Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1888-05-18
CHAPTER XXI.
on THE ROAD.

ON HE hpAD'
They had Just finished their meal, and were
about to leave the table, when suddenly the
door opened, and who should appear at it but
Frank Muller himself. There was no mis-
take about him; there he stood, stroking his
long, golden beard, as big. as handsome, and,
to jess mind, as evil looking as ever The
cold eyes fell upon John with glance OF rec
ornirion, and then something like smile be
ran to play round the corners OF the fine cut,
cruel mouth. Suddenly, however, his gaze
Lit upon the two Beers, one OF whom was
picking bis teeth with a steel fork and the
other lighting his pipe within few inches Of
Jess head, and instantly lis face grew stern
and angry.
.What did l tell you two men7' he said;
that you were not to eat with the prisoners"
this word struck awkwardly on Jess earl.
Il told you that they were to be treated with
all respect, and here find you sprawling over
the table and smoking in their faces Be of
with you!"
The smooth faced man with the tusk rose
at once with a sigh, put down the steel fork
with which he had been operating and de-
parted, recognizing that Member Muller
was not a commanding oflcer to be trifled
with, but his companion, the Vilderbeeste,
demurred. what" he said, tossing his head
90 as to throw the long black hair out OF his
eyes, "am l not 1T to at at meat with
couple Of accused English-a rooibaatj" and
awomans If had my way be should clean
my boots and she should cut up my tobacco;"
and he rIinned st tha notion till aval'rows
whiskers ard mustache all nearly met rouno
his nose, making him look for all the world
like hairy faced baboon.
Frank Muller made no answer in words.
He simply took one step forward, bounced
upon bis insubordinate follower, and with
single swing OF his athletic frame sent him
flying headlong through the door, SO that the
free and independent burgher Lit upon his
head in the passage, smashing his pipe and
considerably damaging his best feature-his
nose. There, said Muller, shutting the door
after him, that is the only way 70 deal with
fellow like that. And now let me bid you
good day, Miss Jess" and he extended his
hand, which jess took, rather coldly it must
be owned.
ut has given me great pleasure to be able
to do you this little service" he added, po-
litely. u had considerable difficulty in get
ting the pass from the general-indeed. was
obliged to urge my personal services before
be would give it to me. But, never mind
that, did get it, as you know, and it will be
my care to escort you safely to Mooifoil-
tein."
Jess bowed, and Muller turned to John,
who had risen from his chair and was stand
ing some two PAGES from him, and addressed
him:
"Capt. Mel" he said, ''you and have had
some differences in the past hope that the
service am doing you will prove that I, for
one, bear no malice. will 60 further. As
told you before I was to blame in that
affair in the inn yard at WakkerStroom. Let
MS shake hands and end what we cannos
mend" and be stepped forward and extended
his hand.
Jess turned to see what would happen.
She knew the whole story, and hoped be
would not take the mans hand; then, remem.
bering their position, she hoped he would.
John turned color q little, and then deliber-
ateIy drew himself up and put his hand be-
hind his hack.
Il am very sorry, Mr. Muller,n he said,
shake hands with you; you well know why. y
Jess saw flush Of the furious passion, which
was his weak point, spread itself over the
Beers face.
lido not know. Capt. Mel Be 50 good as
TO explain
every well. will," said John. calmly.
~You tried to assassinate me-"
@What do you mean% Numbered Muller.
SWhat say. You shot at mo twice under
pretense Of firing at . buck Look here!"-
and he took up hi soft black hat, which
& he stiIl had-ahere b the mark Of ono Of you
bulletsl I did not know about 1t then; d.
now, and I decline to shake hands with you.
By this time Muller's fury had got the bettel
Of him. @You shall answer for that, yot
English liar!" he said, at the same time
clapping his hand to his belt, In which hi
hunting knife was placed Thus for q few
seconds they stood face to face. John new