The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1911-01-26


what you're coming to. It's bound to
get you-this life-just like 1t gets all
the rest of you thin skinned guys.
Only bum can live this life and keep
his mind and his manhood"
The cruel words of the warden sank
deeply into Valentines soul, as Han
dler we'll knew they would. But the
prisoner was determined that he would
show no signs of weakening before the
two men who hated him.
II didn't hit him because I'll square
myself when get out" answered Val
entine defiantly, land there are a few
little things that I will square with
you, too, Mr.. Warden Handler. You
know you have me in your power, and
10 do 1. But, Handler, you're going to
like me better from now on because,
realizing my position, l have dared go
against you
But Valentine had mistaken his
man. The respect that one fighting
man has for another who fights him
sQuarely found no place in the craven
heart of Billy Handler. Valentine had
yet something to learn of the psy--
chology of Jail wardens. Handlers
face took OH a malignant expression.
"Oh," he sneered, 80 I'm going to
like you, am L? Well, just watch me.
I'll burke you, YOU
Handler lunged around the corner
of his desk at the prisoner.
"Don't burke me" cried Valentine
desperately.
Eyes cleaning with his vengeful-
ness, with hands outstretched, the
warden came headlong at Valentine,
who braced himself to withstand the
shock Of the oncoming body. Crouch
ing, the prisoner primed himself to
clutch one of the wardens thumbs,
which was carelessly extended out
ward from his hand-a trick Bothner
had shown him. Once securing this
thumb, it could be pulled back or
twisted to the breaking point II nee
ossary to cause an opponent to yield,
or by drawing the Outstretched arm
over his shoulder, wheeling his back
to his foe as he did so, Valentine
could bend sharply forward and throw
his assailant helplessly over his head
and on to the floor In a heap with the
disconcerting flying mare"
But midway in his rush the warden
stopped short. He had caught him
self just in time. About to throw
himself blindly at his intended victim.
thought IAN inspiration he after
ward considered it to bel flashed
through his brain. The warden halt
ed, much to the amaZement of his
secretary, Smith, who had been watch
ing the proceedings with >unconcern
born of experience in like happenings.
Then Handler turned away, rested one
hand on his desk and with the other
stroked his heavy. square chin reflec
lively. H..
"Godr' he pondered. Suppose the
| lieutenant governor should get on to
those deals in the contracts for sup
plies? He might, and then I'd need
him to be my friend"
Handler reached out, picked up box
from the desk and extended it to the
now thoroughly thunderstruck convict,
| who was slowly recovering from the
mental strain Of the last few moments.
''Have cigar" smiled the warden gra-
| ciously. with sweeping bow. "Also
permit me to offer you chair. Mr..
| Valentine.
"By the way" he went on easily.
care you perfectly comfortable in your
cell? If not, l want to know what I
can do for you. I'm going to have
Smith go to see you every day to do
for you anything that you want, pro-
vided the rules Of the prison permit.
| and maybe some things they don't"
Valentine, hardly believing what his
eyes and ears told him actually to be
| occurring, dropped bewilderedly into
the proffered chair and, taking gilt
banded Havana from the box, stuck 1t
eagerly between his lips.
"Have light" said the warden,
striking a match and extending 1t to