Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1895-07-11

He looked sad and weak as he went
out the door, but they knew the stun
of which his heart was made.
IF he isn't too drunk he'll come
along when ! lay me hand on his
shoulder; if he's fghtin' drunk. it s
him or me-" he said half to himself, as
he went down the street, accompanied
by Foster.
Wan comfort" he added, in the
same musing way, Billy nivir shoots.
It's fists wild him.
They heard wild shouting up the
street, where the open door of saloon
emptied its light into the street.
A crowd of men alternately surged
in and out of the door, as if they
moved away from chained wildcat
making piunges to the length of his
chain. AS they drew near, the howl Of
the drunken man could be heard as he
ragged against the barkcepcr, who stood
in deadly terror behind his bar plead
ing with him. He tried to assume a
careless voice.
Here, take all We want. That's all
right. gave you y'r change. Take a
drinl5-its on me. That's ell right"
Bill stopped suddenly like hound
scenting game.
Here's Jiml'' was the cry. "Get out
O the way, here's jim
Jim came through the crowd, his
big, brown eyes fixed on Bills wild
face. The sadness in his face and it's
resolution awed the crowd.
Billy, my boy, come home he said,
gently. Como home, Billy" and be
laid his hand on his brothers shoulder.
There was no sign of relenting in
Bills eyes. He looked astonished, then
his eyes contracted to red Sits, his
mouth squared at the corners and his
teeth showed in horrible grin. His
hand spread on the counter like paw.
"To - wild ye." he answered.
sect out o my way said Jim, with
out looking around The crowd fell
back, leaving a clear space.
Come, Billy" he said again, but in a
different tone. He saw q mailman be-
fore him. With a quick, clutching,
downward jerk, he rolled the Tiger to
the floor and fell upon him. But the
insane man rose under him with roll
Ing, bearlillc action, and forced him on
the floor on equal terms.
1t was a terrible sight. The two
brothers, so nearly equal in strength,
Jim fighting because 1t was his duty
and hindercd by his great love and adj
mirntion for his brother, the other man
irrational, cruel, deadly. Jim broke
loose and rose.
Bill sprang at jim, whose left fist
met him and rolled him on the floor.
God forgive mel" Jim said; II nivir
struck me brother before"
He waited for the fallen man to rise.
Bill seemed to bound from the ground.
Again Jim knocked him rolling, and
again he rose. This time he rose with
a knife in his hand.
"Ah." breathed the crowd.
"Shoot HIM" said the barkeeper.
"Keep Off" said jim. A new look
came into his eyes. He was fighting
for his life now. Again he met the in
furiato with his fist, but the man fell at
his feet, throwing him sprawling. Jim
whiried upon his back, catching Bills
hand in terrible grip. The blood was
running from a cash in his check.
Over and over the two men rolled in
the blood and sawdust. Notwithstand-
ing their great bulk, they writhed with
the bewildering convdlutions of cats.
Now Jim came to the top, now Bill, but
always that right hand of the sheriff s
gripped the murderous wrist that held
the knife. Jim fought silently, grimly.
The brother uttered short, snarling i'm
precautions, like n carnivorous animal at
meat. He snapped at his brother with
open jaws.
Again and again some volunteer
raised chair TO strike Bill, but jim
said mo" His pride was touched He
would conquer him alone He would
not let another man strike his brother.
For ten minutes this struggle con-
tinucd, and then Jim rose and sat
nstride the Tiger, who 10y breathing
heavily, cursing, raving, under his
breath.
''Handcuff himv" cried the crowd.
p. Jim shools. his head. "There Is no