Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1901-02-21
3'trs5''
CHAPTER XIII. tcontinuedD


father, 81 brought two with me, and
stand behind the tree. He's almost
sure to have a weapon. and he might
be too quick for me. DOM fire until
ManuePs out of the way"
My firing would probably have been
none of the best in my coolest moments.
I but now my nerves We're at such a ten
sion that. for safety's sake, ! took my
finger from the trigger. They came on
: very slowly, pausing every now and
: then. until at last they stood on the
: same level as We,
My father had placed himself so that
his back was towards them, but when
they were within a few PAGES OF him he
turned and greeted them.
"Good-morning. gentlemen" said he.
i"Have you come TO look at the glorious
view? I beg your pardon. Mr.. Dixon,
but I forgot that you were blind. Allow
line. however. to restore your sight"
and before the other could do as much
as lift a finger. the blue glasses were
tplucked from his eyes, and a revolver
was within an inch of his face. "Mau-
irice Lennon. you are in my power at
last. Don't novel Don't let go Manu-
els arm! Listen to me. I could shoot
trOu as yOu SldHu, Uut you small nave
one chance. Hold up your hands!"
/ must give The demon his due. He
s1eid up his hands as steadily as though
ne were lifting them to bless us.
Answer me now" said my father,
as one should answer who may speed
ly come before his Maker. Did you, OF
lid you not, attempt to murder my
riend. who ssumed the name of TRAY
s,rs?"
As God is my judge, I never did,"
md the answer came so steadily and
aimly that, in spite Of the hatred i had
or him. In spite OF the evidence against
aim that I had considered conclusive. /
! believed him.
will you tell me Who did,"
I saw the appraised hands CULVER and
spasm crossed his face.
mo. i will not" he said, in the same
wen tones. Shoot me IL you like. but
TIE Lemons never go back on u
sriends.'
I declare the mans bearing so worked
fpon me that / forgot / possessed a
veapon. and the effect of 1t upon my
sather vas instantaneous.
Put your hands down, sir" he said.
assure me upon your honor as a Len
on that you had no part in the assas-
nations that have done in the name
70 what is called the Ragged Thir-
cen" n 1 will fight you here and
: Eow, mar to man."
{ BY this time L had left the cover of
tie tree trunk. Even at that supreme
ioment o. his life the mans blood and
Feeding asserted themselves. He lifted
is cap as he bowed to me, and 1t was
'oof of his splendid self-control that
saiuted me as though we had part
n but yesterday.
You have outwitted me, sir" said
=. as quietly as though I had bested
I'm at chess, and the smile occurs to
,e because of his next words. and
lie is indeed checkmate. No, sir" he
Tent on, turning again to my father;
40. sir I never had any hand in the
, l~gsassinations. / ooh the blame for
item. and I went so far as TO listen
fthout protest when they were pro-
I l,sed. but I never for a moment
ought-But. pardon me, I can scarce
~. utter the explanations here that II
ould take hours to make. Believe
2. or believe me not. / was acting a
.srt as far as politics went, and my
lie object was to get at you
When you were found I laid my
gians so that your son, accompanied by
irtain persons from whom I thought
cape impossible. would have arrived
time to meet you on this island, and
& EN- I should have fought you, and,
I been fortunate. 1 should have Of
red him the chance OF avenging you.
IN were. TO a great extent, responsible
my brothers deat'., and If you give
the opportunity, I shall surely try
@isr best to kill YOU"
fYou have a weapon" asked my
her.
lsYes, here." and without let or hind
! y1ce on any Of our parts, he drew II
, I'M his pocket.
y .twil you take Mr.. Manuel for your
~ ond. and allow my son to act as
,.ne?"
I h be very grateful II this gen.
!. mar will be so kind" said he. Shall
leave them to arrange matters2'
= 4 when my father had bowed his as
! It. Lennon turned away and walked
h 1.-THE edge of the plateau, stood with
back to us. gazing seaward.
What are we to do, Mr.. Tremayne?''
40 "a Mr.. Manuel. when we found our-
yes alone on the sward. Can we do
~ hing to prevent this bloodshed?"
fIs IL we left Them I said, they
nld fight without us. God help me.
I never thought to be In such a
ry plight as this. We must see II
to the bitter end for one OF them,
! grant 1t may not be my father!"
Amen to that!" said he. though ]
the other mans second. II we
st go on with 1t, nov far apart shall
~ place them?"
Let us say twelve paces,'' said !. and
sarvened at my own GOODNESS. though
Il doubt It was but the outcome Of the
duct Of the principals; "an6 sup
, e w e toss for first shot? Ask your
AZ, n IL he agrees to that"
q [anuel turned towards Lennon and
II Ike to him. and so peaceful and still
af everything that I heard the answer
VI inly: Anything you like. sir" and
en- Manuel came back and spun up
a pin. his principal never turned as I
t ID "Heads!"
"A, Head II Is" said Manuel ~sfooniup