Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-26

opinion that he followed Mercer at a lit
tie distance to see fair play, and to make
vantage Of his superior size and strength
and of Nigeis condition. For that the ir-
ritated feeling between them might lead
to blows, he, knowing more than any one
present Of the chief cause Of 1t, felt pretty
sure.
Neither the farmer nor Mercer, however
was prepared for the change which few
minutes had made in the look and bearing
OF Nigel Treveddoe: Instead Of the loung-
ing. restless bar loafer whom they had
watched sQuandering his money and leering
half stupidity at Nan Philpot and her COM
panions. John Mercer saw a man who look
ed as sober as himself, with eyes afiame in
deed. but with something more potent than
the liquor Of the Green Man.
Nigel turned abruptly, when he had got
little way into the meadow, SO that the
noisy folk behind the yew hedge might
lose the sound Of his words in their own
tumultuous voices. AS Mercer came up he
eyed him steadily, looking up with fierce
defiance in his dark face at the blue-eyed,
rather SNUG face Of the taller and broader
man.
You think yourself a better man than
me, John Mercer!' said he, as they measur-
ed each other eye to eye. And maybe
you're right. I don't set such great store
by myself. nor praps I haven't no cause
to; But I'd be sorry for to disgrace my
self as you've just done, and as what l
mean to make you pay for"
disgrace, chr sang out John. in his
deep. jolly, undisturbed voice. That s
what you think of my telling you the truth,
-s,posef And pray how do you mean to
make me pay for it?'
He thought he was on his guard. But
he had mscalculated the agility OF the
now thoroughly sobered man. With the
speed of lightning fash Nigel had leaped
forward and struck the bigger man q blow
across the face with the back Of his hand
before the other had had the least warning
of his intention.
THAT way!" growled Nigel. savagely,
as he struck the blow.
Jack Mercer sprang back with an OATH
You dare. you little miserable whip
per-snapper. you blackguard. you thief;
you dare to call me to account for telling
you what think Of your
MOT for that don't care a hang what
you think of me. nor what you say"
Missed out Nigel. with a black frown on
his face. IT'S for daring to mention a
name you did in a place like yonr'
And he pointed with a finger which had
become for the moment rather unsteady
toward the Green Man.
John Mercer thrust his thumbs into the
pockets OF his black waistooat, and laughed
scornfuily in his deep bass voice.
TIA. har cried he. "this is a good Joke.
by Georgei that I'm to be brought to book
by fellow like you for naming Miss
Rede or any other girl when and where
I choose. Why. lad. you must be clean
daft to take so much upon your-elf. even
when you're boozedl II you weren't too
drunk to know well what you're doing or
what you're saying I'd just take on my
coat and give you Jolly good thrashing. !"
Drunk. am If' said Nigel fiercely. "Well.
what do you think now?"
And as he uttered the words he once
more struck the big mans face with his
hand. IN spite of an attempt the other made
to avoid this second affront
By this time MERGERS blood was I'D.
and in another moment he had made an
attempt to seize Nigel by the coat collar
with one hand, while he raised the heavy
stick he carried with the other, in the en-
deavor to carry out his threat. But his