The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-02-12
CHAPTER N.
TContinued.] I

Told Molly to send You here half m
hour back. Don't asl; what's the mat
ter now. Been in one of my usual
rows, you see: only the seventh since
leaving Constaatinoplc. This time
met n Tartar. Internal rascal played
with me. Just think of it-playcd
with the only Tanner as eat does 4
mouse, and then when he got tired,
knocked me out. If l could only have
him alone in this room five minutes
I'd let him know l amt so green rs
look, II ] 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 4 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 rldicu'
lous In all this affair. but he realizes
that such an act must forever ruin
his chances Of O reconciliation. Hc
must control himself until a 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 misunderstood
ing on my part. / want you TO shake
hands with me and tell me you bear
\ no malice" he says frankly.
Demosthenes Tanner grins q little,
but as vet makes no move towardeac'
cepting the proffered hand. His neck
twinges, and this sets him against
his late antagonist.
"Fine words don't cure stiff neck,
sir. / confess l admire the way you
took the part Of small man, and your
style Of using your dukes nearly won
my heart, but I refrain from making
q peace. for / live in hopes of having
another set-to, when may have my
revenge" replies this singular speci'
men Of Western chivalry.
THAT will be impossible, sir. Twill
never strike 4 blow against you again
since 1 have learned that you are Miss
Molly's father"
What the deuce has she to do with
M If you and 1 choose to engage in
"a little sport Of our own, whose busl'
ness is 1T" growls Tanner, his hand
now slowly advancing to meet that OF
the honorable antagonist, whom he
respects as a foeman worthy of his
steel.
Il repeat what 1 said, sir. I am
sorry to have struck you. You must
pardon my indiscretion-for Mollys
sake"
'"Now that's twice you've brought
her name into the affair. What in the
mischief has she to do with it? What
is she to you? l don't ever remember
seeing you before tonight: Molly
has a regiment of admirers, but she
introduces me to every one. Who are
you, sir?"
Il am known as Mynheer Joe, sir, 4
corruption Of my real name
''Ah. the fellow they're all talking
about, Been up with Gordon. eh:
Great man, that Gordon-wohderful
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 Jove. yes. sir! l like your looks
like the way you swung that terribl,
right arm into my neck-I like you
There's my hand, and once Demos
themes Tanner gives 1t he never goe:
back on q friend"
Mynheer Joe has won. and as yet ht
has only made q beginning. Flushed
f, with victory he .queezes the huge fis'
of the governor, who looks very amia
BILE in his eyes now, Circumstance!
alter cases. The bull-like roar of the
Western orator will never seem the
same 20 him after this.
Perhaps I have claim on youi
friendship. Mr.. Tanner" he says mod
estly.
"How's that? Unbosom yourself
my boy"
1T seeLls ike egotism to sneak of 1t
bur vonr daughter will soon be tellin:
you. i had the extreme pleasure o.
jumping overheard at Malta. yeal
back, and assisting Miss Molly wheI