Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-06-23
THIS SIDE Of
THE GAP
By ELLIOT WALKER
4 Copyright. 1909, by T. C. Mcclure
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

you've something new on your
mind. Bud; | know it,
Rose Copley's clnging fingers held
her husband fast. 'Killian will do
you nothing but harm, Bud. Why do
YOU go with him?' The moonlight
glnting through the poplar leaves
! sparkled on gathering tears.
"Pshaw, Rosie, Tins all right.
We've long worked on the section to-
gether. l must see him tonight and
find out if Maxey will take us on
! again. That's his whistle now"
He shook her off impatently and
strobe Off. turning his head to call: go
in and tend to baby. III soon be
back"
The woman sighed, wiped her eyes
and stepped up the path to the small
brown cottage. She glanced at the
child slumbering peacefully in his crib,
moved about uneasily and again stood
at the door, her black eyes straining
into the darkness.
II cannot settle down." she unused.
"Poor old Bud! He never touched the
| tools. and it's two weeks since they
laid him off. Dear me! l wish could
forget that dream Two nights run
ming I've dreamed it. The roar and
tremble and crash and screams.
can't remember the place and faces,
but they We're familiar at the time
Pshaw! I'm upset and nervous about
IA, nd 40 n
through was the cause, guess"
With her easy, good natured husband
and the baby. Rose thought herself q
lucky woman. Only recently Bud had
been irritable at times. The mystery
of the missing tools was yet to be
cleared up A wrench had been found
in Killian's room, and Bud was with
him at the tool house the night before.
1--WE no business to bother him. she
thought repentantly.
Neryously she waited while the min
utes crept along, then with sudden
decision picked up her gray shawl and
stepped to the crib in the corner. Baby
will sleep. I've simply got to get him
home" she whispered. Its nearly
half past 10. What does all me to feel
so? There's his revolver on the man
tel. Yes; I'll take it just for company"
She locked the door and glided down
the road.
"Hullo. Bud"
"Hullo, Tim! Who are your friends?'
"a couple of new men. Mr.. Lutz-
Mr.. Copley. Mr.. Copley-Mr. Grayle.
My pal, boys
The men shook hands in the shade Of
the great elm.
"Section work." Intercepted Bud.
Eyes Maxey's put us on. Tim, here,
I knowed we'll in the Albany yards.
Come on, Mike. l guess we can find
the place" The strangers shifted back
from the moonlight.
"Whats up" asked Copley.
Ilillian answered him: Rail spread
this side of the gap. Let's go down
and show them. We've nothing on
hand, and it's dark spot for green
men. The boss said he's sent the tools
on a hand car, and they're in the
ditch It's only few minutes job.
Come" He put his hand on Buds arm.
Upon the track killian dropped be-
hind with Copley.
Bud" he growled, we're dished"
WHAT" The other halted.
"Fact! I've got my notice. Your
turn tomorrow"
Its an internal outrage" cursed
Copley angriIy. "In all the years I've
worked they never had a complaint.
What I'll do? I'm married and settled
here. I can't move"
Killain began to swear. "The ID
corporation. I'd like to see 'em in
trouble"
"By Jove, I would" Copley STUN
bled along despairingly.
The moon in sudden brilliance gilt
tered upon the shining rails, curving
into the ravine beyond. Ahead and
seventy feet below the river brawled
against the abutments of the bridge.
"Goodw muttered Killian. We'll get
even, eh?"
Bud did not reply. His. brain was
whirling "Rose-the baby-the happy
little home" He staggered on.
The track curved sharply just this
side of the gap. There waited their
companions.
The crowbar, Mike. Grayle, you
help him" Copley, examining the
nearby rails, did not heed Killian's
voice so full Of import. On his knees,
he looked up Nothing spread here,
boys, that l see"
The others came close with hard
faces. There will be-" spoke Killian
grimly. You're in on this, Bud. No
fooling! Well get even and more
picllings than would come to us In
years of Shaving. No one will suspect
you. We chaps will be miles away by
morning. You can take your time
Anyway, you're In on it
But the other was regarding him In
horror. "For Gods sake. Tim" he
gasped. you're fooling! No? You
dirty devil, let me up! Help! Help!
A-a-h''-
Hit him again, Grayle! There, that
settles the fool! l thought he had
more sand. Why did l bring him?
Thought he might take hold, and
wanted his mouth shut, If he didn't.
What a yell he let out. Lie low for
awhile. There is time enough
He kicked the senseless form. and