Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1908-04-03

got to pay. You got to make IL INV
AN, cash down at that! Now, one
last time-will you or won't you III
mo. Woolsey." said Richard, calmly
dra wing on his boot, II won't
bills scowled at him angrhy anu
turned toward the door. He was druhA
enough TO put his threat into execu-
tjou. and well Richard knew that suen
an exposure would be deathkneh 10
bis hopes OF winning Harriet
watt" a
At. the sharp command the valet
turned suddenly; then his master
changed his tone and continued IN an
even voice: Miss Renwyck is dressing
for ride with me, and at present you
can't see her. She will probably De
down in twenty minutes. after when
Won may do as you like and be hanged
TO you. In the meantime ! wouid De
obliged II you would get me that small
hottie OF machine oil on the closer
shelf; then Hnd me piece OF SOFT
white rag"
The valet wanted TO refpse, but his
servants training. together win Ger
tain compelling something in Richard
ave. enforced obedience. He brought
one Of Lord Croyland's handkerchleis
from the bureau drawer and laid II
with the bottle OF machine oil on a
table in the center OF the room. Rich-
ard thanked him, seated himself again
and began tearing the handkerchief In
to narrow strips, while Bills STOOD
watching him. his human curiosity be-
ginning to get the better even OF his
anger.
"Sit down, Cardinal" said Richard
pleasantly. "You have twenty min
utes to wait, so why hurry? have
found that morris chair to be very
comfortable indeed. You were enjoy
Ing It when came in. Don't let me
spoil your afternoon. Try 1t again"
The valet, still wondering and .un-
certain, took the indicated seat, mar
rowly watching his master while the
Texan crossed the room, returning to
the table with a small screwdriver and
formidable revolver. He seated him
self and began taking the weapon TO
pieces, oiling each part carefully and
then running a greasy rag through the
barrel Bills became more and more
interested in this singular and to him
unfamiliar proceeding. but Richard of
fered no explanation OF his unusual oc-
cupation. After five minutes Of utter
silence the valet could stand the strain
no longer. ru r g 4l. 1I4ui
"Er-beg pardon. SIR" he asked. and
the tremor In bis voice indicated his
uneasiness, but wot are you a-doin'
OF, sIr?"
Cleaning my gum returned Rich
ard laconically. "what did you think
I was -shavingY"
r"O-ohv' said Bills and lapsed into
silence. i
Richard began to whistle. 1t was a
merry, happy little tune, but somehow
II got on the valet's nerves. His mind
commenced to work and draw infer.
ences. The gun had a very unsympa'
thetic look, which was lessened In nc
degree by the six enormous cartridges
that the worker placed before him on
the table. He wished that the Texan
had not placed himself so as to COM
mand the only exit from the room
Presently the nervous Bills spoke
again. The effect OF the brandy was
wearing OF rapidly on account Of his
growing fear.
"You-you don't expect to ave nc
immejit use for that ere thing, dc
, you, Mr.. Wllliams1' .4I..
Don't know" said Richard uncon
cernedly. 81 might. and then. again,
might not. II depends Pretty little
toy. isn't III" Bills licked his lips and
said nothing. The Texan continued
'You see. always try to keep II IL
working order, because you can never
tell when you've got TO whip IT out and
get down to real enjoyable work
Why, you really wouldn't believe it
Bills. but | haven't shot man since
left Texas-two whole weeks" h,
added dcspondently. shook his head
ana then began dripping oil In the pls
tofs lock.
II suppose" said the valet, by way
OF filling In the gap Of another pause
~ suppose that down Were you live
sir. thoy-they don't mnd-er-m
derin' of people, AIr Williams, sirT"
"Shucks! laughed Richard. What.
Il man or two? \ bang-a yel-ant
It's all over. or course they die hare
sometimes, hut that's their affair"
The irresponsible person took up hi,
whistling once more, while the mug
Ele Of his carelessly held gun seemed
10 point pcrsistently at the pit Of tn,
vWHts stomach. in which, by the way
there was growing a queerly respon
sive feeling.
Beg pardon, sir, but-but 1t ism
loaded, is it,"
Not yet" smiled Richard. 'Tn at
tend TO that later Besides, | wouldn'
hurt you, my boy; no, not for fS00-
cash down"
The sum was not large one yet tn,
particular amount seemed to graft
upon the servants Senstveness. H
J cast longing glance toward the door
b! but the Texan was already filling tn