The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1910-05-04


lead, an it's we'll to have things understood
You're Gipsons sparrng partner, an in that
line usually sticks by it till he's foored 1t wouldn't
be right for the best girl in the ward go off wit
a sparring partner, would it?-a man whose sole
objec' is to play second-fddle to someone else.
wisht yehd think 1t over. There's deal OF chance
for man, but he get ahead of the game, an
not trail after it,"
Doulin stamnered little, and then blurted out:
II guess you that | must keep shy of the
house. Is that what you're drivin at?'
Well-thats nearer the truth than cared to say
it" agreed Mike Wells bluntly But know nothin'
against yeh. You're likely lookin felly But
Kitty Wells is mighty foine girl, an being her
father, I'm seem on'y her end of it,
All right--Sure!' said Doulin, squaring his shout
ders. But does Kitty agree with you?"
she isn't overly pleased wit your standin.
Aud Doulin knew this to be true. Kitty, however,
he believed sincere. She did for the
game from any standpoint whereas Mike Wells
would have welcomed him champion, man
OF promise-if he had been GIBSON instead OF Clip
Think it over lad" advised Mike genally. Il
rely your good sense
..All right" said Doulin.
He went slowly down the street, if recovering
from unexpected blow. Mike Wells had been
friendly before tonight and Doulin could not under
stand his sudden change. The things expressed
were weghty enough, the argument well placed; but
INitty-What had she said?
Doulin shrugged his shoulders. He couldn't drag
her down to his level He must cmb-somehow;
he must get in the world. He wished gloomily
that some of those eager to define his present
would point the route to prosperous future. Ger
tainly life was tuugh-as tough the game he fol-
lowed. If man could make swift stab at some
thing other and win out with enough coin to open
other doors;-but such chances were in books and
stories-the life he lived was hard reality.
LIE turned toward Mike Wells home, meaning to
IL pay a last visit. right for him to mud
die things for Kitty when he could not clear himself
He was down and would have to take the count.
Her father than half right.
Just he neared the house, he heard its door
close and the little streamer of yellow light in the
and toward him. For moment Douln wondered
then his hot blood oiled up, and he hurried for
ward, his hands Tightening until ne could feel tue
nails cutting.
"1hat you, Doun?" called the man.
"so-it's Gipson!-Couldnt find Mike at home,
Ell? He's around at Dougherty's."
81 wasn't after Mike-stopped in to see Kitty
Wells. She's little peach
Words stuck in Doulin's throat He felt that he
could express himself calmly and SO he bit
hard down his lip hoping Gipson would not no
tice his confusion.
"Going to stop in at Doughertys?" he managed to
say finally.
.No-not tonight Can't break trainin till I've
put away that mark connors. Then I'm after Boyd
Swift see? Say that's big game, eh? He may
knock my block off, but it looks like hand him
the choice lemon. Somebody's got to do it, and il
might well be me- Then think Kitty Wells
would make fine pal She's certainly the little
dame with clever tricks. An I'm wise to Mikes
roll. He'd make good hacker when the diamonds
are all restin' at uncle's-eh?' and Gipson laughed
rudging Douin in the ribs with his elbow. 1t was
evil little laugh sinister enough to please the
devil. Doulins heart beat furiously, and he wanted
strange this fellow. He felt capable of whipping
forty champions now-but--he was the mans spar
ring partner, and must stand by idle since ever!
one would say that he had been bought to quee
things.
"Youre-you're gon' round to Dougherty's
hen?" he said, choking the words out, knowing tina
he must say something.
mo. Pm to bed Must take of myself
want to land that roll an the aldermans daughter
Slong."
Doulin watched him into the shadows, and the
looked toward the house. He felt seething fir
within him. Why had GIBSON gone there? VIII
had he been received? The principal welcome
when the sparring partner took the count. Their
feeling against the professionally a man
standing in it,
Doulin believed that Mike Wells to be cree
lied in this. He would remain away until tWelN