The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1897-05-20

the disgraceful doin's O. Tom and
and, ALI, | axcd ber if thar warn't airy
'nuther fcller she liked Jest as we'll as
she did Tom and she lowed she
alters liked you jest as we'll, but YOU
never seemed to like her. Now i've
told you, All, and want to know II
you love her"
alters have, Bob q; but | stood
back for Tom and arter what you said
| othcr night, L was gwine to stand
| back for you"
Again that sensation as Of the heart
rising into the throat came to Bob,
and the two mon rode on in silence.
The sun was swiftly dropping to.
wards the crcsts OF the western hills
when Bob and Alt stopped in front of
Old jerry Mauldin's long, double cabin.
SArCy was sitting in the open hallway,
Smelling beaUs; bat she arose and came
out to the road whom tho two men had
dismounted
"Tom's been seed fooin' around
Long Creek to-day" said Sarcy, "an d
L meant to send you uns word afore
now, but pap's been ailin' all day, and
L couldn't leave him."
We amt much afeared Of him, =
said Aft "He's been a keepin' quiet
sight longcr'n l 'spected, though"
We've been u lookin for him to
como dowE on us at the still house
afore now" added Bob.
Sar"y, have you got any cider ="
asked Aif. "Were kinder thirsty"
Lots OF 1t. One of you hold the
horses while t'other one goes with me
TO the spring house, and we'll fetch up
the Jug and gourd."
"Ill hold 'em," said Bob dreamily.
ALI and Sarey turned away along
the path which led around the house,
and were lost to view. Bob stood be-
tween the heads OF the horses with his
chin against his breast. He was think
ing of the treachery of Tom Drake,
and OF the jewel he had lost in the love
of Sarey Mauldn.
For once Bob allowed himself to re-
lax his watchfulness. About thirty
yards beyond the house the road bent
suddenly to the right, and turned
abruptly down the hill toward q little
stream that wound its way along the
base of the ridge. Bob's ear, usually
sensitive to the slightest sound, did
not hear the approach of hoof beats up
the little hill behind the shrubbery
until the horsemen had reached the
bend in the road. Bub's hand flew to
his revolver as he looked up; but he
was too late, he was under cover of u
weapon in the hands of Tom Drake
guess you air mine," said Tom as
he rode up.
Yes; like fool went to sleep
and got ketched. What's wanted ?"
"4ou air a gwine with me- to Wal
halla jail"
Tom, you air measly, low down
sneak p
mo, I've jest now got to be gentle
man, and I'm a gwine to make gentle
| m m, a fol
"Alf and SareI will be here directly
with, some cider, then I'll go will
you"
Bob, you'd better let me have tha
weap'n."
"l'll never do it, Tom Drake. :"
| At this moment Aft and Sarey came
around the house, Alf bringing a large
jug in his hand. The young man's
quick eye took in the situation OF the
two mon in the road, and in the twink.
ing Of an eye his revolver flashed to a
Hold on minute, Aft" shouted
Bob. "pm fairly took, and I guess
I'd better go with him."
ALT quickly looked into the eyes Of
his cousin, and tho two men seemed to
understand each other.
Pass the cider over here, Sarey,
and I'll drink you a farewell for d
whilc," said Bob, smiling.
SArey passed the cider in silence,
never once looking at Tom, who tooir
the gourd offered him by Bob, and
drank.
Now Pm ready. Good by, Alf !!
Good by, Sarey - said Bob, as he
mounted his horse. Tom mounted,
and the two men, captive and captor,
rode away in the soft light of the lin,
gering sunset. When they reached
the turn in the road, Bob looked back
and lifted his broad brimmed hat to
All and Sarey, who were standing side
by side gazing after him. Then they
faded from view, and the two horse
men rode on in silencc. They were
approaching the brook at tho foot OF
the hill when Bob spoke.
Tom, [ mover would take no mean
advantage OF fellcr so l'll tell you
now, hits you nr me. Pull your gun ~
Instantly two revolvers leapcd to Il
levi in the gathering light, and four
shots passed with what seemed like
two simultaneous reports.
ALI heard them, and, weapon in
hand. sprang down the road. closely
followed by Sarey A riderless horse
swept by them at the turn of the hill {;
and when they reached the sandy level
near tho brook they found two lifclcss
forms lying close together in the mar
row road.
Bob Rankin and Tom Drake had
settled the question of honor between
themselves, and had settled the que g.
tlon OF love for Alf and Sarey.
-----4zs-. 90 <ss,.s---
Tho origin of South Carolinas So
briquet " the Palmetto State" is thus
explained On juno %, 1776, q force