Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-04-24

tend to that later. Besides. wouldn't
hurt you, my boy; no. not for f300-
cash down"
The sum was not a large one. yet the
particular amount seemed to crate
upon the servants sensitiveness. He
cast longing glance toward the door.
but the Texan was already filling the
chambers of his revolver. so Bills per-
force sat still and watched him. expert
encing a separate and distinct spasm
as each cartridge nestled into its crib.
Richard laughed softly. as at some
pleasurable memory.
"By the way. Friend Woolsey.
don't know why think of it just now
but mighty funny thing happened
down in Texas couple of years ago
had contract with felOw-chap
about your size and age as | remember
him. with a charming disregard for
keeping promises similar to yours. He
broke his contract"
In the awkward pause which follow
ed the surviving partner in the deal
drew fine bead on the tassel Of the
window curtain and smiled.
where Is he now. sir?"
Richard shrugged his shoulders.
"Did-did you kill him. sir?" feebly
began the unfortunate Bills again. feel
ing sudden and unaccountable
draft blowing on his spine.
"Well, no." said Richard dreamily,
II didn't. That's the funny part of it.
tied him to tree and shot away
portions of him that didn't count"
Count. sir?'
Eyes. parts that are not vital. you
understand-such as ears and fingers
and kneecapS and things like that.
| Why. you wouldn't believe it. Bills,
but you can chip away at n man for
half Jay if you're only careful. You
see, had plenty of leisure time on my
hands-alnost as much as | have now
so there wasn't any hurry and rush
about it. That was rifle. | had a
hatfu of cartridges and an extra gun
quick firing. A double acting revolver
is better for household use"
Once more Richard paused to laugh
twirling his gun around airily in his
quick fingers in retrospective joy
"Oh, say" he cried. You just
ought to have heard that fellow when
| began to pick off his knuckle bones
Knucklp bones. you know. seem to be
very sensitive to sudden shock. and in
this particular instance had nc
earthly cause TO complain Perhaps
you are wondering how could shoo
so accurately Well. I'll tell YOU.
Richard leaned forward and confideC
In II pleased whisper, Il had Just oilot
my gun
Bills now began to sober up Will
astonishing rapidity. His putty-lik,
complexion had grown grayer still
while his eyes were watery. WANDERING
about In the fruitless hope of detectins
some avenue of escape Even his hal
seemed to stir restlessly on his head
and feeling of weakness and nause;
came over him.
"WOt-wot became OF the gentleman
sir?' ne asked. with a choky click fl
his voice
Gentleman" repeated Richard alb
sently. What gentleman"
IVY. the-target gentleman. sir, tn
one as was losin' parts of ITSELF tina
don't count. Mr.. Williams. sir.
mean
"Oh, yes. yes.' laughed the Texan
81 was thinking OF something else
You mean my contract man? | don
remember exactly. He was alive whe
l left him. | believe. but rather thin
the crows got him In the end" Their
was another pause. in wa,ch Richar
listened intently. "Ahw he exclaimed
II believe ! hear Miss Renwyek con
ing downstairs. Hadn't you better Sc
her before we go for our rider"
Bills breathed hard. thought 10
awhile. then looked up tlmidly.
an lord
"Don't '" said Rio