Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-03-31

IL was Z when they caught him and
by 9 they had put him through every
pace that civilization could suggest.
Peg Leg Reynolds. as always, master
OF ceremonies then ordered him tied to
the stove. When Il was done the cow
boys got into big circle for a dance.
The fur on Chris's coat had already be
gun to sizzle. when the front door open
ed. Shockley walked In.
Straight. i'm his ambling. hurried way
he walked past the deserted bar through
the ring OF cowboys at the rear 90 Chris
frying against the stove and began cut
ting him loose. Through every knot
that his knife slit he sent q very loud
and very bad word. and no sooner had
he freed Chris than he jerked him by
the collar as IL quarrellng with him.
toward the back door. which was
handy. and before the COWBOYS got
wind he had showed him through Il.
Hold on therew cried Peg Leg Revn-
olds when % vas just too late. Chris
was out OF II, and Shockley turned
alone
AN right. partner; what is it2" he
asked amiabiy.
You've got a ripping nerve"
Il know IT,"
whats your nameY'
'Shockley."
"Can you dancer
''No."
IL was Peg Legs opportunity. He
drew his gun. Il reckon maybe Won
can. Try g." he added. pointing the
suggestion with the pistol. shocklev
looked foolish He didn't begin trim
ping soon enough and bullet from the
cowboys gun splntered the Dashboard
az his feet ShOckley attempted 10
shuttle. To any one who didn't know
him 1t looked funny. But Peg Leg was
q rough dancing master and before he
said Enough" an ordinary man would
have dropped exhausted. Shockley.
breathing a good bit quicker. only
steadied himself against the bar.
Take OF your hat before gentlemen"
cried the cowboy. ShOckley hesitated.
but he did pull of his cap.
That's more Ike Il. What's your
nameg"
"Shockley"
"Shockley2" echoed Reynolds with a
burst OF range amenities well
Shockley. you can't help your name
Drink FOR once In your life with a man
or breeding-my names Reynolds. Pat
set out the good bottle-this guy pays"
exclaimed Peg Leg. wheeling to the
bar.
"Whatn it beT" asked Pat Barlis OF
Shockley. as he deity slid a row OF
glasses In front OF the men OF breed
ing
Ginger ale for me-" suggested
Shockley mildly. The cowboys put up
a single yell Ginger alel Ii was too
funny.
Reynolds. choking with contempt.
pointed 20 the yardmaster's glass.
Fill it with whisky he shouted. FIJI
It. PatF" he repeated. as Shockley lean
ed undecdedIy against the bar. The
yardmaster held out the glass and the
barkeeper began TO pour ShockIey
looked at the liquor moment. then he
looked at Reynolds. who fronted him
with gun in one hand and red water IN
the other
Drink
shockley paused. looked again at the
whisky and drew the glass toward him
with the curving hand OF a drlnker.
''You want me to drink thlsf" he half
laughed, turning on his batter.
II didn't say so, did 1? I said drink?'
roared Peg Leg.
Everybody looked at Shockley. He
stood lingering the glass quietly. Some
how everybody, drunk or sober, looked
at ShOckley. He glanced around at the
crowd. Other guns were creeping from
their holsters. He pushed the glass
back, smiling
Il don't drink whisky, partner" said
Shockly gently.
''You drink that whisky or I'll put a
little hole into your
Shockley reached good naturally for
the glass. threw the liquor on the floor
and set it back on the bar.
go orr said Shockley. II confused
Reynolds.
"A man tbat'H waste good whisky
oughtn't L live anyhow" be muttered,
lingering his revolver nervously.
you've spoiled my aim. Throw up
your hat" he yelled. "Tn put hole
through that to begin with"
Instead shockley put his cap back on
his head
Put n hole through IL there" said
he. Reynolds set down his glass, and
Shockley waited. IL was the cowboy
who hesitated.
Where's your nerveT" asked the
railroad man. The gun covered him
With a fash and roar. Reynolds.
whatever his faults. was a shot. His
bullet cut cIcanIy through the crown,
and the powder almost burned Shock