Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1909-05-05

DGIOre t.iey Iial gained II they heard
voice within. 1t was Stark's. The
walls of the house were OF moss
chinked logs that deadened every
sound, but the door itself was OF thin
whipsawed pine boards with ample
cracks ut top and bottom, and they
heard plainly. The lieutenant leaned
forward, then with difficulty smoth-
cred I'M exclamation. for he heard an
other voice now-the voice of John
Gale. The words came to him muf-
fed. but distinct, and he raised his
hand TO knock when suddenly he seized
Poleon, Kissing into his ear:
Listen. For Gods sake, listen.
For the first time in his tempestuous
life Ben Stark lost the iron composure
that had made his name n byword In
the west. and at sight OF his bltterest
enemy seated In the dark OF his own
house waiting for him he became an
ordinary, nervous. frightened man. 1t
was the utter unexpectedncss Of the
thing that shook him, and before lie
could regain his balance Gale spoke:
1--WE come to settle, Bennett"
what are you doing hereT the
gambler stammered.
II was up at the soldiers place just
now and heard you. didn't want
any Interruptions, SO came here,
where we can be alone" He paused
and when Stark made no answer con.
tinued, "Well, let's get at It." But
still the other made no move. You've
had all the best of 1t for twenty
years" Gale went on In his level
voice, but tonight / get even. I've
lived for this
"That shot In Lees cabin" recalled
Stark. with the light OF new under.
standing. You knew me then"
Eyes"
Stark took deep breath. what a
ID fool I've been"'
"Your devils magic saved you that
time. but It won't stop this" The
trader rose slowly. with the knife In
his hand.
you'll hang for this said the gam.
bier unsteadily, at which Gales face
blazed.
"IIa." exclaimed the trader exultlng-
ly. you can feel 1t In you already,
eh?"
with an effort Stark began to assem-
BILE his wits as the trader continues:
"You saddlcd your dirty work on me,
Ben Stark. and I've carried II for fif-
teen years, but tonight | put you out
the way you put her out. An eye for
an cyo!"
IL didn't Kill her" said the man.
80? The yellow Is showing up at
last. knew you were coward, but l
didn't think you'd be afraid to own II
10 Yourself
"Loo!i here" said Stark curiously.
'do you really think killed MerridyT'
Il know II. A man who would strike
woman would kill hcr-if he had the
ncrvcT
Stark had now mastered himself and
smiled. -.. ....r
"NN hate worked better than
thought. Well. well, that made II hard
for you. didn't III" he chuckled. ~
| bNlllHDStA, VI .pu NH'Ns
KNEW" Gales face showed emo.
ton for the FIRST time. KNEW whatT'
His hands were quiycrlns slightly.
"Shc killed herself"
$50 help you GodT'
$50 help me GOdw
There was Il long pause.
"Whyi"
'Say, It's kind OF funny our stand
Ing here tal&laG about that thing, isn't
IT. We'll, r. you want to know, | came
home early that night. guess you
hadn't been gene two hours. And tho
surprise did It more than anything
| else ! suppose. She hadn't prepared
a story | got suspicious, named yor
at random and hit the nail on the
| heal "
Gales face was like chalk, and hi.
voice sounded thin and dry rs he said
"You beat her; that's why she die
H."
Stark made no answtt.
''The papers said the room Shove,
q struggle"
When The other still kept quiet CAT
Insisted:
didn't youT
At this Stark famed M dctlnnntly.
"Wcll, guess ! had cause enough
No woman except her was ever untrl
to me wife or sweetheart"
you lldn't really think"-.
"Thlnk HI, | thought 50 then, an,