The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1910-01-20
1.-THE WILD GEESE
* BY Stanley j. Meyman.

But he thrust the temptation from
him. He knew that it was not only
the strangers presence that weighed
her down, but her recollection Of the
man In the tower and his miserable
plight.
AS he went on with Morty, he gave
him a hint to say as little in Payton's
man." he explained, land where he's
weak. I'm for seeing the back of him
as soon as we can but without noise
There's always the bog" grumbled
Morty.
And the garrison at Tralee," Asgill
rejoined dryly, ito ask where he is?
And his troopers to answer the ques-
ton"
Morty bade him manage 1t his own
way. only I'll trouble you not to
blame me-" he added, IF the English
soger finds the colonel, and ruins us
entirely"
"Tll not" Asgill answered pithily,
IF so be you'll hold your tongue"
So at supper that night Payton
looked in vain for the Kerry beauty
whose charms the warmer wits Of the
mess a more than once painted in
hues rather florid than fit. Neverthe-
less he would have enjoyed himself
tolerably-nor the less because now
and again he let his contempt for the
3 COMPANY pSCp IIOln uHueF Ills COIll-
plaisance-but for the obtuseness of
his friend; who, as IL he had only one
man and one idea in his head, let fall
with every some mention of
Colonel John. Now, IT was the happy
certainty of the colonel's return next
day that inspired his eloquence; now,
the pleasure with which the colonel
would meet Payton again; now, the
lucky chance that found a pair of new
fOilS on the window ledge.
Fol he's ruined entirely and nc one
to play with hint" Asgill continued, a
a twinkle In his eye. mo one, I'm
meaning, major, of his sort Of force
at all! Begad. boys, you'll see some
fine fencing for once! You'll think
we've never seen any before, I'm doubt
ing"
I'm not sure that / can remain to-
morrow" Payton said in a surly tone.
He began to suspect that Asgill was
quizzing him. He noticed that every
time the justice named Colonel Sui
Ivan, men looked furtively at one an
other, or straight before them, as il
they were In a design. If that were so,
he design could only be to pit Colonel
Sullivan against him. or to provoke
a quarrel between them. He felt q
qualm Of apprehension, and he was
confirmed in the plan he had already
formed-to be gone next day. But in
the meantime his temper moved him
to carry the way into the enemy's
Il didn't know" he snarled, taking
Asgill up in the middle Of an eulogy
of Colonel Johns skill, "that he was
so great a favorite Of yours"
He was not" Asgill replied dryly.
He is now, it seems" in the same
sneering tone.
I'VE know him better. Don't We,
boys?"
They murmured assent.
And the lady whose horse I shell
tered for you," the major continued,
spitefully watching for an opening
"confound YOU, little you thanked me
for it-she must be still more in his
interest than you? And how does that
suit your book?"
Asgill had great self control, and the
major was not a close observer. But
the thrust was SO unexpected that on
the instant Payton read the other Sc
cret in his eyes-knew that he loved,
and knew that he was jealous. Jealous
OF Sullivan; Jealous Of the man whom
he was for some reason praising. Then
why not Jealous Of a younger, a more
fashionable rival? Asgilrs c%unningly
reared plans began to sink, and even
while he answered he knew it.
She likes him." he said. "as we all
do"
Some more, some less" Payton an
swered with q grin.
Just So" the Irishman returned.
controlling himself. Some more. some
less. And why not, I'm asking?"
Il think I must stay over tomor-
row." Payton remarked, smiling at the
ceiling. There must be a good deal
to be seen here"
"Ah. there u.s." Asgill answered ii ap-
ma "a Onnd tIInan~
Worth seeing, too, I'll be sworn!"
the Englishman replied. smiling more
broadly.
And that's true. tool" the other re-
Joined.
He had himself in hand, and 1t was
MOI from him that the proposal to
break up the party came. The major
Englishmen's heads, he said, were
stronger than their stomachs; they
were a match for port, but not for
claret.
You should correct it, major, with a
little cognac," The McMurrough sug-
gested politely.
Not tonight, and, by your leave, I'll
have my man called and go to bed"
IT'S early" James McMurrough said,
playing the host.
TT IL. but I'll have my man and go
to bed" Payton answered, with true
British o~bstinacy. mo offense to any
gentleman"
There's none will take 1t here" As
gill answered. "An Irishman's house is
his guests castle. But, knowing that
Payton liked his glass, he wondered.
until 1t occurred to him that the other
wished to have his hand steady for the
sword play next day.
The McMurrough, who had risen,
took a look and attended his guest to
his room. Asgill and the O'Beirnes re-
manned seated at the table, the young
men soothing at the Englishman's con-
ceit Of himself, Asgtll silent and down.
cast. His scheme Of Kidding himsel
of Payton had failed; but 1t remained
to face the situation. He did MOI dis
trust Flavia- but he distrusted Payton-
his insolence,. his violence, and the
privileged position which his duellist's
skill gave him. And then there was
Colonel John. II Payton learned what
was afoot at the tower, and saw his
way to make use Of it, the worst might
happen to all concerned.
He looked up at a touch from Morty,
and to his establishment he saw Flavia
standing at the n of the table. There
was a hasty scrambling to the feet, for
he men had not drunk deep. and by
all in the house-except her brother
the girl was treated with respect.