The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-08-09
swell, I think an American citizen Is

~WeIl, / think an American citizen Is
entitled to his opinion. have mine.
1I'm not agreein' with the boys, Mr..
Bash. Oh, no! Not at ALL"
"Mr. Potts." Bash spoke sharply.
His voice expressed contempt Mrs.
Potts. listening in the doorway, thought
he was lawful high-strung. "Mr. Potts.
don't care the price Of pine cone for
the opinion Of such of the boys as You
mean Respectable people I respect
don't waste time on any others I've
better things, more important things to
occupy my mind, and you are at liberty
to say this TO the boys when You see
them again.
"I-I-I'd ought to told you, Mr.. Bash,
but them two directors you say you want
to see-why. I heard this morDing as
how they'd changed their mind bout
comm over to the Corners"
whats that, Mr.. Potts?"
"Why, they're goin' to Squire Meeks'
to a plowin' match-some new-1angled
plow, reckon. So, you'll not meet 'em
here to-day"
"Thank you," said Dan Bash. as he
started to his feet "I'll try to see them
before night.
AS he walked down the road rapidly,
the landlord shook his head slowly.
"There'n be trouble grow out O this
DAYS work, Susan. Mind my words.
There'll be trouble grow out OF it. That
young mans powerful set in his way
powerful headstrong."
Meantime Dan Bash walked rapidly
along the road. He was resolved to
make up for lost time. 1t was all i'm
portant to see the directors. He had
much at stake His pride was involved
now. He could not, would not turn
back; come what might he would remain
in the district until he was compelled to
leave it.
A little more than a mile from the
Corners the road dipped suddenly In q
ravine-a cleft between the mountain
tops. There was very large spring In
the ravine, and man and beast well
coined the sparkling clear water that
challenged them there. Dan Bash had
slaked his thirst often on the roadside
there. and even now he promised himself
a good drink when he reached the
spring.
Just beside the spring, concealed by
the thick bushes near it, sat the Monk
brothers and crony who was under
their control.
Bob Souatty was not bad man. He
was. unfortunately, easily Influenced,
and when he had o glass Of liquor under
his vest was as irresponsible as a
lunatic.
The Monk brothers were talking in low
tones to Bob as they were resting in the
shade.
aSquatty. said Ned Monk, whatever
happens, you must be as silent as the
grave"
@Or maybe you'll go to an early grave,
said Bill Monk, meaningly.
@Ex.ctly," echoed Ned.
aOh, III be num-" said Squatty. II
never told on you yet, did II"
"No, you never did, SQuatty," said
Bill.
aBill, said Ned, looking at his brother,
"do you know, I believe Squatty would
rather have his tongue cut out or his
eyes burned out than give you and me
away?"
Souatty shivere6 and tried to laugh.
"Oh, here, now, you fellows know I'm
with you. What's the use talkin'?"
"None whatever" said Ned Monk.
He arose, stepped out on the road,
crossed it, looked over to the Corners,
and came back.
"Souatty-mind! Nuns the word.
We may waat you to help dig q grave
round here socn."
Sguaity shivered again.
He knew they were there for murder.
Who could it be but Bash? .Well-he
would help-he must help, Squatty said
to himself, but his cowardy soul seemed
to shrink into even smaller dimensions
as he shivered the third time
"Squatty" said Ned Monk, as he
brought his hand heavily down on HE
knee, "we're goin' to settle Dan
Bash. He's comm down the road.
He'll be here dreckly. If you don't help
we'll kill you! There amt no chance
to 90 back on this deal, SQuatty."
Poor Bob Squatty's teeth chattered
now, but he was in for it. He would
have his throat cut if he didn't obey
so he concluded he would render all the
assistance in his power, SO as to make
clean, sure job Of it