The midland journal., 1904-03-18
CHAPTER TX.
TContinued.1

ter now. Been in one of my usual
rows, you see; only the seventh since
leaving Constantinople. This time
met a Tartar. Internal rascal played
with me. Just think Of it-played
with the only Tanner as a cat does
mouse, and then when he got tired,
knocked me out. If could only have
him alone in this room five minutes
I'd let him know / amt SO green as I
look, If was caught mapping once!
Here, Tom, you old heather, take hold
and tie this handkerchief back of my
head. Have a stiff neck for bloody
week, most likely. Not so tight, you
numbering Hoosier! Dye want to
kill me outright? There do.
Now sit down and have a glass with
me. Be social. if 1t is past midnight.
That's the best part of the day in this
abominable country. Why don't you
say something, you miserable mute?
Whatl You? Death and furles!
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
great owl.
The latter. is strongly tempted to
laugh. There Is something so ridicu-
lous in all this affair, but he realizes
that such an act must forever ruin
his chances of reconciliation, He
must control himself until a more ia
vorable opportunity comes about.
Acting upon the impulse Of the mo-
ment he holds out his hand.
''Mr. Tanner, have come here to
beg your pardon for what has oc-
Cured. 1t was all misunderstand-
ing on my part. 1 want you to shake
hands with me and tell me you bear
no malice" he says frankly.
Dcmosthenes Tanner grins n little,
but rs yet makes no move toward ac-
cepting the proffered hand. His neck
twinges, and this sets him against
his late antagonist.
''Fine words don't cure a stiff neck.
sir. confess admire the way you
took the part Of small man, and your
style Of using your dukes nearly won
nay heart, but refrain from making
q peace. for I 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. will
never strike blow against you again
since have learned that you are Miss
Nolly's father"
what the deuce has she to do with
It? If you and choose to engage in
O little sport of our own. whose busi-
ness is itY' growls Tanner, his hand
now slowly advancing to meet that Of
the honorable antagonist, whom. he
respects as q foeman worthy Of his
steel.
II repeat what 1 said, sir. I am
sorry to have struck you. You must
pardon my indiscretion-for Molly's
sake"
''N0w 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? I don't ever remember
seeing you before to-nigE... Molly
has regiment of admirers. but she
Introduces me to every one. Who are
you. sir?"
II am known as Mynhcer Toe. sir.
corruption of my real name"
"Ah, the fellow they're all talking
about! Been up with Gordon. ch?
Great man. that Gordon-wonderfu
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"
"Presenly. Mr. Tanner. First. are
you going to shake han,ls with meY"
''By Jove. yes, sir | like your looks.
4 like the way you swung that terrible
right arm inro my neck--I like you.
There's my hand. ard once Demos
themes Tanner gives 1t he never goes
back on a friend"
Mynheer Joe has won. and as yet he
has only madcSa beginning. Flushed
with victory he -queezes the huge fist
of the governor. who looks very amia-
BILE in his eyes now. Circumstances
alter cases. The bull-like roar of the
Western orator will never seem the
same % him after this.
Perhaps l have IL claim on your
friendship. Mr.. Tanner" he says mod
estly.
SLOWS that? Unbosom yourself.
my bog"
at seems like egotism to speak of it.
but your daughter will soon be telling
you had the extreme pleasure oi
jumping overheard at Malta. year
back. and assisting Miss Molly when
she was thrown into the water"
Tanner gives another roar. He act
ually throws his arms around Myn-
hecr Joe and hugs him much after the
bear style, The explorers ribs threat
on 70 ssIvo yoV undar Iha DraSsurp