The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1908-12-26

pledged myself to carry through.
want you TO ride down there in the
valley and keep Marhof quiet for a
few hours. Tell him | know mere of
what's going on in Vienna than be does
and that If he will only sit in a rock
ing chair and tell you fairy stories till
morning we can all be happy. Is it
bargain-or-must still hang your
head down the we'll till get through"
''Marhof may go to the devil, He's a
lot more mysterious than even you.
Arnlitage- These fellows that brought
me up here to kin me N the belief that
l was you cannot be friends OF Mar
hof's cause"
They are not l assure you they are
not. They are blackguards OF the black
est dye"
II believe you. Armitage"
Thank you Now your horse Is at
the door. Run along ike a good fell
low"
Armitage diyed into ais room, caught
up cartridge belt and reappeared
buckling it on.
Oscar" he yelled. bring in that
coffee, with cups for two"
He kicked off his boots and drew on
light shoes and leggings.
Light marching orders for the rough
places Confound that buckle"
He rose and stamped his feet to set
tie the shoes.
"Your horse is at the door. That ras-
cal Oscar will take OF the blanket for
you. There's a bottle Of fair whisky in
the cupboard. if you'd like a nip before
starting Bless me, ! forgot the coffeel
There on the table. Oscar, and never
mind the chairs" he added as Oscar
came in with tin pot and the cups on
piece of plank.
Pm taking the rifle. Oscar, and be
sure those revolvers are loaded with
the real goods"
There was a great color in Armi-
tage's face as he strobe about prepar-
ing to leave His eyes danced with ex-
element. and between the sentences
that he jerked out half to himself he
whistled few bars from comic opera
that was making a record run on
Broadway. His steps rang out vigor-
ously from the bare pine floor
watch the windows. Oscar You
may forgive a general anything but
surprise. Isn't that so, Claiborne?
And those fellows must be pretty mad
by this time. Excuse the coffee serv-
ice Claiborne. We always pour the
sugar from the paper bag-Original
package. you understand And see n
you can't find Captain Claiborne hat,
Oscar"
With a tin cup of steaming coffee In
his hand he sat on the table dangling
his legs, his hat on the back of his
head, the cartridge belt strapped about
his waist over a brown corduroy hunt
ing coat He was In high mood and
chaffed Oscar as to the probability OF
their breakfasting another morning.
IF we die, Oscar, 1t shall be In a good
cause"
He threw aside his cup with a clat-
ter, jumped down and caught the sword
from the table, examined 1t critically.
then sbeathed 1t with click.
Claiborne had watched Armitage
with a growing Impotence. He re-
sented the idea Of being thus ignored
Then he put his hand roughly on Armi-
tage's shoulder.
Armitage, intent with his own affairs,
had not looked at Claiborne for several
minutes. but he glanced at him now as
though just recalling a duty.
lord. man, didn't mean to throw
you into the road There's a clean bed
In there that you're welcome to. Go
in and get some sleep"
SIN not going into the valley" roar
ed Claiborne, "and I'm not going to
bed I'm going with you"
But bless your soul. man. you can't
go with me! You are as ignorant as a
babe Of my affairs, and I'm terribly
busy and have no time to talk to you.
Oscar. that coffee scalded me. Clai-
borne, IL only | had time. you know.
but under existing circumstances
81 repeat that I'm going with you
don't know why I'm In this row. and
don't know what it's all about. but
believe what you say about Ii. and
went you to understand that I can't be
put in bag like prize potato with
cut taking a whack at the man who
put me there"
But II you should get hurt. Clai-
borne. it would spoil my plans. never
could face your family again" said Ar.
mitage earnestly. Take your horse
and CO."
I'm going back to the valley when
you do"
"Humphi Drink your coffee! Oscar.
bring out the rest Of the artillery and
give Captain Claiborne his choice"
He picked up his sword again. flung
the blade from the scabbard with a
swish and cut the air with it. hum
ming a few bars OF a German drinking
song Then he broke out with:
81 do not think a drawer gentleman,
More active-valiant OF more valiant
young.
More daring or more bold. is now alive
To grace this latter age with noble needs