The Hope pioneer., 1899-06-15
and tail at once aud gone galloping from the
yard, now being nowhere in SIGHT

And thus we stood for perhaps the space
OF half minute (though it seemed onger),
while at distance gathered number who
Lad been drawn hther by the noise of the
brawl. Twas mighty awkward predica-
ment for Scammell, but Belden finally put
period to the matter, and opened way for
the tory to retreat. Slipping the point of
bis sword into it's scabbard, he thrust it
down with ring, and cried
"Avast, all hands! We're nothing short
Of pack of fools. Each of us has had a
thrust at his neighbor, and each in turn
has stood between two others. 'Tis the
rretticst muss l ever saw, so d-n me!
Twas all beginnings and devil of an ending
Let's make it up.-Come, Scammel you
might well 60 halfway to meet half a man.
BY my faith, that's not bad.-Lounsbury,
was bullock myself, and ask pardon for
the bottle. So there's my sop.-Who's
next?"
Now my heart warns to man who is
quick to take fire, whose wrath is like the
touch of a match to gunpowder, the force
Ct which is gone when it's work is done; just
as hate the sullen spirit of one who nurses
the last spark and sulks until its heat dies
for lack of tanning.
The generosity of the boy-for he was
little else-struck home to me, and | was
about offering my hand, when Scammell,
quick to take advantage of the turn of af
fairs, spoke up:
so let it be if you say so, Belden! am
overhot from the ride from the outer lines
at kingsbridge. I'll willingly pass you and
yon fellow"-indcating the trickster with
jerk of his head-"but I'll not be quits
with your new protege save but for the time
| you need him. If Clinton wants him, I'll
spare him the while to do his dirty work, for
on honorable matters he would e'er employ
such a man while his betters 60 begg ng-
How now, sirrah?" he continued, turning
and advancing toward me. "You are glad
enough to accept the respite, doubt not.
| Will You name time and place to receive
your deserts?"
"'Tis against my nature to duel in cold
blood; but, as my word is passed, I'll carry
through my promise. Where do you put
up?"
| cat the Kings Arms, truclller'
Then, sir, YOU lie close to the rod, for
there I stay also. For the time to meet you,
that must rest with Sir Henry For the
| place, that your howls be not heard by Your
fellows, | make it the cump of trees in
Lepner's Meadows an extensive tract OF
drained swamp-land beyond the then city
limits, through about the center of which
now runs the present Canal street, You
doubtless know the spot As to the hour,
will enighten You at your quarters as soon
as may be.-Now, Mr.. Belden, am at your
disposal Shall we get to headquarters"
Saying this, threw to the ground the
tory's saber and turned from him. Instead
of STOPPING for his side arm, Scammell
stepped around so as to again be before me,
and, though there was no abatement to the
malicious hatred in his eye, his voice fell to
Il hoarse whisper as he said
by my faith, sir, it were better you had
stood and been run through than to have
Tut into my head the matter you have just
given me! More than that. 1t were better
that you had the devil and his horde
against you than Walter Scammell!"
And bending, he picked up his saber,
sheathed it, threw careless salute to Bel
den, and walked off, the card-sharper join.
ing the throng about the tavern door.