The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1898-11-24

on the mantle clearly and forcibly an
uounced the hour of ten.
1t had been comparatively easy thus far,
but now was the time when Clint usually
went home.
The real contest was about to begin.
The Judge showed his chair back to the
table, picked up paper, and began to
read.
From time to time he glanced over the
top of this paper at the two talking before
the fire, but still read on.
When the clock struck eleven, he threw
the paper down, pulled his chair back to
the fire, and drew the young man into an
animated political discussion.
Isabel stirred about the room, putting
things in order for the night.
1t was nearing midnight. For the last
fifteen minutes the conversation had be-
gun to lag.
There were cold moments of complete
silence.
''Had You noticed that | had traded
horses?' Clint asked in one painful pause.
'.No; have you?' Isabel asked, coming
forward with interest.
Yes. I've traded the grays for George
Merwn's blacks. OF course there was
considerable to boot. They go like the
wind in my new cutter"
Il should think they would" Isabel
drew a deep breath. 81 do like black
horses. | never cared for gray ones. |
always think of having to look for red
headed girl she laughed. 81 should
think you'd always be on the lookout for
one when you ride behind them. ~
''Perhaps Mr.. Holderman not is looking
for red headed girl, = the judge said, with
a queen look in the direction of the young
man. ''There's superstition that a red
headed girl has a violent temper. Now,
that isn't always true he said, after a
moments silence, in which his thoughts
seemed to have been far away. Isabel S
mother had as sweet a disposition as any
woman that ever lived, and her hair was
the color of that deep flame there.
Isabel was leaning on the back of her
father chair.
''Why, father, you've always said my
hair was almost the color of mother S.
I'm sure no one thinks of calling mine
red"
Il don't know about that the judge
laughed; ''and l don't know about the
temper, either,' he added, reaching up
and pinching her cheek.
II never liked red hair, but 1 N sure |
don't believe in that sign Clint said
clumsily, He gazed tixedly into the fire.
( and felt as though he We're turning to
stone.
The clock struck twelve with reso
nant, defiant stroke, as though it under
stood the contest in which it held the
stakes, and refused to commit itself as to
whose side would win.
AT quarter past twelve the judge
stood up.
Clint fplt his baart haatislD wildly The
moment of his triumph was at hand.
The judge crossed to the bay window at
the other end of the room Isabel's eyes
followed him nervously.
From one side, among the geranlums
and ivy, he drew the chess table, and
pushed it before him toward the fire
II think it would be pleasant for US to
have game of chess, he said alfably.
Clint sprang to his feet.
''Oh, thank you. sir. | think | must
be going home
'''oh, must you? Well, come over again
and Wei get at il earlier in the evening"
1t seemed hours before Clint finally
found himself out on the smooth, snow
beaten road, spinning along toward home
He wonld have been completely wretch
ctl IN bis defeat if it had not been for that
look in lsabel's eyes when she handed
hum The corn pepper. He could enuure
his father ; ridIcuie, and wait his time
remembering that look.
AND SO hf matte good story OF 1T at
breakfast the next morning, and added,
eieFaurg ms VOICE above the ioanng
laugh OF has father and the shfieks Of his
mother ana sister
Never you mind HE Judge ism
! through with me yet We only tired my
llrst gun II own when | came out OF
the house l was out OF shot, but l haven
give up the night yet,
ON, You II let some other bantam
rooster carry hel Oft guess I'm safe
enough on the cash and land | promised
yop, ms father answered with provok
me ldugh-
Don you count on 1t, Clint said,
sprlngng up from the table with fine i'll
his eyes. II N not downed yet, tell
Yot,
All right, sonny; wei give big
| dance TO celebrate the engagement, and
an oyster supper. suppose there's no
rush about ordering the oysters?'
IL hold you TO that, Cllnt sad,
bringing his hist up against the door. ''lf
the thing settled by Saturday week,
we IL nave the dance. Ii IT ism t-well, 1t
won be. m gong over to town after
the mall
He turned and went out OF the room.