Wallowa County chieftain. [volume] (Enterprise, Or.) 1909-1911, 1910-09-08

cards right. They ought to have been
drowned for trying to keep company
so high above them. That's what
thought looking down from the boats
rail"
Without conscious effort or any at
tempt at elocution Kirby bad told the
little allegory with simple feeling and
sincerity, his manner growing more
abstraoted until at the conclusion 1t
seemed as If he were speaking TO his
inner self. taking counsel with all that
was best in him Silence ensued. while
Adele looked dreamily away, and he
continued TO stare at the cards. but
seeing them not
docs a man always stop to think
whether he has a right or not?' she
ventured at length. speaking so low
that he strained forward to catch the
words
Doesn't woman always want him
to- he gravely returned
"Ah. but there is something wo-
man wants man to do more than
that-she wants him not to give up
anything till-he is beaten" she whis-
pered.
Suppose he is the kind of man that
ought to be heatenY'
She arose. throwing the scarf about
her shoulders. and walked meditatively
to the door.
But mightn't it be perhaps-perhaps
with one woman" she whispered. "he
couldn't be beaten even then?"
Astonished 1T her own daring. she
gave little gasp. then incontinently
fed. while Kirby stood staring after
her, fearing to interpret her words. He
turned with start as Bunce strobe
through the balcony window.
well. have you told her goodby q
snapped Larkin. who had interpreted
the foregoing passage as species of
farewell
NO" said Kirby violently. irritated
at the interruption.
"Well, reckon it's about time to
sit down and take good hard think -
warned the other pacing the room like
an excited sentry. DO you think you
could git this girl?" he continued, with
heavy sarcasm. How about II when
she finds out who you are-Cameo
Kirbyy"
EASY on that name, Larkinp'
Easy on the name-" beloved
Bunce. appealing to the ceiling. why,
it's been shrekin' through this house
ever since you got here. There's been
two fellers within ten feet of you ali
! the time who never took their eyes
of'n you-that young Veaudry and
Aaron Randall DO you reckon they
think you're Colonel Moreau? Why, !
seen them leave the house short spell
pack. and I'd be wilin' to bet my i'm
mortal soul they're on to our makeups
and are plunnin' to raise h with us
| tell you this place is gittin' too hot
| for Larkin Bunce You haven't said
/ goodby to her? We'll, then. I'll say
| goodby to you. Somebody's got to be
loose. wouldn't be no good to YOU
nor to me either-in jail. For the last
time" he pleaded making an implor-
ing gesture with his trembling hands.
ARE you comm with me?"
Kirby. who had quietly resumed his
place at the table, now slowly shufiied
the deck and carefully inspected the
card that had turned up.
mo" he said. with grave fnality,
I'm not going with you, my friend
The hands dealt: I'll play it out"
For Gods sake, Gener implored
Burfce Then | got to quit you You
know what this means to me-" he add
ed despairingly. 81 hate to go. but
there's no sense in my stayin'."
mo. And | thank you for staying
as long as you have" interrupted Kir-
by, with a smile. rising and placing his
hand on the others shoulder. I'm
afraid | haven't been thinking very
much Of you, old partner. But I'm 60
ing to stay-call 1t what you like
However, this is not your hand. Lar
kin, aud | don't want you to help me
/ play 1t out. Go, by all means. and at
once. Did you get a fresh horseT'
"a fresh horse? Why, | wouldn't
even burst to ask for the one 1 come
on" cried Bunce. mopping his face.
you don't seem to rightly size up the
mess we're in. Gene. I'll be lucky to
git out on my own two feet. don't
even know where they put my hat.
and Pm skeered to ask for it. Then it
amt no more use my askin' you to
comeY'
NO more use than in your staying"
said Kirby.
Bunce hesitated for a moment. then
thrust out his huge hand.
"Goodby. you burned fool"' he gasp
ed, choking up.
"Goodby, Larkin. but don't bet that
it is goodby. They won't get me. I'll
ride your horse into town for you to-
morrow"
Bunce bestowed a final helpless ap-
peal upon the ceiling. gave his part
ner's hand farewell wrench. then
numbered hastily from the room. while
Kirby, humming softly to himself,
strolled to the open window and. lean
ing negligently against its frame. gave
himself up to retrospect.
he wanted to be alone; he wanted to