Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1906-11-22

WORDS, ana tn6 Jest IOuuQ hot VIII |
nesses only. but assistants.
"You try first, Pete"
In response to the suggestion, .
shock-headed youth came forward
frowning-not with anger. but with
embarrassment at finding himself the
exposure Of all eyes.
The cup was placed upon his head.
"Stand right against the post" Pat
commanded, "ITl shoot at the knot
above your head, and the cup1l drop
OF; see If 1t don't. Now, stand still"
The silence which followed was
broken only by the click of the cap
tain's rifle. Then a sharp bang, a
woman's scream, and the cla..er Of the
cup to the floor.
Bully fer you. Pat" roared one en-
thusfastic auditor. This the marks
man received with a surly: "Wha' did
I tell yer?"
The shock-headed youth, q trifie
pale, but otherwise non the worse
for his experiment, stumbled to q 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 aver steady,
his eye ever true.
The Spaniard left his place by Law
ender's side. Let me try" he called
to Finch.
The girl detained him by a gesture.
ut is foolhardy, dangerous"
But he gently shook off her re-
straining arm. 81 am fond Of expert
ments in general, and this n in par
ticular will enlarge my experience"
For this man we'll 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 1t was his plan to ap-
peal.
you neve seem afraid Of any.
thing" she said, with direct and hon.
est compliment.
He rewarded her by a 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
unframed, Gonzaga descended with a
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. well, 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 a refusal.
t But Winslow was in nc mind to re-
/ fuse. He knew it to be a risk; q
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 81
: rowdy cheers drowned her remon.
STRANGE.
A voice in her a whispered: care
you, then, afraid for your friend?'
There was covert sneer in the Span
g iard's manner which the girl re-
sented.
"Mr. Winslow is as equal to the alb
surd test, but as liable to hurt, a:
g those of less sense. The whole bust
ness is idiotic; the game surely no
worth the candle. I've can let hin
d take the chances"
"And I? How about my chances?'
But Lavender failed to detect tn,
g double meaning in his question, no
G did she catch his ardent glance, TO
her eyes were following the scene OF
e the forward deck
The man at the rifle waited with hi
" back toward her, directly in front o
the post where Winslow stood. An,
near him-so close that warning shout
urged her back, stood the octoroon.
n Look alive, there!"
cit out O. the way!" But tn
woman paid no heed. If she moved a
l. all, it was but to steal nearer tn
mark.
The cup was placed upon Winslow'
head, and Pat Finch raised the rifle
The dark woman, crouching almost Il
its range, gazed fascinated at tn
cleaning barrel. Then her glanc
ran like lightning to the cruel eyes be
q hind 1t. There was a flash, a report
and the thud Of a falling body. Bot
IS Winslow and the. slave he had re
deemed lay PROSTATE at the foot {
J. the, post.
q Instantly there was an uproar, an
'r the rush of excited men to the res
% cue. With a scream of terror, LAYER
's der darted forward, but before sh
'r could reach the spot, and to the ger
4 eral amazement, both rose and face
% the crowd.
In the silence Winslow stared at th
woman beside him. Her olive ski
y was darker with horror, and she stat
y gered to the post as If for support.
a. whats the matter?" demande
Finch, striding forward.
u II can orter no explanation" Win
low returned, calmly, except that tt
~ Young Wnrhan.n he indicated the oct