The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-09-21

prowess. Once when Lavender ven
tured a plying remonstrance, he
blurted: Don't you worry about
them tails, miss. They kin be thank
full I'm sech good shot and leave 'em
the rest of their carcasses."
The octoroon, too, had observed the
malevolent glanceS with which the
captains eyes Travelled from her to
Winslow. There was no MISLEADING
their baleful glitter, and Winslow was
her savior from worse than death, the
object of her reverent gratitude. Over
him, she, too kept unmarked Wig
lance.
One afternoon she noticed the two
in conversation, and lowered near in
time to hear the last of the boatman's
words: TRY it jest to show that we
bear no ill-will. I'm right proud of
the trick"
But I'm afraid l don't understand"
she heard Winslow say, and the man
explained. THE idee is to knock a
cup off'n a mans head at 20 PAGES,
and never make a hole in. it,
Winslow shrugged his shoulders.
But how about the MANI"
Never fetch 'im 1t may take
some nerve to stand up agin loaded
rifle, but lots O. men hev done it, and
| amt never spilled my man yit. Ye
see, it's on the principle of barllin
squirrel; We aim at spot above the
critters head, and the conclusion does
the business. That's the way with the
cup--the shock knocks it off, and there
We are. It's easier n fallin off a
log"
He was determined to prove his
words. and the test found not wit
nesses only, but assistants.
You try first, Pete
In response to the suggestion, a
shock headed youth came forward
frowning-not with anger, but with
embarrassment at finding himself the
cynosure of all eyes.
The cup was placed upon his head
STAND right against the post" Pat
commanded, "I'll shoot at the knot
above your head, and the cup'll drop
off; see if it don't. Now, stand still"
The silence which followed was
broken only by the click of The cap
tains rifle. Then sharp bang,
woman's scream, and the cla,.er of the
cup to the floor.
Bully fer you, Pat" roared one en-
o,tditpr rThic tho marks
man received with surly: "Wha' did
tell yer?"
The shock-headed youth, trif1e
pale, but otherwise none the worse
for his experiment, stumbled to seat
His place was filled by another, anx-
ious to prove his mettle-with the
same result Another and another
the boatsman's aim was ever steady,
his eye ever true.
The Spaniard left his place by Law
to Finch.
The girl detained him BY gesture.
1T is foolhardy, dangerous"
But he gently shook off her re-
straining arm. 81 am fond of expert
ments in general, and this one in par
ticular will enlarge my experience"
For this man well knew that by his
worldly knowledge, wide range and
varied exploits, he had won the at
tention of this simple girl to whose
romantic side it was his plan to ap-
peal.
You never seem afraid of any
thing" she said, with direct and hon
est compliment.
He rewarded her by glance full OF
tender import, and took his position at
the post.
Winslow had seen the little by
play, and an all unreasoning anger
deprived him of his usual sober judg-
ment. In vain he argued within him
self that Lavender's anxiety was pure
ly womanish, born of no personal
preference. In vain he reflected that
her manner was always unduly earn
est, with an inclination to the dra-
matte.
He resented the attitude; he would
test her upon the first opportunity.
From the position at the post, all
GonZaga descended with
smile of triumph and walked directly |
up to Lavender ready for his need of
praise.
You are brave" she said, extending
her hand.
At that moment the marksman
beckoned to Winslow. We'll, are you
ready for a hand at the gamer"
There was a haunting ring in the
captains voice-a thinly velled con-
tempt as in expectation of refusal,
But Winslow was in no mind to re-
fuse. lie knew it to be a risk; a
foolhardy exhibition of misplaced hero
ism. Nevertheless, he went steadily to
place.
Mr.. Winslow-Charles. no, no"
Lavender begged, but he shook his
head firmly and smiled. A chorus of
rowdy cheers drowned her remon-
STRANGE.
A voice in her ear whispered: Are
you, then, afraid for your friend?"
There was a covert sneer in the Span-