The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-01
CHAPTER TX.
Continued

ter now. Been in one of my usual
rows, you see; only the seventh since
leaving Constantinople. This time
met a Tartar. Internal rascal played
with me. Just think of it-played
with the only Tanner as a cat does a
mouse, and then when he got tired,
knocked me out. If could only have
him alone in this room five minutes
I'd let him know 1 amt so green as /
look, if l was caught mapping once!
Here, Tom, you old heather, take hold
and tie this handkerchief back of my
head. Have stiff neck for bloody
week, most likely. Not so tight, you
numbering Hoosier! Dye want to
kill me outright? There-thatn do.
Now sit down and have glass with
me. Be social, if it is past midnight.
That's the best part of the day in this
abominable country. Why don't you
say something, you miserable mute?
What! You? Death and furies!
Here's treachery!"
The roar he gives as his one uncov-
cred eye falls upon the face and
figure Of Mynheer Joe is absolutely
appalling. He starts back and at
tempts to throw himself into an atti-
tude of defense, but striking an obsta-
Gle, he sits down in an easy chair so
forcibly that the breath is driven from
his huge body, and he can only sit
there and gasp, blinking at Joe like a
great owl.
The latter is strongly tempted to
laugh. There is something so ridicu-
lous in all this affair, but he realizes
that such an act must forever ruin
his chances of reconciliation. He
must control himself until more IA
yorable opportunity comes about.
Acting upon the impulse of the mo-
ment he holds out his hand.
"Mr. Tanner I have come here to
beg your pardon for what has oc-
Cured. 1t was all misunderstand-
ing on my part. I want you to shake
hands with me and tell me you bear
no malice" he says frankly.
Demosthenes Tanner grins a little,
but as yet makes no move toward ac-
cepting the proffered hand. His neck
twinges, and this sets him against
his late antagonist.
"Fine words don't cure a stiff neck,
sir. I confess I admire the way you
took the part of a small man, and your
style of using your dukes nearly won
my heart, but refrain from making
q peace, for I live in hopes of having
another set-to, when I may have my
revenge" replies this singular speci-
men Of Western chivalry.
'"That will be impossible, sir. will
never strike q blow against you again
since I have learned that you are Miss
Molly's father"
What the deuce has she to do with
it? If you and l choose to engage in
q little sport of our own, whose busi-
ness is it?" growls Tanner, his hand
now slowly advancing to meet that Of
the honorable antagonist, whom he
respects as q foeman worthy of his
steel.
IT repeat what I said, sir. l am
sorry to have struck you. You must
pardon my indiscretlon-for Mollys
sake"
"Now that's twice you've brought
her rame into the affair. What in the
mischief has she to do with it? What
Is she to you? 1 don't ever remember
seeing you before tonight? Molly
has q regiment Of admirers, but she
introduces me to every one. Who are
you, SIR"
II am known as Mynheer Joe, sir, a
corruption of my real name"
"Ah, the fellow they're all talking
about! Been up with Gordon, eh?
Great man, that Gordon-wonderful
man! Tell me something about him.
Since it was you who put me into this
fix it's only fair to insist on you anus
ing me"
Presently, Mr.. Tanner. First, are
you going to shake hands with me-"
"By Jovc, yes, sir! like your looks.
I like the way you swung that terrible
right arm into my neck-I like you!
There's my hand, ard once Demos
themes Tanner gives it he never goes
back on friend"
Mynhcer Joe has won, and as yet he
has only made beginning. Flushed
with victory he ..queezes the huge fist
of the governor who looks very amia-
bic in his eyes now. Circumstances
alter casec. The 5ull-like roar of the
Western orator will never seem the
same o him after this.
perhaps l have a claim on your
friendship, Mr. Tanner" he says mod
estly.
"How's that? Uabosom yourself,
my boy"
1T seems like egotism to speak of it,
but your daughter will soon be telling
you. 1 had the extreme pleasure OF
jumping overheard at Malta. a year
back, and assisting Miss Molly when
she was thrown into the water
Tanner gives another roar. He act
ually throws his arms around Myn
heer Joe and hugs him much after the
bear style. The explorers ribs threat
en- to give way under the pressure
and he is immeasurably relieved wher
Tanner has finished his demonstration
which is accompanied by string OF
delighted cXpletives and running fire
of questions.
A1ynheer Joe eXpla: matters as
best he can, telling why be hurried
aw&v without waiting to give even lis
name Or meet the father of tlIc young