Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1894-09-01
TWO MEN, ONE WOMAN

TWO MEN, ONE WOMAN
Henry wilmerding's dwelling place
was not in any wild and unsettled part
Of the world, where it might be supposed
that personal safety could only be pre- |
served by personal caution and personal
daring or readiness, but in a large and
well appointed apartment house, conven- |
iently and centrally located ON the most
fashionable avenue In the city. His sit |
ting room was richly and comfortably
furnished; there were handsome rugs ON
the floor. and the rays from the shaded
lamp fell upon table covered with books
and papers and the latest magazines
On the walls were many pictures. en-.
cravings, etchings and paintings, and on
the top Of the bookcase. which ran around
the room, were few pieces Of well no
lected bric-a-brac and small statuary,
while the books themselves. which filled
all the cases. were further evidence Of his
taste and cultivation.
Surely his was home where he might
feel secure against any violence or attack
Of any sort. There were chairs about SO
comfortable as to invite any occasional
occupant Of them 20 repose and quiet
and forgetfulness Of trouble. but in one
of the easiest Of these, drawn near the
table with the lamp. Henry Wilmerding
sat cleaning a revoiver-an occupation
which seemed almost improper or at
least homogeneous in such surroundings.
He had removed the cylinder Of the pis-
toll from its barrel and stock and was
carefully rubbing 1t with a silk cloth,
while upon the table ut his hand wert
the cartridges he had taken from its
chambers.
Suddenly the door, which he had care
lessly left unlocked, was opened violent
ly from without, and man entered the
room. Wilmerding rose quickly in as
constituent and anger. but the newcomer
said at once:
sit DOWN. And taking his hand from
his overcoat pocket. where it had been
concealed. he pointed q cooked pistol
straight at Wilmerding's breast. vii.
merding was overcome by the sudden
ness of the intrusion and the action OF
the mad terrible in its significance
His knees trembled and he sank back into
his chair weak and for the moment un,
nerved, but presently, as he saw the man
looking at him contemtuously, he rallied,
and 1t was with apparently perfect com
posure that he said:
.'Your command is peremptory and I'M,
pleasant, but you seem to have the power
to enforce It. WellY'
The man walked TO the other side OF
A.. ~ n. - f..
moment, looking down at Wilinerding
Then his attention was attracted TO thu
picture of woman which stood upon
the table in q sort of easel frame. BE
struck 1t violently with his left hand.
knocking 1t to the floor.
"How dare you have Thatcher picture
--therey' he asked.
"Oh, see here" WIDENING answered
In proud carelessness, although he looked
ut the pistol still pointing directly to-
ward him and then past it at the angry
eyes OF his visitor. 81 can't change my
arrangements to suit the within of an un.
invited and unwelcome guest. Pray,
why have you favored me with this visit,
MIR. David BradfordY'
"You know well enough why have
come"
Apparently you have come to quarrel
with me. You could not have chosen Q
happier tirne-for you," Wilmerdina
returned as he glanced at his own now
useless pistol.
''PshawT' Bradford replied as he noted
the direction of Wilmerding's glance
.Now ! can wait: can kiln you when
please; can be sure that you viii feel
all that II means; can know that you
win appreciate your punishment. Had
you been ready. would have been com.
PEELED 10 be quicker-that is ALL"
''Indeed?' asked Wiimerding: yet ]
daresay would not have used my pistol
any more than now care for help. This
matter can be settled in only one way.
But II you hold that position long your
hand. steady as it Is. will shake. Sit
down. you win be more comfortable"
Bradford sat down and folded his
arms upon the table before him. lie
held the pistol. still cooked; but II wa
no longer pointed at wilmerding. 70,
. moment or SO Bradford looked silently
st Wilmerding. who. whatever fear hs
may have felt, showed no sign Of Il.
"You are COOL Bradford said at iasl
sfYes."
lyon are very cool"
Il can be very hot. At present I pre-
fer TO be cool"
do you think that because give yol
tirae I may spare you? Do you thin
that any plea OF yours win help your"
.sWhsn plead with you. you may n
srond, : WiImsrding replied disdainfull,
retaining HIS wonderful command O
himself.
ssAud yet life shoaid be very pleasan
to you: one would think you would en-
Il worth your while 70 save it."
ssIt would be mere bravad5 TO say tha
court DEATH" Wilmsrding replied a
be shrugged his shoulders 81 win no
stoop 10 that"
Yet death IL before you--imminer
and certain
lyon are very cool too
Il am Yet man never had greats
reason 10 lose his self control than i; !
man ever had greater canss for paasis
= szzsf than ! ~ vsu seolns