The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1895-06-22

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right there. but he would beat the
judges watch and gain the opportunity
Of speaking 10 her.
The time passed on until tho noisy
clock on the mantcl clearly and for
chilly announced the hour Of ten.
II had been comparatively easy this
far. but now was the time when Clint
usually went home.
The real contest was about 10 begin.
The judge showed his chair back to
the table, picked up - paper anc be-
gan TO read.
From time TO time he glanced over
the top Of his paper at the two talking
before the fire, but still read on.
When tine clock struck eleven, he
threw the paper down. pulled his chair
back TO the fire, and drew the young
man into an animated political discus
sion.
Isabel stirred about the room, put
ting things ia order for the night.
1t was nearing midnight. For the
last fifteen minutes the conversation
had began TO lag.
There were cold moments of COM
plete silence.
"Had you noticed that had traded
horses?" Clint asked, in one painful
pause.
''No; have your" Isabel asked, COM
ing forward with interest.
Yes. I've traded the grays for
George Mer,vin's blacks OF course
there was considerable 70 boot. They
go like the wind in my new cutter"
II should think they would" Isabel
drew deep breath. II do like black
horses. never cared for gray ones. /
always think Of having to look for
red-headed girl" she laughed. II
should think you'd always be on the
outlook for one when you ride behind
them"
Perhaps Mr.. Holderman is looking
for red-headed girl" the judge said,
with queer look in the direction of
the young man. There's supersti-
ton that red-headed girl has vio-
lent temper. Now. that isn't always
true" he said. after a moments silence,
In which his thought seemed to have
been far away. 'Isabels mother had
as sweet disposition as any woman
that ever lived, and her hair was the
color Of that deep flame there"
Isabel was leaning on the back of
her fathers chair. "Why, father,
you've always said my hair was almost
the color OF mothers. I'm sure no one
would think Of calling mine red"
II don't know about that" the Judge
laughed; ''and don't know about the
temper. either" he added, reaching up
and pinching her cheek
II never liked red hair, but I'm sure
I don't believe in that sign" Clint said,
clumsily. He gazed hxedly into the
fire, and felt as though he were turn
ing TO stone.
The clock struck twelve with reso-
nant defiant stroke, rs though il UNI
derstood the contest in which IL held
the stakes, and refused to commit itself
as to whose side would win.
At quarter past twelve the Judge
stood up.
Clint felt his heart beating wildly.
The moment of triumph was at hand.
The judge crossed to the bay win
dow at the other end of the room.
Isabers eyes followed him nervously.
From one side, among the geraniums
and ivy, he drew the chess table, and
pushed it before him toward the fire.
II think IL would be pleasant for
US 10 have a game OF chess" he said,
"Oh, thank you, sir. think must
be going home
'sOh. must you? Well, come over
again, and Wen get at it earlier in the
evening"
1t seemed hours before Clint finally
found himself out ON the smooth snow
beaten road, spinning along toward
home.
He would have been completely
wretchod in his defeat IL 1t had not
been for that look in Isabel's eyes
when she handed him the corn pepper.
He could endure his fathers ridicule
and wait his time, remembering that
look.
And so he made a good story OF it at
breakfast the next morning, and
added, elcvating his voice above the
roaring laugh of his father and the
shrieks Of his mother and sister:
Never you mind The Judge isn't
with me yet I've only fired |
my first gun. I'll own when / came
out OF the house was out Of shot, bat
haven't given mp the fight yet"
"Oh, you'll let some other bantam |
rooster carry her of. guess I'm safe
enough on the cash and land prom
sed you," his father answered, with a
laugh.
Don't you count on IT," Clint said, |
springing up from the table with fire
In his eyes. "Im not downed yet, /
tell you"
"All right, sonny; we'll give big
lance to celebrate your engagement,
md an oyster supper. suppose there's
no rush about ordering the oysters"
''I'll hold sou TO that" Clint said |
his fist up against the door.
IF the things settled by Saturday
week, well have the dance. II IL isn't
wall IL won't be I'm poinr over 10