The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-08-01


"Oh, hang it, interrupted broom. peev-
lshly; don't moralise. Keep your eye on
| the Peacemaker, that is all you've got TO
| DO; and whatever happens don't allow him
to leave the premises until l return"
! was about to ask him what course 1
1 should pursue If the object of his suspi-
cion showed any desire to quit the tav-
ern, but he cut in upon my queries with
one of his own.
You have left a competent person in
charge of the corral, of course?" he re-
marked
"oh, yes" I replied promptly, for neg
lect of this duty was punishable by a
years Imprisonment. But l am a poor liar,
ana l doubt whether he believed me
though he walked briskly away without
questioning my statement
IL was the work of a moment to beckon
Long Jake to my side and bid him make
his way to the corral as quickly as posi-
Die He gave it as his opinion, proudly
surveying his prolonged extremities, that
no man living could outstrip him. and
thlnk ne was right; at all events my fail
ure in duty was not attended by discoV-
cry.
Bearing Lieut.. Droom's order in mind,
ensconced myself in a corner of the dingy
room, and watched the proceedings of
those present But l needed no bidding
TO keep my eyes upon the Peacemaker
lie and the girl with whom he conversed
exercised a sort of charm over me, and
straining my ears to listen l succeeded in
catching few whispered words.
Il allow" said he gently, "ez l amt said
words o this sort to any woman afore.
mar Is fellows ez it comes material to,
but 1 amt that kind; faint in my blood.
amt as keen on women ez--"
L could not catch the name, for mis- voice
had sunk to a whisper, but the girl flushed
and bridled much as a ballroom coquette
4 miQhf a hot -,
tensity in her gaze spoke of something
underneath, something that relegated her
to the realms Of tragedy rather than to
those of comedy.
Thar amt another soul as I've cared
for reckon" she said slowly. Il aip't
that sort reither. Ye can trust NE, Bill"
He bent over her and pressed his lips
to hers, with more gentleness than might
have been expected of him. Then, laying
a powerful hand on either shoulder he
held her at arms length and looked into
her eyes long and searchingly.
Till death do us part" he said, gravely.
Till death do us part" she repeated,
as he released her. And this was the
man reported dangerous, whom l was bid-
den to watch had almost forgotten the
fact, but recalling it just as he was about
10 sally FORTH I barred his exit.
Quick as thought he drew a revolver
from his belt and faced me- 1 drew mine
out also, and in an instant we were sur
founded by a group of noisy, clustering
fellows. The moonlight fell upon their
faces, and each one appeared to me more
dark and menacing than the other. The
foremost man laid violent hands upon me-
and l might have Jared Ill but for the
timely advent of one of my men, known
to all by the sobriquet OF Missouri" a
blow from his gigantic fist laid my assail-
ant PROSTATE, and his enormous stature
inspired respect, and for the moment re-
stored order.
IF anybody else wants satisfaction,
reckon ez 1 kin give it him. he observed,
coolly. "At home they call me the little
un,' thar being nine of us, and me this
smallest, but you don't seem to run ex-
ira big hereabouts, so I'll fight two OF
We at once. That'll make things square
if so be ez any of you is willin'."
No one responded to this polite invita-
ton, but above the clamor of voices that
Of Bill johnson, the Peacemaker, rose
in q vain effort to gain a hearing. In
terpreting his gestures rather than his
words as indicative Of inquiry, I shouted
as loudly as 1 could:
MY orders are 10 prevent your leaving
this place"
He took the information with character
istic GOODNESS.
Right you are said he, IT don't say
nothin' agin 1t. Orders is orders"
The repetition of the latter phrase at
stated intervals seemed to afford him some
satisfaction, and he remained master of
the situation, far more at ease than / was
myself.
We were not long in suspense; the sound
OF horses hoofs soon became audible, and
broom rode up, accompanied by Capt.
Spencer, one Of our company, a handsome
young fellow, a dead shot, and an accom-
plished lady-killer. Dismounting, he faced
johnson and favored him with search
ing scrutiny. The latter stood It well, his
elaborate Indifference being a very fair
imitation of the manner habltual TO the
new arrival.
you belonged some years ago 10 the l.
division of the United States army" OBJ
served Capt. Spencer, coolly.
you lie," rejoined the other with equal
self-possession, II was never a soldier"
Look me in the face and say that again
If you dare"
"You lie." repeated the Peacemaker, but
his eyes we're averted. Il was In the Cal
iforna Volunteers, but We don't call that
bein' a soldier, l reckon?"
The officer addressed took no notice Of
this amendment
You know me-" he remarked, as though
affirming a fact rather than asking a
question.
i've seen ye somewhere, but disre-
member where; you see you have one OF
them common sort OF faces that kinder
make no impression"
This effort az badinage fell somewhat
fiat, for Spencer advancing, touched him
lightly on the shoulder
Il have n duty 60 perform" he observ-
ed Il arrest you as a deserter from the
l. division OF the United States army"
watched him closely as he uttered
these words, and saw strange look upon
his face, pointing 90 tho conclusion that
the proceeding was not his duty alone.
but also his pleasure. A swift CLEAN OF
hatred shot from his steel-blue eyes, his
lips were pressed closely together.
The Peacemaker shook on his hand, and
called, In a clear. distinct voice:
II want ye, Melindy."
She stood close beside him; post she
had, unknown TO him, occupied for some
time past, but at his summons advanced
are linked her arm through his. also
moved a step forward, aud was perhaps
the only person who caught spcncers
amothcred ejaculation.
you are there, are your
She darted an indescrlbable look az him.
Her stature, aomowha, beyond that OF an
ordinary woman, appeared 10 gain ln maj
fatv .n ahn drew NnFnolf tO her fun hluHf