The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-01-18
made the first move. When the dane

doorway. TO De received Dy MS lei
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 81
lence. Go ahead, Parenthesis." he
cried encouragingly.
Parenthesis climbed on a chair and
put 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
Allen restrained her, and Fresno
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 kim of a frame"
Jack had slipped his arm about
Eab tot ha 10
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
''No, siree"' cried the belligerent Nc
Kee. There hain't no man here can
shut me up. I'm Buck Mckee, / am,
an when / starts in on weddin' festivi-
ties l DEAF
This is one game you are not in on"
answered Jack quietly, feeling that he
would have 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 came to this wedding without
an invite exclaimed Jack.
I'm here" he growled.
You're not wanted"
What 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
Jfm's calves"
ITS 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.
I he deftly forced him to drop the muz-
zle toward the floor.
With frightened cries the girls hud-
-,
upset chairs. springing to their feet.
! drawing reyolvers halfway from hol-
sters as they did 50.
Hoover had pressed his thumb into
the back Of McKee'S hand. forcing him
to open his fingers ard drop his gun
on the table. Picking it up. Hoover
| snapped the weapon open and emprleo
The cylinders of the cartridges.
Jack made no move 10 defend him
| self. He was aware hts friends could
! protect him.
"That'll do" he said to the raging
disarmed puncher. You can go. Buck,
When | want you in any festivities
/ I'll 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
Ing the weapon toward him.
Mckee caught the weapon. mutter
ing Thanks"
1T needs cleanin'." sneered the
| sheriff
Turning at the doorway. Mckee said
81 hain't much stuck on weddin's, any
way" Looking at Jack. he continued
| thrcateningly. Next time we meet
| It'll be at a little swaree Nv my own.
"Getr' was Jacks laconic and Omi
nous command.
| With assumed carelessness Mckee
| answered: I'm a-gettin'. Well. gents
hope you all III enjoy this here pinl
tea Say. Bud. put a piece Nv weddin
cake in yer pocket fer me. wants tt
| dream on it,
"Who brought him herew asked
Jack, facing his guests.
II did," answered Bud defiantly.
"You might have known better" wai