Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-09-17

and you'll feel better"
Kirkwood chuckled, In high conceit
with himself, watching Calendar out
of the corner of his eye. but with his
attention centered on the infinitely di-
verting spectacle afforded by Stryker,
whose predaceous hands were trem-
bling violently as one by one they
brought to light the articles of which
he had despoiled his erstwhile victim
Come, come. Stryker! Surely you
can think of something witty. Surely
you haven't exhausted the possibilities
of that almanac joke Couldn't you
ring another variation on the unatic
wheeze? Don't hesitate out of consid-
Grafton for me. captain. I'm joke proof.
Perhaps you've noticed"
Stryker turned upon him an express
sion at once ludicrous. piteous and
hateful. That's all. sir" lie snarled
displaying his empty palms in token
Of his absolute tractability.
Good enough. Now right about face
quick! Your backs prettier than
your face, and, besides, want to know
whether your hip pockets are empty
I've heard it's the habit Of you gentry
to pack guns in your clothes. None?
That's all right, then. Now roost on
the transom over there in the corner
Stryler. and don't move Don't let
me hear a word from you. Under
stand?"
Submissively the captain retired to
the indicated spot. Kirkwood turned
to Calendar. of whose attitude. how
ever, he had not been for an instant
unmindful.
won't you sit down, Mr.. Calendar?"
he suggested pleasantly. "Forgive me
for keeping you waiting"
For his own part, as the adventurer
dropped passively into his chair Kirk
wood stepped over Mulready and adj
vanced to the middle Of the cabin, at
the same time thrusting Calendars re-
volver into his own coat pocket. The
other, Mulready's, he nursed signifi-
cantly with both hands, while he stood
temporarily quiet. surveying the fleshy
face of the prime factor in the intrigue
A quaint. grim smile played about
the Americans lips, Il smile little
contemptuous. more than little in
scrutable. In its light Calendar grew
FESTIVE and lost something of his as
surance. His feet shifted uneasily be-
meath the table. and his dark eyes wa
vered, evading Kirkwood's. At length
durable.
We'll" he demanded testify, what
d'you want of me?'
II was just wondering at you, Cal
endar. In the last few days you've
given me enough cause to wonder, as
you'll admit"
The adventurer plucked up spirit. de-
luded by Kirkwood's pacific tone. "a
wonder at you, Mr.. Kirkwood," he re.
torted. ut was good of you to save
my life, and
I'm not so sure of that! Perhaps
it had been more humane
Calendar owned the touch with q
wry grimace but I'm hanged If
understand this high handed attitude
of yours!' he concluded heatedly.
Don't you?" Kirkwood's humor be-
came less apparent, the smile SOLDERING
you will" he told the man. adding
abruptly. calendar, where's your
daughter?"
The restless eyes sought the com
panionway.
Dorothy" the man lied spontane
ously, without tremor, sis will
friends in England. Why? Did you
want to see herr"
81 rather expected to-
+. well thought it best to leave hel
home. after all"
I'm glad TO hear she's in safe
hands" commented Kirkwood.
The adventurer's glance analysed his
face. "Ah." he said slowly. II see
You followed me on Dorothy's &c
count. Mr.. Kirkwood?"
"Party-partly on my own. lie
me put it to you fairly. When 20,
forced yourself upon me. back there
in London. you offered me some sor
Of employment. When l rejected i
you used me to your advantage for the
furtherance Of your purposes, which
l confess don't understand. and made
me miss my steamer. Naturally wher
found myself penniless and friend
Tess in strange country | though
again of your offer and tried to fine
you to accept it."
'Despite the fact that you're an hon
est man, Kirkwood" The fat lip
twitched with premature enjoyment.
I'm desperate man tonight what
ever may have been yesterday" TIL
young mans tone was both earnes
and convincing. 81 think I've show
that by my pertinacity in hunting yol
down."
"Well-yes" Calendars thick fin
gers caressed his lips. trying to hid
the dawning smile.
us that offer still open?"
His nonchalance completely restored
by the frankness of the proposition
Calendar laughed openly and with
trace Of irony. The episode seemed t,
be turning out better than he had an
ticipated. Gently his notified fat fin
gers played about his mouth and Chin
as he looked Kirllwood up and down.
I'm sorry" he replied. that it ism
now. You're too late, Kirkwood
I've made other arrangements"
TOO bad" Kirkwood's eyes mar
rowed you force me to harshe
measures, Calendar"
Genuinely diverted, the adventure
laughed second time, tipping back ii
his chair, his huge frame shaking wit
ponderous enjoyment. Don't do any
thing you'd be sorry for" he parroted
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