The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-10-12


He would like to make use of this mid
night meeting to cast a stain upon his
rival in the eyes of the girl they both
loved.
But Winslow was not here-could
he bring him here? The idea. once
rooted in his mind, grew to a settled
scheme, as, brooding on it, he slowly
paced the weedy, sand-beaten shore.
Within the public house the brawlers
were assembled-some at tables, OH
ers leaning against the board on up
right posts which served as bar. Be-
hind this, with much clatter of mugs
and bottles, stood the man from New
| Orleans--once the wealthy planter
now the keeper Of this little tavern
ia the wilderness.
At a signal from the octoroon, the
landlord began to clear the room of
loungers dismissing some peremp-
torily, cajoling others, until few re-
NAMED.
Among the last was a man past
middle life, with face so marked
by drink and evil passions that there
was little reminder of features that
had once been handsome. The mis-
shapen body was too small for the
head, which barely reached above the
level of the table. Before him stood
glass of spirits which he drained
noisily The landlord removed the
empty glass, ignoring his demand to
I'LL 'er up again"
Time all honest folks were abed,
Jabez," he urged. Its after mid
night"
The mans companions shuffled out,
but he remained obstinately. Here
| sit go on to bed, eff we want to; I'm
weitin' fer comp'ny home" and he
gave a hoarse, sardonic laugh.
While yet her master argued with
him, the woman's quick ear caught the
sound of footsteps on the ground out
side. She stole to the door, closing
it quietly.
There, in the dense shadow, straight
and slim as the sapling against which
she leaned stood girl, who neither
moved nor spoke until the others mrf-
fled CALL Miss Miller, is that you p
At this she came nearer the light,
but the octoroon laid finger on her
lip. Hush, your father is there and
she PORTED to the tavern. He
knows you expect to meet Mr. Gerald
tonight, and they had some words,
but"
was anybody hurt?" brcathed the
girl, in a frightened whisper.
But the dark woman treasured
her. 81 took it upon myself to per-
suade him to go home,' she said, hum
bly,. Il knew you would not want him
to risk any more trouble
Unheeding the girls deprecatory in
terruption, the octoroon continued:
He left word for you to meet him the
night of the sixth. There is to be a
dance in Rogers harm, and Mr.. Gerald
will come here afterwards. Be at the
pollard willow at the curve in the road
about midnight. ] hate to give a mes
sage telling you to come out at that
time of night, but he seemed set on 1t.
Excuse me. Miss Sue, but | wish for
the day when you and he can mcet
before the village in the open light.
The young girl WINGED. Yes, Belle
in quality fashion-we may some
day. In the meantime" she ended in
a passionate whisper that was half
sob. 81 must see him, and this way Is
better than none"
The octoroon gave hurried glance
toward the tavern. you had better
al n
Their might come out any minute. Are
you afraid|"
From behind the horizon the moon
threw sickly beams over the tree tops
1t lit up the wan faces of the two
women-the girls tender and soft, with
a pleading prettiness, the other sad
and dark, with earnest eyes full OF
loyal affection She repeated: can
YOU go back alone?'
Sue Miller brushed the straying locks
from her forehead with defiant nod
The small. checked shawl that hat
half slipped from her shoulders she
knotted loosely about her head. III
come as Gerald tells me to, without
fail. after the frisk, at the willow by
the turning yonder.' Yes, I'll remem
her" and with a parting good nigh
she sped down the road that led away
from the settlement, to the gloomy
cabin on the edge of the common field
Within the tavern the argument pro
ceeded. They call me 'Branch-watel
man. do they? And my gal Branch
water Sue? Well, let 'em call us VIVA
they please, and be damned. Eff don
, want ter dig a we'll, amt that my bust
ness? Eff branch waters good enough
fer me to drink, faint them as has
ter drink it. Shifless, am l? Well
it's me. My gal earns Twin fer u'
both. does she? Well, it's her. l ash
naught O. their cursed set but to D'
let alone. I'll show 'em that a branch
water man is smart enough ter lool
arter his kin, spite of any upstart witt
, his dainty airs!"
In this strain he muttered half Il
himself. half aloud. until the fan o
) words cooled his rage. In silence NJ