Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-11-04

Jest s'pose I should go to some Of the
fellers that used to sail with him and
tell 'em what you've been up to. Think
you'd stay here long? / think you'd
move out-on q rail-"
Captain Fri paused and sat on the
arm of his chair, grimly watching his
opponent, whose turn for thinking had
come. The face of the billiard mag
nate was an interesting study in ex.
preston during the captains speech
From excited triumph it had fallen ia
fear and detection, and now, out OF
the wreck, was appearing once more
the oily smile, the sugared sweetness
of the everyday Mr.. Saunders.
Now, Cap'n Hedge" purred the re.
constructed one, ''you and me has al
ways been good friends. We hadn't
ought to fight like this. I don't think
either of us wants to go to court. Let's
see if we can't fix the thing up some
way"
We'll fix it up when you pay me the
$40.
Now, Cap'n Hedge, faint likeH
I've got $40 in my pocket. Seems to
me you're pretty hard on poor fellow
that's just been burnt out. I think
we'd ought to-
"How much have you got7"
After good deal Of talk and prot
estation Mr.. Saunders acknowledged
being the possessor of $26, divided be-
tween the cash drawer and his pocket.
This he reluctantly handed to the cap
tain.
Then the captain demanded pen, ink
and paper, and when they were
brought he laboriously wrote out a
screed to the effect that Webster
Saunders had received of Elsie Preston
$44, which sum he promised to pay on
demand.
"There," he said, pushing the writ
ing materials across the table. "Sign
that"
At first Mr.. Saunders positively re-
fused to sign. Then he intimated that
he had rather wait and think it over a
little while. Finally he affixed his sig
nature and spitefully threw the pen
across the room.
Captain Fri folded up the paper and
put it in his pocket. Then he rose and
put on his pea Jacket.
Now, there's jest one thing more
he said. '"Trot out that coat and hat"
what do you meanl'
'"Trot out that coat and hat of Johns.
want 'em"
Il shan't do it,
"All right, then. It's all off. I'll
step over and see the jedge. You'll
hear from him and me later"
Hold on minute, cap'n. You're
in such everlastin' hurry. 1 don't
care anything bout the old buds, but
/ don't knows know where they are.
Seems to me they're up to the house
somewheres. I'll give 'em to you to-
morrer.'
You'll give 'em to me right now.
I'll tend shop while you 60 after 'em."
For moment it looked as though
the man of business would rebel out
right. But the captain was so calm
and evidently SO determined to do ex-
actly what he promised that Web gave
up in despair. Muttering that maybe
they were "round the place after all,'
he went into the back room and reap
peared with the burned coat and the
scorched white felt hat. Slamming
them down on the counter, he said
sulkily: There they be. Any more of
my prop'ty you'd like to have?"
Captain Fri didn't answer. Coolly
tearing off several sheets of wrapping
paper from the roll at the back Of the
counter, he made a bundle of the hat
and coat and tucked it under his arm.
Then he put on his own hat and start
ed for the door.
Good mornin'," he said.
The temper of the exasperated Mr..
Saunders fared up in a final outburst.
''You think you're ALMIGHTY smart.
don't your" he growled between his
teeth. 'I'll square up with you by
and by"
The captain turned sharply, his hand
on the latch.
II wish you'd try" he said. II jest
wish to God you'd try. I've held in
more'n thought I could when I come
up here, but if you want to start a
reel fust class rumpus, one that'll
land you where you b'long and rid this
town Of you for keeps, jest try some Of
your tricks on me. And If I hear Of
one word that you've said bout this
whole business I'll know it's time to
start in. Now, you can keep still or
fight, Jest as you please. 1 tell you
honest, most wish you'd fight"
The door slammed. Mr.. Saunders
opened it again and gazed vindictively
after the bulky figure splashing
through the slush.