The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-04-10
CHAPTER VI
IContinued.1

Prophet, known to be in Cairo, only
to find that they have deceived me"
"Not at all, my dear fellow"
"Do you mean to say you have been
in it,"
II must plead guilty" So.
"They pitched on to you?
ION the contrary, think I did the
aggressive. Never could see a big
dog set on a small one"
"Oh, that's the way the game runs
is it? Well, did you chaw the big dog
upP
II think I knocked him out. He's
in that cluster over yonder. It's a
lesson to him I hope. though l must
admit the little chap was deuced
saucy, and the other didn't give way
until forced almost beyond human en-
durance."
For my part, I'd have let 'em alone.
Because a man is small, it's no reason
he should impose on those who are
larger. The chaps need lesson to
teach 'em something" says the sill
yer king, with shake of the head.
Mynheer Joe laughs softly.
LET me complete my confession, my
friend" he says, with charming frank
ness.
"Willingly."
There was another reason why I
threw myself into the breach and took
up arms against the more powerful
side"
Mr.. Grimes elevates his eyebrows
and looks at his companion in a Pc
culiar way.
"Well?' he says.
"It was on account Of beauty that
/ took part in this disgraceful affair"
"What! Was the old villain beating
his wife?"
Nonsense! The thought of Molly
Tanner spurred me on to interfere"
"Come, no joking! What has she to
do with the quarrels of street brawl-
ers?"
"You are very obtuse, Mr.. Grimes.
1t was her father who was in the af-
fair"
"Oh, a light beams upon me-"
"Glad Of it, sir. You see, couldn't
stand by and see a little man like
Demosthenes Tanner being imposed
upon. l brushed him aside and told
his adversary to fight some one nearer
his size. He did so-well, the result
is yonder."
"a little man, chi"
"Well, he's little when compared
with-say you or myself, for instance ~
"Tanner-oh, yes, of course" with a
grin.
And, really, the other man lowered
above him like giant. I never felt
better than when 1 faced him and
gave him his Quietus."
as he down there yet?'
81 think he's getting over it now.
See, the crowd parts. That's he sit
ting there, with his hand up to his
head. l reckon he's dazed.'
Mr.. Grimes looks.
Then he utters a low whistle.
you've done it, my dear fellow"
he says, aghast.
"Oh, he'll be over it presently; may
have aheadacheto-morrow. But these
knock blows, if properly given,
don't KILL" says Joe, coolly.
ut amt that" continues Mr.. Grimes.
what, them"
"Well, you see-Deuce take it! Here
she comes! Now there will be the
mischief to pay!'
Mynheer Joe hears his words, and,
turning his head, glances around.
There is no difficulty in discovering
just what is meant. From the direc-
ton of the piazza figure in white ad-
vances hastily. The lights of the
piazza flash from the diamonds in her
ears and at her neck.
1t is Molly!
Straight she comes to where they are
standing, as if in that motley crowd
her eyes have fallen upon these two
figures first Of all, and in them she
recognizes friends.
Mynheer Joe feels a thrill of hon
est pride as it flashes upon him that
this beauty will soon be thanking him
from her heart for standing up in her
dear old governors place and meeting
the attack of an enraged giant.
1t is a pleasant sensation that creeps
about his heart, for he feels that he
has doae q good action. In these
days when a man dashes into 4 burn
ing house and saves a child at the
risk of his own life, he knows he has
done a heroic act, though his modesty
may prevent him from boasting about
it.
Molly Tanner reaches them. 1t is
Mynheer Joe she sees, and to him
appeals. Her looks are startled. He
will never forget how lovely she ap-
pears when she clasps his arm and,
in breathlcss manner, gaSpS:
"Oh. Mynheer Joe, is it true? Has
my dear old governor been hurt? He
is always so impetuous-so ready to
take ofrcnse. Tell me the truth.
can stand the worst. Indeed, CAM
Her voice is pleading. One would
imagine that he is endeavoring to hold
back something from her that she
should know.
Miss Tanner, calm yourself, beg
he says. wondering how he can ex-
plain matters without bringing his
own share of it into notice.
Il an calm. Now tell me ALL" she
replies, assuming, with an effort, a
repose she is certainly far from feel,
ing.
There has been a little affair here