Gunnison news-champion., 1908-01-24

W. Hia' t1ltlafts 4 tbiLa tLt -
plumb pretty.~ retorted I.aneford. a
laugh iH his blue eyes. Jim fairly
E2sPed with chazrin
Inconcorned. grinninz Black SLOUGH
ed to the aoor and out Once straight
en- ogf that las looking body and you
would have a big man IN Jesse Black
Yes. big one and a quick one. too.
may b.. The crowd made way for him
unconsciogsiy. No one iostiod him.
HE was a marked man from that day
His lawyer. small leaned back in his
chair. radiating waves of self -saiisfac-
tion a. though be had just rained a
disputed point. II was a manner be
affected when not on the floor in a
frenzy Of words and muscular action.
Jim Munsun eontriyed 10 pass by
Jake SaBdersuu.
so you followed me To find out
about Mag. did yoaP Heap o. good ii
did you We knew you knew" he
Dragged insultingly.
The mans face went white with
wrath.
Damn you" he cried His hand
dropped TO his belt
The two glared at each like fighting
cocks. Men crowded around. sudden.
ly aware that a quarrel was on.
The Three Bars a gittin' busy,"
jeered Jim
Come. Jim. I want you" II was
Gordon's quiet voice. He laid re-
straining hand on Munson's oyerzeal-
our arm.
Dick Gordon, this amt your put
in" snarled Sanderson. "Git out the
way" He showed him roughly aside.
Now, snappin' turtle" TO Jim, the
Three Bars d better git busy"
A feint at a blow, a clever little
twist of the feet. and Munson sprawl
ed on the floor. men pressing back to
give him the full force OF the fall.
They believed in fair play. But Jim,
uncowed, was up with the nimbleness
of q monkey.
Hit away" he cried, tauntingly. Il
know 'nough to swear out a warrant
'gainst you T won't be 30 lonesome
for Jesse now breakin' stones over to
Sioux Falls"
JIM" II vas Gordoa's Suist, a.
thoritative voice once more. Il told
you | wanted you" He threw his arm
over the bellieerent's shoulder.
Comm. Dick. didn't mean to blab
so much" Jim answered. contritely.
They moved away. Sanderson fol-
lowed them up.
Dick Gordon" he said with cool
deliberateness, you're too damned
anxious to stick your nose into other
peoples affairs. Learn your lesson.
will you? My favorite stunt is to
teach meddlers how to mind their own
business-this way"
Ii was not a fair blow. Gordon
doubled up with the force Of the punch
in his stomach. In a moment all was
confusion. Men drew their pistols. II
looked as If there was to be . freefor-
all fight.
Langford sprang to his friends aid,
using his fists with plentiful freedom
in his haste to get to him.
Never mind me-" whispered Cor
don. He was leaning heavily on Jim's
shoulder. His face was pale. but he
smiled reassuringly. There was some
thing very sweet about his mouth
when he smiled Never mind me"
he repeated. Get the girls out OF
this-quick, Paul
Mary and Louise had sought refuge
behind the big table.
Quick. the back door," cried Lang
ford, leading the way: and as the
three passed out. he closed the door
behind them, saying. You are all
right now. Run TO the hotel. must
see how Dick is coming on"
DO you think he is badly. hurt?'
asked Louise. Cant we help"
i think you had best get out of this
as quickly as you can. | don't believe
he Is Knocked out, by any means. but
1 want TO be on hand for any future
events which may be called Just ny
now. both of you
The unfair blow in the stomach had
given the sympathy of most of the
Dystanders, for the time being at least
TO Gordon. Men forgot. momentarily
their grudge against him Understand
ing from the black looks that he was
not in touch with the crowd. Sander
son lauGhed-a short snort of con
tempt-and slipped out of the door.
Unable TO resist the impulse, Jim
bounded out after his enemy
When Paul fastened around TO the
front of the building. the crowd was
nearly all in the street. The tension
vas relaxed. A dazed expression pre-
vailed-brought to life by the sudden.
ness with which the affair had devel.
oped to such interesting proportions
and the quickness with which 1t had
aattened out to nothing. For Sander.
son had disappeared. completely
nysteriousiy. and in all the level land
scape. there vas no trace Of him nor
sign
See . balloon. Jin.- asked Lang
Ssf1. slaSptnG hin O. the shoulder
wstA the e1fA0ef a . smile. well
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