Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-06

There was great color In Armi. tage's face as he strode abont prepar- ing to leave, His eyes danced with ex- citement and between the sentences that he Jerked out half to himself he whlstled few bars from comic opera that was making record run on Broadway. His steps rang out vigor. ously from the bare pine floor.
 Watch the windows, Oscar. You may forgive general anything but q 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-origlnal package, you understand. And see if you can't fnd Captain Claiborne a hat, Oscar"
 With a tin csp 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 brown corduroy hunt Ing coat. He was In high mood and chatfed Oscar as to the probability of their breakfasting another morning If we die. Oscar, it shall be in a good cause"
 He threw aside his cup with clat- ter, jumped down and caught the sword from the table, examined 1t critically, then Shpothat If with a click
 Claiborne had watched Armitage with a growing impatience. 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 be glanced at him now as though just recalling a duty.
 Lord, man, didn't mean to throw you into the road! There's clean bed in there that you're welcome to. Go in and get some sleep"
 "I'm not going into the valley" roar ed Claiborne, and Pm 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 babe of my affairs, and I'm terribly busy and have no time to talk to you. Oscar that coffee scalded me. Clai- borne. if only had time. you know, but under existing circumstances"-
 "I repeat that I'm going with you. don't know why I'm in this row. and 1 don't know what it's all about, but believe what you say about it, and went you to understand that can't be put in bag like prize potato with cut taking a whack at the man who put me there"
 But if you should get hurt. Clai. borne. it would spoil my plans. I never could face your family again." said Ar mitage earnestly. Take your horse and go."
 "I'm going back to the valley when you do."
 "Humph! 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 1t. hum. ming a few bars of German drinking song. Then he broke out with: T do not think braver gentleman. More active-valiant or more valiant
 young.
 More daring or more bold, is now alive To grace this latter age with noble needs. For my part. I may speak 1t to my shame, l have a truant been to chivalry-i 'I4ord, Claiborne, you don't know what's ahead of us. It's the greatest thing that ever happened. I never ex- pected anything like this. not on my cheerfulest days. Dearest Jules is out looking for telegraph office to pull off the Austrian end of the rumpus. Well. little good it will do him. And we'll catch him and Durand and that Ser vian devil and lock them up here till Marhof decides what to do with him. We're off,
 All ready, sir" said Oscar brskly.
 Its half past ?. They didn't get of their message at Lamar because the office is closed and the operator gone. and they will keep out of the valley and away from tae big inn because they are rather worried by this time and not anxious to get too near Mar hof. They've probably decided to go to the next station below Lamar to do their telegraphing Meanwhile they haven't got mer'
 They had me and didn't want me-" said Claiborne. mounting his own horse
 ITO Be Continued.