'the crooked note is in this lot Of papers Stick
'em in your pocket. Thar"
Arnold Watts undertook to slip out but
dozen hands grabbed him.
eve got too much lead in me to ever get up
aein, boys" Ag continued, speaking with in
creasinP difficulty, $50 goodbye. Don't bar no
i'll will about the lookin' glass Come close,
Billy" He was holding her head on his knee.
"Shake hands. / amt sorry fer what I've done,
an not much fer what's happened to me. The
gals yourn, Billy-God bless you've wanted
the pretty critter and I was bound ye should
have her. Take care o that note an"