The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-24

VeFSdtlOn WlGn Guy uUueT IIl6 eyes Ol the people at the store.
 It was Guy who greeted, and his manner was brusque.
 'I intended to come and see you after the cart arrived. It will dc now," he said.
 "Yes?"
 Elwood raised his brows in ques- ton, while his eyes searched the oth- er's dark face closely. Guy fum- bled in his coat pocket and produced folded paper, which he opened with
 That" he said. thrusting it upon his companion, that is your hand writing. You wrote it."
 Elwood took the paper and exam ined the writing. His composurs was unruffled and his manner leis- urely. He took so long over his per usal that the others patience be- came exhausted.
 "Well?" he questioned sharply.
 Elwood turned the missive over and examined the blank side with iu- terest. It was the note that Joe Schumann had received conveying the warning for Guy.
 'Kaffirs are unclean messengers he said at last, cycling the torn and dirty Holdings T should have en- closed it in an envelope
 ''It is your writing? You acknowl- edge it?s
 Certainly. Why not?"
 Elwood lifted his eyes to his com panion's drowning face. He noted the unsteady light in the mans black eyes, the pallor under the sunburn on the dark checks
 There was a brief pause while Guy struggled for. calnlness.
 Perhaps you will explain the meaning of it; and the meaning of the rest-I mean what followed" he said slowly
 The other held out the paper to return it.
 whatever happened should have explained itself. This warned you. If not this. then the second mes- sage"
 Guy took the paper mechanically.
 "And who in H. are you to dic- tate my movements?" he cried fierce ly: ''to enforce obedience by means of a cowardly attack upon my inof- fensive horse-an act of highway pi- racy?"
 '"The indictment sounds we'll frou you." Elyood replied calmly; but his steel-grey eyes had contracted ever so slightly.
 But Guys rage, once given rope, was impervious to any cold retort
 "You shall answer for this," he cried forcefully.
 'I am at all times ready to answer for anything I do." the other ans wered, still quite unruffled eff you will control your somewhat theatrical outbursts, and moderate your tone, I am prepared to discuss the matter with you. I use the weapons which lie at my command, and am wholly indifferent as to the means I find my self forced to adopt. That letter, pened afterwards, should have en- frightened you. You will not leave the district until certain matter. of which you are fully aware, has been carried out"
 The two men were facing each other. The cold of the larger man confronting Guy steadily.
 And you intend to prevent mel" the latter cried, very distinctly and deliberately.
 Precisely"
 And how, may I ask ?"
 ''In whatever manner the necessity of the moment demands"
 The influence of Elwood's reserve force was becoming evident. Guys temper was held in a firmer check. He was even becoming aware that caution and calmness alone would serve him.
 And your reason?"
 The other shrugged.
 'I am afraid you hardly under stand the seriousness of our compact. It is matter of life or death for us both. You see, journey acress the desert to Damaraland border will ov- erlap our appointed date, and so pre- vent the matter being carried to a satisfactory issue.'''
 ''But who contemplates such a journey?"
 "You do."
 The challenge, so quietly spoken lost nothing of its effect. It came with stunning force, and chilled the listener. Instantly a denial sprang to his lips, and his impetuosity set him laundering into abuse.
 "You lie!"
 That is where you are mistaken. On the contrary, I am stating a fact which you cannot truthfully deny. ] can tell you the object of your jour- ney, if you are so minded. Come, come, man be sensible. You are not dealing with a child. You must sec for yourself that I cannot allow this