The Wichita daily eagle., 1891-10-06
'Tt's an outrage on justice"

of stairs and opened the door of a dingy
dining room. 1t was place where half q
dozen or more young men attached to
daily newspapers met in the evening to
compare notes as to the days work and
exchanged information. Most of them
had arrived and were waiting for dinner
Small tables stood in corners, at which
several were engaged in writing up their
assignments" When the two newcomers
entered there was a simultaneous clamor.
HAS there been a verdict2"
"AcquittedP'
"By thunder"
"You don't mean itP'
you're chatting"
A voIley of such exclamations ratified on
the drums of the ears of those who brought
the information like shot on a window
pane. Some of the men caught up their
hats and rushed to their offices. Those who
remained continued to discuss the verdict
in stentorian tones. Yet it could hardly
be called discussion, for, had they been
the jury, they would have agreed to hang
the prisoner higher than Haman.
Bland seated himself without word at
one of the desks and began sharpening a
pencil
''Do you know" said Harrigan, pointing
toward him, ''that little duffer over there
declares that the verdict is a proper one9"
"Oh. Bland would never do for juror.
He wouldn't have the heart to behead a
chicken"
The speaker was red headed dramatic
critic, with his hands in his pockets. He
was called Mac by his cronies from the
first part of his name, which was MacVicar
all together.
81 mean what say in this case" replied
Bland, looking up shyly over his shoulder
at the party. '"rhe man was provoked be-
yond human endurance"
There was babel of voices at this asser-
tion, each man turning prosecuting attor-
ney and shouting his arguments. Harri-
gan, having basso profundo vocal organs.
made himself heard above the tempest like
captains trumpet in hurricane
do you mean to say that if should kill
you while you were talking to me in an
aggravating way L would be justifedP"
Il think could provoke you to do So"
'I'll bet you dinner for the crowd, not
the corned beef and cabbage we're to have
today. but the best the house can afford,
with quart of champagne for each, that
you can't"
There was burst of laughter at the alb
surdity of man betting another that he
could not be provoked to murder him.
"Of course / can't. now that you're fore
warned"
Take any one you like"
Bland went on sharpening his pencil,
without taking any further notice of Har-
rigan's offer.
'Try him. Bland" spoke up the red
headed dramatic man called Mac "rI
take share in the bet"
And /, and |" cried others.
1t was agreed that if Bland would make
the effort to induce some one to kill him,
and should not succeed, his friend would
pay the stake. All were bent upon the ex-
pertinent, and gave Bland no peace till he
consented.
"Who will you select for your muir.
derer2" queried Harrigan.
"Will Percy Strong be here today"
He promised to meet me at g." said
MacVickar looking at his watch. He'll
be here in ten minutes"
"Pll try it on Strong" said Bland in his
soft tones. 81 know his dis
position we'll"
Good I'll win that bet. What will
you be murdered with-a carving knife or
a clubP"
Thanks; with neither. Give me a
pistol"
Several weapons were displayed from
the pockets of members of the party.
Bland looked them over and selected one
With q single barrel-a Derringer-and
noting it carefully gave it to MacVicar.
Meet Percy at the door," he said, hand
him this pistol and tell him to keep it till
you ask for it. Any excuse will do; you
are an accomplished liar"
All laughed at the pleasantly, including
the subject of it.
Come here a moment" continued
Bland to the man he was instructing, 81
want to say something to you"
MacNicar drew near and Bland spoke q
lew words to him in low tones.
Remember" he called out, as Mac was
about to close the door behind him, you
can't be too careful in such a case"
Now, fellows" he continued to the 9TH |
IT'S, after we are all seated at dinner | |
want you, one by one, to make some ex-
,use to go out and leave me alone with |
Percy. II don't make him fire at me |
within half an hour lose the bet"
Agreed" from all
When Stroug came in dinner had been /
served, and all were seated at the table. |
he was somewhat surprised at the unusual |
interest his coming excited, for every |
mans attention was involuntarily fixed |
lpon him. The dinner, however. passed |
'ff quietly. No one seemed inclined to eat |
Except Strong, who was the only one pres
mt unaware OF the fact that there was an |
excellent dinner to be provided later on
ihough If Bland should win it he might /
not be in a condition 90 enjoy Il AS han |
been arranged. the men got up one after 1
another and went out some excusinE
themselves and then calling out the Others 1
The dinner had been finished when tn. |
last man retired. Bland and Strong wer
sitting opposite each other over theii
coffee, Bland putting cigarette. StronI
pulling on cigar
Strong" said Bland, languidly. Il wish
you wouldn't make that noise when yoL
sip your coffee
Strong looked up surprised.
"Whvy"
1T annoys me exceedingly"
Il was not aware that I was maxim,