Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-02-26

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selves about the doorway until the
music strikes up. Then each will
seize his partner after the boldest has
made the first move. When the dance
measure ends, the cowboy will rarely
escort his partner to her seat, but will
leave her to find her way to her chum,
while he moves sheepishly back to the
doorway. to be received by his fell
lows with slaps on the back and loud
jests. At table cowboys carry on lit
tie conversation with the girls. They
talk among themselves, but at the wo-
men. The presence Of the girls leads
them to play many pranks on one
another. The ice is long in breaking.
for their habitual reserve is not easily
worn off. Later in the evening this
shyness is less marked.
AS Jack and Echo entered the door
way Parenthesis had arisen from his
seat at the head of the table and
was beginning, Fellow citizens
Confused cries of "Sit down." LET
him talk" greeted him.
Sagebrush held up his hand for ST.
lence Go ahead. Parenthesis." he
cried encouragingly.
Parenthesis climbed on a chair and
put a foot on the table. This was too
much for the orderly soul of Mrs
Allen. Take your dirty feet off my
tablecloth" she commanded, making
a threatening move toward the Of
fender.
fYp lin. t,nr
caused Parenthesis to subside by yell.
ing: Get down often that table, you
idiot! There's the bride an groom
comm in behind you. We can see 'em
through your legs. but we don't like
that kin of n frame"
Jack had slipped his arm about
Echo's waist She was holding his
hand, smiling at the eXuberance of
their guests. Buck Mckee. who had
been drinking freely, staggered to his
feet and hiccoughed: Here now. this
here don't go-this spoonin' business
There hain't goin' to be no mush an
milk served out before the weddin'"-
will you shut up?" admonished Slim
Hoover
mo. sireer' cried the belligercnt Nc
Kee. There hain't no man here can
shut me up. I'm Buck Mckee, / am,
an when starts in Oh weddin' festivi
ties l deal
This Is one game you are not in on"
answered Jack quietly, feeling that he
would haye to take the lead in the set
Element of the unfortunate Interrupt
ton of the fun
That's all right. Jack" Mckee be-
gan. holding out his hand LET by-
cones
Jack was in no mood to parley with
the offender. Mckee had not been In
vited to the wedding. The young
bridegroom knew that If the first Of
Tense was overlooked it would only
encourage him and he would make
trouble all the evening Moreover he
disliked Buck because Of his evil habits
and ugly record
You cane to this wedding without
an invites" exclaimed Jack
I'm here" he growled
You're not wanted"
"Whatr shouted Mckee, paling with
anger
Turning to his friends, speaking
calmly and paying no attention to the
aroused desperate. Jack said: Boys,
you all know my objection to this man.
Dick Lane caught him spring before
last Sitting the tongue Of one Of Uncle
Jim's calves"
ITS a lie!" shouted McKee, pulling
his revolver and attempting to level it
at his accuser. Hoover was too quick
for him. Catching him by the wrist,
he deftly forced him to drop the muz-
zle toward the floor.
With frightened cries the girls hud-
died in a corner. The other cowboys
upset chairs. springing to their feet.
drawing revolvers halfway from hol-
sters as they did So
Hoover had pressed his thumb into
the back Of McKees hand. forcing him
to open his fingers and drop his gun
on the table. Picking 1t up. Hoover
snapped the weapon open aid emptied
the cylinders of the cartridges
Jack made no move to defend him
self. He was aware his friends could
protect him.
"That'll do" he said to the raging,
disarmed puncher "You can go, Buck
When want you in any festivities
III send special invite to YOU
I'm sure much obliged" sneered
McKee, making his way toward the
door,
Here's your gum" cried Slim, toss
liz the weapon toward him.
Mckee caught the weapon. mutter-
ing "Thanks.'
1T needs cleanin," sneered the
: sheriff
Turning at the doorway. Mckee said,
" hain't much stuck on weddin's, any
way" Looking at Jack, he continued
threateningly, Next time we meet
it'll be at a little swaree Nv my own"
Get" was Jacks laconic Id omi-
nous command.
With assumed carelessness Mckee
answered: I'm a-gettin' Well. gents.