The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1896-10-23


is to be feared, also, that Clarence, as
reputed lukewarm partisan, excited no
personal sympathy even from his own
party. Howbeit, the deputy agreed to
delay Pinckney's journey for parting
interview with his fair hostess.
How far this expressed the real SEN
timents of Capt. Pinckney was never
known. Whether his political rassocia-
ton with Mrs. Brant had developed into
a warmer solisitude, understood or ig-
nored by her, and what were his hopes
and aspirations regarding his future
was by the course of fate never dis
closed. A man of easy ethics but rigid
artificialities of honor, fattered and
pampsred by class prejudice, So
called man of the world" with no ex-
perience beyond his own limited circle,
yet brave and devoted to that, it were
well, perhaps, to leave that last act of
his Intellectual life to the simple record
of the deputy.
Dismounting, he approached the house
from the garden. He was already ia
miliar with the low arched doorway
which led to the business room, and
from which he could gain admittance
to the patio. But ii so Glanced that he
entered the dark passage at the mo-
ment that Clarence had thrust Susy into
the business room, and heard its door
shut sharply. For an instant he be-
lieved that Mrs. Brant lad taken ref
uge there, but as he cautiously moved
forward he heard her voice in the patio
beyond. Its accents struck him as
pleading; an intense curiosity drew him
further along the passage. Suddenly
her voice seemed to change to angry
deaunciation, and the word Liar" rang
upon his ears. 1t was followed by his
own name uttered sardonically by C1ar-
cnce, the swift rustic of a skirt, the
clash Of the gate, and then, forgetting
everything, he burst into the patio.
Clarence was just turning from the
gate with the marks of his wife's hand
still red on his white cheek. He saw
Capt. Pinckney's eyes upon it, and
faint, half-malicious, half-hysteric
smile upon his lips. But without a
start or gesture of surprise, he locked
the gate, and turning to him, said, with
frigid significance:
Il thank you for returning so prompt
~, and for recognizing the only thing I
now require at your HANDS,"
But Capt. Pincllney had recovered
his supercilious ease with the signifi-
cant demand.
You seem to have had something al
ready from another's hand, sir-Dut
am a your service" he said, lightly.
You will consider that ] have &C
cepted it from you, sir, said Clarence,
drawing closer TO him with a rigid
face. Il suppose it will not be neces-
sary for me to return ito make you
understand me-
Go on" said Pinckney, flushing
slightly. Make your terms. I am
ready"
But I'm not" said the unexpected
voice of the deputy at the grille of the
gateway. "Excuse my interfering, gen.
tlemen, but this sort O. thing ain t down
in my schedule. I've lei this gentle
man." pointing to Capt Pinckney, loft
70: a mint to say good-by to a lady,
who, l reckon, has just ridden off in
her buggy with her servant, without
saying by your leave--but don't cal
kerlate to let him inter another business
which. like as not, will prevent me from
deliverin' his body safe and sound into
court. You hear mel AS Clarence
opened the gate he added: Il don't
want ter spoil sport between gents, but
it's got to come in after I've done my
duty"
I'll meet you, sir, anywhere, and
with what weapons you choose" said
Pincl>ney, turning angrily upon Clar-
cnce. as soon as this farce-for which
you and your friends are responsible
is over" He was furious at the refiec-
ton that Mrs. Brant had escaped him.
y different thought was in the hus-
bands mind. But what assurance have
L that you are going ON with the dep
uty?" he said, with purposely insulting
deliberation.
My word, SIR said Capt Pinckney,
sharply.
And if that amt enuff, there's
minc." said the deputy. For if this
gentleman swerves to the right or left
bctwiXt this and Santa Inez, I'll blow a
hole through him myself! And that"
he added. deprecatingly, lis saying a
good deal for man who doesn't want
to spoil sport, and, for the matter of
that. is willing to stand by and see fair
play done at Santa Inez any time to-
morrow before breakfast
Then | can count on your said
Clarence. with a sudden impulse, ex-
tending his hand.
The man hesitatcd n moment. and
then grasped it. ''Well, 1 wasn't eN-
pecting that" he said, slowly; but you
look as if you meant business. and if
you amt got anybody else to see you
through, I'm thar! 1 suppose this gem
tleman will have his friends?"
Il shall be there at six with my sec
onds," said Pinckney, CURLY. Lead
on
The gate closed behind them. Clar-
cnee looked around the now empty
patio. and the silent house, from which
lie could now see that the servants had
been withdrawn to insure the secrecy
of the gathering. Cool and collected as
he knew he was, he stood still for
moment in hesitation. Then the sound
o. voices came to his ear from the gar
den room. the light frivolity of Susy's
laugh, and Rockers huskier accents.
He had forgotten they were there-he
had even forgotten their existence.
Trusting still to his calmness, he
called to Hooker in his usual voice.
That papflorpap onroora6 with d, f,oa