Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-08-22

refused to think it out.
Within a fortnight we were think.
ing it out with some intentness. The
Noble Seven were to have great
"blowout" at the Hill brothers ranch.
The Duke had got home from his
southern trip Il little more weary look
ing and little more cynical in ms
smile. The blowout was TO be held
preaching Sunday, which was q con-
cession to the Pilot, secured chiefly
through the influence OF Hi and his
baseball nine 1t was something to
have created the situation involved in
the distinction between preaching and
permit Sundays Iii put it rather
graphically. THE devil takes his
innin's one Sunday and the Pilot the
next" adding emphatically, He hain't
done much scofin' yit, but my moneys
on the Pilot, you bet.' Bill was more
cautious and preferred to wait develop
ments. And developments We're rapid.
The Hill brothers meet was unusu-
ally successful from Il social point OF
view. Several permits had been requi-
/ sitioned. and whisky and beer abound
| ed. Races all day and poker all night
and drinks of various brewS both day
and night, with varying inpromptu
diversions, such as shooting the horns
off wandering steers, We're the social
amenities INDUCED in by the Noble
| Company. On Monday evening l rode
out to the ranch, urged by Moore, who
was anxious that some one should
look after Bruce.
81 don't belong to them" he said;
"you do. They won't resent your COM
ing
Nor did they They were sitting at
tea and welcomed me with shout.
Hello, old domine!" yelled Bruce.
"Where's your preacher friend?''
"Where you ought to be il you could
get there-at. home" l replied, nettled
at his insolent tone.
Strike one.' called out Hi enthusi-
astically, not approving Bruce's atti-
tude toward his friend, the Pilot.
Don't be SO cute" said Bruce after
the laugh had passed, "but have q
drink"
He was flushed and very shaky and
very noisy. The Duke, at the head OF
the table. looked a little harder than
usual. but. though pale, was quite
steady. The others were all more or
less nerve broken, and about the room
were the signs of wild night. A
bench was upset, while broken bottles
and crockery lay strewn about over a
floor reeking with filth. The disgust
on NV face called forth an apology
from the Younger Hill, who was sery-
ing I'D ham and eggs as best he could
to the men lounging about the table.
ats my housemaids afternoon out,
he explained gravely. ~
Gone for walk in the park" added
another.
Hope Mr.. Conner will pardon the
absence" sneered Bruce in his most
offensive manner.
Don't mind him." said Hi under his
breath. 1.-THE blue devils are .runnin
him down"
This became more evident as the
evening went on. From hilarity Bruce
passed to sullen ferocity, with spasms
of nervous terror. His attempts &c
soothe him. finally drove him mad, ane
he drew his revolver, declaring he
could look after himself, in proof OF
which he began to shoot out the lights
The men scrambled into safe corners
all but the Duke, who stood quieti,
by watching Bruce shoot. Then say
ing "Let me have try, Bruce" h'
reached across and caught his hand.
mo, you don't" said Bruce strug
Cling. mo man gets my gun"
He tore madly at the gripping hant
with both of his, but in vain. calm:
out with frightful oaths:
LET. go, let go! I'll kill you, I'll xii
you"
} With furious effort he hurled him
self back from the table, dragging thu
Duke partly across. There We're fasi