The Lamar register., 1904-01-13

Burritt. that you carry it about your
person."
The other nodded. Look here!"
he said. i've lived a rough sort of life
in wild part of the world for the last
twenty years. I've seen men shot
down by my side, in n refreshment
saloon, more than once, and more
than once had a narrow escape from
similar fate myself In fact"-sink-
ing his VOICE. don't mind owning
to you that on one occasion | have
killed my man-in selfdefense mind
he added. hastily. seeing the look OF
horror which, for moment. over
spread his friends face. I'm self
defense" he repeated, with emphasis.
land with the odds three to one.
Where should | have been then but
for my revolver? AS it was. l cleared
the world of at least one ruffian."
And no one-I mean
No one thought any the worse OF
me. I assure you. Indeed. with a
faint smile. the first Mr. Burritt had
seen upon his face. lurking for mo-
ment round the corners of his mouth
II even had a testimonial presented
to me by some of the leading citizens
of the place. thanking me for Kidding
them of such pestilent character as
Black Jake which was the name tho
villain went by
Mr.. Burritt heard him throughout
with astonishment. mingled with
faint sensation of horror 1t seemed
hard to credit that the calm, middle
aged well dressed man before him
hiS pwn mpprary-ha1 naSSpi
through such an experience as this;
and that the hand which he had shak-
en- with so much cordiality had blood
upon it!
Thank Cod" he cried, that we
have nothing of this sort in England.
There is no shooting people down in
refreshment saloons in this country!
Perhaps not" was the caustic re-
ply; but for all that, it struck me.
on looking at the paper this morning.
that you had got your own share OF
most of the crimes going-and plenty
of Black Jakes.' or their equivalents.
too
with eyes still fixed on the revolver.
"By-the-way, would you mind telling
me-is that the same weapon that you
ing of mean when you shot the
other-er-individua
Meaning Black Jake? Yes. I'm
happy to say it is the very same"
Mr.. Burritt felt that he somehow re-
garded the article in question with
less favor than ever
'I suppose there isn't the least like
lihood of its going of unexpectedly"
he inquired. difidently.
Not unless | pull the trigger" was
the careless response. and I'm not
likely to do that. unless you attack
me first"
The jolie-if joke 1t werc-strucll
Mr.. Burritt as being in singular bad
| taste.
Il must say" he repeated. with "A
little perceptible irritation in his man
ner. that, in this instance. don't see
the necessity for"
Very likely. you don't" interrupt
ed the other resuming his coat. but
| if you had been in the habit of carry
| ing it about your person for as many
| years as | have. and always been ac-
customed to sleep with it under your
pillow. you would think no more OF
| carrying "A revolver than you would
an umbrella or watch"
This remark served TO remind Mr.
Burritt of his original errand. He
therefore explained the reason of his
intrusion. and having been accom-
modated by the loan of the desired ar
ticle. turned to leave the room again.
He hesitated for "A moment on the
threshold and cast another glance
over his shoulder at his friend. who
IA. 81.
weapon with a bit of oily rag. Tho
latter looked up and met it,
You don't really mean. Silas, that
you are afraid to trust yourself in my
company now that you know carry "A
revolver" he asked, with another sud
den frown. You don't surely"
ITO be continuedD