The Morning standard. [volume] (Ogden, Utah) 1910-191?, 1910-12-18


that merged at last into the rough and tumble
civilization that NOW prevails in the Terrific
ries,
This story was drawn from him with diff
fculty and that it should be chosen from any
of the many others which are we'll known tales
of Oklahoma is due to tho fact that it deals with
his nnrrowest escape from death.
Copyright rchs rscrrcd)
GOOD many folks don't approve of
n Lots OF folks who know what they're talking
~ about and all of those who don't will tell you
Y that the little red demon lurking in the bottle
works nothing but evil for mankind
But when Jack Alternately hears any light into
and call it out of its and trot out all the
bad results the lecturer can think of due TO it he
smiles unto himself a comfortable smile He knows
better.
Now, Jack Abernathy himself Is devotce of the
flowing bowl. He couldn't afford It, He would find
It too expensive. \ who has to be ready at
any minute to handle yeggs and bookers and killers
with members of various kindred professions that
make life interesting In Oklahoma. who have no
cause to love him, isn't apt to be convival. The
practice would be likely to make him just the frac-
ton of second slow on the trigger And the reason
Jack Alternately is still pretty much alive is the
that be always is up TO his best speed and always
has been
Still. 1t should be recorded that Jack Alternately
has nothing to say against rum. AS United States
Marshal of Oklahoma he is not !alled upon TO lead
temperance meetings he doesn't. He wouldn't
anyway. He remembers does Jack that once upon
time he looked pointblank into the eve of death
when all his courage and gun cIeverness could
him and when nothing but fantastic accident
traceable TO the aforesaid red demon, saved him
from - But this is the story.
On the eve of New Years Day. 1910 two men were
leaning against the side Of shack In unfrequened
back street of Oklahoma City. They louDged there
peaceably enough, hands In pockets apparently met
to exchange remarks about the weather enjoy an
evening smoke. They ruggedy built and
dressed in rough. travel worn garments AS smudeed
against the darkness by the uncertain rays of dis
tant lamp their faces were strong and lean and
heavy jawed with quick predaceous eyes. Their
attitude for all its case, suggested wachfulncss and
something subtly furtve and alert Cattle or railroad
men they might have been, Enthusiastically of active
life and the open spaces of the West
Whats gone with QuisgT' asked one who wore
greasy red necktie with anectation of style
about the 1ared collar of his blue flannel shirt
"Huh still plastercd from last night likes not"
returned the other In a tone of deep disgust
Didn't you tell that runt he'd got to stay sober?"
"Sure told him, plenty. 1 gave him leave TO stay
soused for the next year IL he'd keep off The stuff
to-day"
"He aint safe. what?"
by mean talk?"
"Yes"
Nothing in 1t. Why you could feed 1t to him
through hose and every time he took a breath he'd
never say word 'cept ask for more. Talk? No
1t never hits him in his talk works. He's pretty
aghty when he's dry and nervous but not when he's
wet"
II don't like it, you hear me7" returned the wearer
of the ncckte. Il don't like going on the job with
barrel"
Quigg, the Gun Fighter
His companion shrugged broad shoulders "Ain't
no can handle soup like him. I've worked with
men who thought they kncy something about It Why
they couldn't load brass 'longsde of Quigg
He does 1t like cracking peanut And say he can
shoot. You know It."
well, he don't go II he amt sober"
The other looked down the street toward the lamp
Here he comes now"
figure detached Itself from the night and sldled
up to the two. The newcomer was little man muf.
fed In absurd overcoat many sizes too large for
him. He held his head forward a thin neck at an
inqulring angle that gave him the appearance of a
turkey pout after worm. He wore cap pulled
tight his eyes.
That you, Carpenteri" he asked "who YOU got
with your
Yes, and shut up, and It's Dielback," growIed tae
one who held such high opinion of the little mans
soup abilities.
Deen nilth tne Doozef, asked Diclback,
pclously,
Nav ain't," snapped Quigg. whats 1t to you:,
III you have you don't go, that's what"
Say, Of your
"Aw, dry up" interposcd Carpenter, quickly Hes
sn ngnt' pielbaek he amt scrappy only when's he's
sober"
Amt had drink all day" said ouigg, Asryously.
Not a one"
And that's safe bet You're jumpy enough" re.
turned carpenter Did you bring your outht?"
DID bring my headT' rasped Quigg
ihen we'd better hike for Harrow" said Dcl-
back
Ihe three started OF down the street toward the
'ralroad yards Two blocks further along they came
ABREAST OF window whereon a dngy yellow jct of
neht etehed out the words "Lany's Cafe" Quggs
steps slickened
I'm going In here minute" he said
1ou'li do nothln' of the kind" was the prompt
I response of Delbsck he caught the little man
roughly by the arm