The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1888-08-10
passed the Jervis home, and dashed int.

news OF hIrRn's death. She stationed her.
self az a window from which she could see up
the road. A great weight of dread oppressed
her, aud there was "A lump in her throat. but
she did not weep. She had always prided
herself that ahe was not zone of the eryin'
Kind" Presently she uttered a glad excla-
nation. She saw Jockey Todd on the little
hAl he was walking along rapidly, and she
knew at once that he was angry. But she
did not mind that, and ran 10 meet him.
"Ohi I'm 80 glad you're not hurti'' she said
running into the middle of the muddy road.
He Was covered with mud, and presented a
sorry appearance. Leona's reaction of spirits
sas so great that, unheeding the seowl ON
his face, she laughed at him.
do you think it's funny" he snaried.
1T wouldn't be il you had been hurt" she
replied, softly, as she looked fondly upon
him.
This, however, did not appease him.
That brother OF yours was the cause of il.
I'm comm TO see him tonight"
Her smile faded and her face grew pale.
With trembling lips she asked:
Are you comm alone?"
ID you think I'D bring ~anybody?"
Il don't think you'll find Grip"
Il viii If you've got confidence in me-"
We'll, what i'll have?"
You won't tell Grip I'm comm for sup
per"
They had been standing in the mud In the
middle Of the road, but both were so earnest
that neither thought of the ludierous side of
the situation. She looked steadily at him
for "a moment after his declaration that he
meant 10 come for supper. Had he caught
her hand and held it,or attempted to coax
her she would have doubted him. and would
have said that she would tell Grip to expect
him But she saw be was still angry, and
was asking no favors, although he was de-
termined TO meet Grip if possible.
We'll" she said. deliberately eff Won
come you needn't be surprised TO find plates
only for two"
--ThatB be enough if they're for Grip and
me"
With that be left her and went splashing
through the mud toward Hartford.
Leona was angry, thoroughly so, and
called after him: Il s'pose you'll change
your clothes and come in your Sunday suit.
II you and Grip eat together you might need
your good clothes To be buried in"
Leona had a high temper. and when it was
aroused her tongue was reckless.
Jockey Todd did not reply, nOrlook around.
Leona returned TO the house, called herself a
fool for running into the mud TO meet Jockey
Todd, and resolved to inform Grip that he
could expect a visitor for supper. But the
day passed and Grip did not come home.
She began TO be uneasy about him, fearing
hat he and Jockey Todd had met. She had
not begun 10 get supper yet when she saw
N $500 'bbAAaS up II IONAl Chc was
so angry at him that she did not laugh when
she noticed that he wore his Sunday suit.
serious was impending, and she
wished she could warn Grip; but il was too
late, for there he was, talking to Jockey Todd
at the gate. She had not seen her brother
approach the house.
Grip was laughing, but Jockey Todd's face
Was dark.
You had no business to play me that
trick, Grip"
The company can stand it, said Grip.
He was reckoning on Jockey Todd's love
for LeOna.
Leona went TO open the door and could
hear all that was said.
But you won't report it" said Grip, still
"Mebbe I win and mebbe | won't"
Grip put his HAND to his hip pocket and
the but of a revolver. IF you tell the
company l stole the glycerine, III put a hole
IN you" Grip had ceased laughing and as
sGmed a serious air.
LeOna ran down the steps. what are
you two ightin' abOut?' she asked.
There was no reply.
What is it. Hiram Todd2" She turned
hercely o nhim.
Grips got to quit moonlightin', /" he al
swered.
Il guess he'll do as he p~leases about that"
she said, sharply.
Well, al Nv got to say is hat I've
Grip"
At this LeOna's eyes flashed, and she shook
her fist in Jockey Todd's face. If you tell on
"Trip, hope he will kill you. Now YOU can
90 your way, and Hi go mine. You're a
.oward TO come here and threaten my kin"
We'll, you've got my word for it, Grip.
luit now, when you've got a chance. Re-
the glycer'n."
Remember this, Jockey Todd" Grip re-
IIled, and laid the revolver across his arm.
4 viii, and get one for myself"
Jockey Todd turned his back ON the broth
7 and sister, and started toward Hartford.
she never was as pretty as when she was
hakin' her fist at me. l think she could
make life interestin', but have To give her
ip."
Thus unused Jockey Todd as he went his
ray in obedience to her command.
The brother and sisJer-she in no amiable
o toward him-went into their house,
nd 500 sat down to supper. There were
lates for two, and for some reason, when
be was washing them after the meal, Leona's
Yes became moist.
The next day Jockey Todd vent to the
Ompany's Office and resigned his position,
living as a reason for leaving their employ
lent that he was afraid the glycerine would
number him among its victims if he
id not stop haadling it. A few days after
ards he got work es a pumper on a lease on
be hill lust above Leona's home. He could
it in the engine-house door and see her NOV
~ about the yard.
One day Grip came home with the news
lat Jockey TOdd had quit shooting wells
nd gone TO pumping them. Leona stared
Grip a moment, and when he smiled said,
You needn't think he give up his job because
e was afraid of you. He couldn't stay with
he company and not tell on you"
f.0hf he was afraid Though. - said Erin with
n air of brayadO ,
Some of these nights you'll find out hat
Todd don't fear anything. Mind
hat | say, Grip" ,
Grip only laughed. l
When Jockey Todd took up his abode in
le engine house on the krohm lease he was
Irprised that the silence of the woods after
ight was agreeable to him. He found COM
ut m the quiet that was broken only by the :
.roke of the pumping engine and the rattle
{ the rods. These sounds were so regular In
,petition that be grew to consider them a
art Of the stiffness. The flaming gas jet
rev at the within of the wind ehangeful {
ladows across the cleared space in which the ;
errick stood The trees nearest him in the
woods were distinctly brought out
v the pickering light, and when it bent be
IRE the breeze it gave him glimpses of grim /;
that in the darkness when the flame
still, but beyond was the dense night OF
he deep forest. He got into the habit of
atching this change of light and shadow, I
of gazing at the impenetrable dark |
eSs.
s.Leona acted aecordin' to her light, but she
Ouldn't see any further into my heart than |
an into the woods. Maybe | can show it to ]
er some time as plain as day" ,
Thus he unused upon Leona, and waited for :
be time TO come when she would fully under
him.
LeOna began TO regret her hasty action, as !
after day went by and no harm came to
rip. He was still free and light-hearted, .
lille her spirits dropped, and she went about
eF work in a Istless, preoccupied manner !
,ften in the evening she stood in the door {
nj looked up at the gasjet. In the distanceit 1
-as only a point of flight, but she knew that