The indicator., 1904-09-17

done TO help hImi The Duke could
nave pulled him up u year ago II he
lad been willing to deny himself lit
tie. and so with all of you. You all do
Just what pleases you regardless OF any
other, and so you help one another
down"
l could not find anything just then TO
say. though afterward many things
came to me. For. though his voice was
quiet and low. his eyes were glowing
and his face was anght with the lire
that burned within. and felt like one
convicted OF Z crime. This was GER
tainly q new 6eetrine for the west. an
uncomfortable doctrine to practice. in
terferinx seriously with personal lib
erty. but. In the Pilots way of viewing
things. difficult to escape. There would
be no end 10 ones responsibility. 1
refused to think 1t out
Within fortnight we were think
Ing 1t out with some intentuess. The
Noble Seven We're to have great
blowout" at the Hill brothers ranch.
The Duke had got home from his
southern trip II little more weary look
Ing and little more cynical in his
smile. The blowout was to be held
on permit Sunday, the alternate to the
preaching Sunday. which was "A 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. Hi put 1t rather
graphically. 'The devil takes his
1nnin's one Sunday and the Pilot the
next" adding emphatically. He hain't
done much scorin' yit, but my moneys
on the Pilot, you betr' Bill was more
cautious and preferred to wait develop
ments. And developments were rapid.
The Hill brothers meet was unusu-
ally successful from n social point of
view. Several permits had been requI-
sltioned, and whisky and beer abound
ed. Races all day and poker all night
and drinks of various brews both day
and night, with varying impromptu
diversions. such as shooting the horns
Off wandering steers. We're the social
amenities indulged in by the Noble
Company. ON Monday evening rode
out to the ranch, urged by Moore. who
was anxious that some one should
look after Bruce.
II 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 Inc with a shout
Hello, old domine! yelled Bruce.
"Where's your preacher friend?"
''Where you ought to be If you could
get there-at home" l replied. nettled
at his insolent tone.
Strike one! called out HI enthuaj-
astically, not approving Bruce's att-
tude toward his friend. the Pilot
Don't be so cute" said Bruce after
the laugh had passed. "but have .
drink"
He was flushed and very shaky and
very noisy. The Duke, at the head Of
the table, looked 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 hay strewn about over q
floor reeking with filth. The disgust
on my face called forth an apology
from the younger Bin. who was serv-
Ing up ham and eggs as best he couN
to the men lounging about the table
ats my housemaIds afternoon cut
he explained gravely. i.
sGone for walk in the park" ADDED
another.
Hope Mr.. Connor 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 Ailarity Bruce
passed to sullen ferocity. with spasms
of nervous terrer. HIS attempts to
soothe him finally drove him mad. and
he drew his revolver, declaring ho
could look after himself, in proof Of
which he began to shoot out the lights.
The men scrambled into safe corners,
all Dut tne Luxe VINO stoou quleuJ
by watching Bruce sbeot. Then say
Ing LET me have try, Bruce" he
reached across and caught his hand.
mo, you don'tr' said Bruce strug-
Cling. NO nan gets my gun"
He tore madly at the gripping hand
with both Of his. but in vain, calling
out with frightful oaths:
"Let go. let go! I'll kill you, I'll kill
your
With n furious effort he hurled him
self back from the table, dragging the