The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-06

got there sooner if they hadn't had to
 walt for the ferry Otricfer was as sol- emn as a dead man., but Int didn't have
 to be. because he and the B. c. rode together; but, even 70. Hit didn't feel very gay. He was waiting to Kill wat son, if otr4cher didn't do it.
 Every fellow in those days carried a gun. and when we got to the piece pro- posed, at Watson's instance, that every man lay aside his shooters Watson and Hit hadn't anything. The B. c. laid his gun beside Watson's, on stump
 where the pistols for the men were ''of course, watson's and the B. C.'s. were loaded Watson charged the guns for the men--bIank. of course-and the ground was paced of; and the men were in position and Watson holding hand kerchief. when Hit leaped to the stump and grabbed Watson's pistol. Ofricner wasn't an instant behind him, and both men faced Watson, ready for business It all happened so quickly that Watson still stood with sthe handkerchief In his hand, his eyes following the movements of the men in a dazed way. Suddenly he seemed to know what had happened and clapped his hand to his hip pocket butt 1t wasn't there. Hit had 1t. Wat son threw up his arms and got down be- hind log.
 "'For Gods sake. Hittr he snufted. Don't do that. You wouldn't murder a man! Think of our past friendship and But Otricher cut in: eff you don't hur- ry and blow his damped brains out, I will. You've got first chance. because he gave you the preferenc in his little joke. Fire And Watson tucked and lay close to the ground. Hit fired over the log. and Watson never moved. He couldn't--he was so scared. As Hit fired we heard a breaking of branches and a woman's voice calling. and Miss Evarts came through the clearing on. tear. Her horso looked as if he had swilm the Mis- souri-all of father. She was as white as death. Well, 1t looked pretty. tell you. There was the handsomest woman that ever lived. all white and flashing. on a foam fiecled horse, Hit and Otricher staring at her, with Hitt's hand up, just as he had fired over the log, and Otrich- CT just raising his gun to scare out the rest of his wits, and the doctor waiting a little behind the group. and the g. c. standing beside the stump where the pis- tols had been, and Watson down on his knees behind the log, as near dead as he will ever get before he goes to join his God. There wasn't a word or a sound for a full minute. Then Miss Evarts looked at Watson. with her lip little dropped and the scorn of fourteen gen. erations in her eyes. and said:
 CT seem to have arrived in time to save you, sir Then she said to Hit and Otricher: ''I do not entirely understand this, gentlemen; but think 1t a good plan if you would carry MT. Watson to one of those carriages, restore him and go back into Kansas. Good morning! And she turned her horse. But the E. C., who hadn't spoken a word. was at the bridle. He could see that she was trem- bling. for all her superb way. He spoke few words to her and assisted her to dismount. She got into a carriage while the B. c. mounted her horse and took her back home before Kansas woke up. He left Watson to Otricher and Hit Besides, the doctor was there. and near ly having a collie with the joke of 1t. and the B. C. knew he was a man who couldn't keep his mouth shut to save his life. Altogether Watson was in good hands.
 Miss Evarts had received note from Watson by the little nigger just before we started out. It told her that Hit and OtrIcher were to fight; that Watson was going to prevent bIoodshed if possible, and would come to her for her approval If they all got back alive. etc. Watson wrote that note htmself-the B. c. suggested it."
 Alderman paused and lighted a fresh cigar and leaned back.
 "But." ehorused Grossman and Wamb- sley. which married Miss Evarts?'
 "ohi The B. C. 1 was the F. C.
 Hello. Watson" Alderman called to him as he passed Was just telling the fellows about those good old times out