The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-09-19
CHAPTER ".

Capt. Pinckney was lingering with the
deputy who had charge Of him on the
| trail near the casa. IL had already
been pretty well understood by both
captiyes and captors that the arrest
was simply legal demonstration, that
the sympathizing federal judge would
undoubtedly order the discharge OF the
prisoners on their own recognizances
and IL was probable that the deputy saw
no harm in granting PinclSncy's re-
| quest, which was virtually only delay
| in his own liberation. II is also possi-
bic that Pinckney had worked upon the
chiyalrous sympathies OF the man by
protesting his disinclination To leave
their devoted colleague, Mrs. Brant, at
the mercy of her antagonistic and cold
blooded husband at such crisis, and IT
is 10 be feared, also, that Clarence, as
reputcd lukewarm partisan, excited no
personal sympathy even from his own
party. Howbeit, the deputy agreed 10
delay Pinckney's journey for parting
interview with his fair hostess.
How far this expressed the real SEN
timents of Capt PinclSney was never
known. Whether his political associa-
ton with Mrs. Brant had developed into
n warmer solcitude, 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
artiicialities ot honor. hattcred and
pnmpered by class prejudice, a so
called imam OF the world" with no ex-
pericnce beyond his own limited circle,
vet brave and devoted 10 that il were
well. perhaps, 10 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 archcd doorway
which led TO the business room. and
from which he could gain adnittance
70 the patio. But il so Glanced that he
entered the dark passage At the mo-
mcnt that Clarence had thrust Susy into
the business room, and heard its door
shut sharply For IN instant he be-
lievcd that Mrs. Drant had taken ref
uge there, but as he cautiously moved
forward he heard her voice in the patio
| beyond. It's accents struck him as
! pleading; an intense curiosity drew him
| further along the passage. Suddenly
/ her voice seemed 70 change 20 angry
\ dcnunciation, and the word Liar" rang
upon his ears. II was followed ny his
own name uttered anrdonically 10y Clar-
cnce the swift rustic Of skirt, the
clash Of the gate, and then. forgetting
everything, he burst into the patio.
Clarence was just turning from the
rate with the marks Of his wifc's band
still rcd on his white cheek. lie saw
Capt. Pinckney's eyes upon IL, and
faint. half-malicious, hnlf-hysteric
smile upon his lips. But without n
start or gesture OF surprise, he locked
the gate, and turning TO him, said, with
frigid significance;
81 thanl, you for returning 50 prompt
Is, and for recognizing the only thing
now require at your hanGs."
But Capt. Pincllney had recovered
his supercilious ease with the signifi-
cant demand.
You seem to have hid something al
ready from anothcr's hand, sir-but i
am at your service" he said, lightly.
You will consider that ] have nc
cepted il from you, sir. said Clarence,
drawing closer 10 him with rigid
face. Il suppose il will not be neces-
sary for me TO return tito make YOU
understand me"
go on" said PinclSney, flushing
slightly. MAKE your terms. / am
ready"
"But I'm not" said the unexpected
voice OF the deputy AT the grille of the
gateway. Excuse my interfering. gem
tlcmen. but this sort o. thing amt down
in my schedule. I've Let this gentle
man." pointing TO Capt. Pinclsney, "off
for a mint TO say good-by to lady.
who, reckon, has just ridden off in
her buggy with her servant. without
saying by your lcave--but / don's cal
/ lSerlate 90 let him inter another business
which, like as not. will prevent me from
deliyerin' his body safe and sound into
court. You hear me-" As Clarence
opened the gate he added: 81 don't
want ter spoil sport between gents, but
it's got 20 come in after I've done my
! duty"
/ II meet Nous SIT, uhyWnerc, ana
with what weapons you choose" said
Pinclncy, turning angrily upon Clar-
encc. as soon rs this farce-for which
you and your friends are responsible
is over" lie was furious at the reflec-
ton that Mrs. Drant had escaped him.
I A different thought was in the hus-
hands mind. "But what assurance have
that YOU are going on with the dep
uty? he said, with purposcly insulting
] deiberatioh.
MY word. sir" said Capt.. Pinclney.
sharply.
And II that amt enuT. there's
minc." said the deputy For IL this
gentleman swcrvcs TO the right or left
bctwixt this and Santa lnez. I'll blow n
hole through him myself! And that"
/ 10 oI1aI ,laYrrenffptr1v stfu Dnttyae