The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-02-23
s. i i II / I i j. II i II i i # !
CHAPTER XIII. tcontinued.)

Observation-Disclosures
CHAPTER XIII. Continually
Take this revolver, jack said my
father, at 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. Don't fire until
Manuel's out of the way"
My firing would probably have been
none of the best In my coolest moments,
but now my nerves were at such a ten
sion that, for safety's sake, I 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.
Ny 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.
slave you come to look at the glorious
view? I beg your pardon, Mr.. Dixon,
but I forgot that you were blind. Allow
me, however, to restore your sight,"
and before the other could do as much
as lift a finger, the blue glasses were
PAASASo AAS SSo oAAN
was within an inch of his face. ''Mau-
rice Lennon, you are in my power at
last. Don't move! Don't let go Manu-
els arm! Listen to me. I could shoot
you as you stand, but you shall have
n chance. Hold up your hands!"
I must give the demon his due. He
held up his hands as steadily as though
he were lifting them to bless us.
ANSWER me now,' said my father,
s'as one should answer who may speed
fly come before his Maker. Did you, or
did you not, attempt to murder my
friend, who assumed the name of Trav-
ters?"'
"As God is my judge, I eve did,"
and the answer came SO steadily and
calmly that, in spite of the hatred I had
for him, In spite Of the evidence against
him that I had considered conclusive, I
believed him.
will you tell me who did?"
I saw the appraised hands CULVER and
q spasm crossed his face.
mo, I will not" he said, in the same
even tones. ''Shoot me If you like, but
we Lemons never go back on u
friends"
I declare the mans bearing so worked
upon me that I forgot I possessed a
weapon, and the effect of it upon my
father was instantaneous.
Put your hands down, SIR" he said.
assure me upon your honor as a Len
o that o had no part in h assas-
sinations hat have lone in the name
of what is called the Ragged Thir-
teen," and I will fight you here and
now, man to man." ~
BY this time I had left the cover Of
the tree trunk. Even at that supreme
moment Of his life the mans blood and
breeding asserted themselves. He lifted
his cap as he bowed to me. and 1t was
proof of his splendid self-control that
he saluted me as though we had part
ed but yesterday.
you have outwitted me, SIR" said
he, as quietly as though I had bested
him at chess, and the simile occurs to
this is indeed checkmate. Nc, SIR" he
went on, turning again to my father;
emo, sir I never had any hand In the
assassinations. I took the blame fol
them, and I ven so far as to listen
without. protest when they were pro-
posed, but I never for a moment
fhought-But, pardon me. ! a scarce
". utter the explanations here that it
would take hours to make. Believe
me, or believe me not, I was acting a
part as far as politics went. and my
sole object was to get at you.
When you were found I laid my
plans so that your son, accompanied by
certain persons from whom I thought
escape impossible. would have arrive"
in time to meet you on this island, and
then I should have fought you. and,
had I been fortunate, I should have Of
fered him the chance Of avenging you.
You were, to a great extent. responsible
for my brothers death. and II you give
me the opportunity, I shall surely try
my best to kill you."
"You have a weapon?" asked my
father.
Eyes, here!" and without let or hind
rance on any Of our parts. he drew 1t
from his pocket.
..vill you take Mr.. Manuel for your
second, and allow my son to act as
mine?"
II shall be. very grateful IL this gen.
fleman will be 10 kind" said he
we leave them to arrange matters9
and when my father had bowed his as
sent, Lennon turned away and walked
to the edge Of the plateau. stood with
his back to us, gazing seward.
What are we to do Mr.. Tremayne?'
laid Mr.. Manuel. when we found our
selves alone on the sward. Can we do
nothips to prevent this bloodshed?"
III we left them" said they
would tight without US. God help me,
but I never thought to be In such e
sorry plight ~ this. We must g y
out to the bitter end for n Of them,
God grant It may not be- my father!'
nAmen.sto thatl" said he. though ]
am the, other mans second. IL we
must go n,with Il. how q apart shall
we place then2"
let us say twelve PAGES" said I, AND
! marvened at my oWnscoolness. though
no doubt II was hut the outcome Of the tn
conduct OF. the principals; 'and sup
nose We toss for first shot? Ask your
man IL he agrees to hat
Manuel turned towards lennon and
smoke to him. and 10 peaceful and still
Yves everything that 4 heard the answer
plainly: .aAnything you like. SIR ~
when Manuel came back and spun w
4 coin. his principal never turnedsas .
cried Heads"
Head III Isl. said Manuel, stooptns
49,. g u ssxnn,,sve, won first shot;NNon