Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-10-19
;;:;;:; VARNEY

Cardigan Will not be here for some
time. You'd better stay out here
though, in case he should get here
first. He won't bother anybody but
his wife unless you Interfere"
Fenwick had scarcely disappeared
from view behind the tall hedge on
the roadside when Cardigan came up.
The ex-soldier stopped for moment
to survey the party on the lawn, grasp
Ing the branch of tree to steady
himself while he made his inspection.
Mrs. Mervin, Edith and Helen shrank
back in terror. Cardigan watched
them critically for moment, then,
satisfied that the one he sought was
not In the group, strobe to the house,
muttering curses and brandishing his
gun menacingly.
Many longing eyes We're directed to-
wards the road along which Fenwick
mad ridden. but there was no one to
be seen. Fenwick might return in
about an hour, but that would be too
late. No one had noticed, except Hell
en- Waters, that Larrimore had left
the group and was now running to-
ward the back of the house on the
same path Cardigan had taken.
Cardigan, by this time, having been
unable to gain admission through the
kitchen door, was engaged in the task
Of breaking the door. He had partly
succeeded and had placed his hand
through broken panel to draw the
bolt when he felt himself hurled back.
ward and his gun torn from his grasp.
The gun was an old-fashioned fowl.
ing piece, single barreled, and Larri-
more, elevating the muzzle, pulled the
trigger and the bullet sped harm
lessly into neighboring tree. Cast
Ing the now useless weapon away as
far as he could fling 1t, Larrimore pre-
pared for the attack of Cardigan, who
had recovered from the shock and was
rushing at him like an angry bull.
In appearance, the two men were
Unmatched. Larrimore, although
averse to athletics in general, was
nimble and avoided the others bull
like rushes with wonderful agility.
Each time Cardigan passed him, Lar
rimore planted heavy blow on the
ex-soldier. Cardigan, wild and fren-
zied with fury and drink, plunged at
his antagonist again and again, but
to no avail Larrimore would not
come near enough to be caught in the
powerful arms that would have
crushed him into helplessness.
At last, the opportunity came. Cardi-
n oil b~
was nearly spent in body yet uncon-
quered In his purpose to crush the
man who had stayed him in his desire
for vengeance upon the woman who
had stood by him through many sim.
liar brutalities. Larrimores length OF
arm came into play. He did not avoid
Cardigan now, indeed, he rather court
ed the attack. His arms worked like
the driving-rods of an engine, batter.
ing Cardigan down upon his knees
The liquor had lost It's effect and Car
digan was sober now He rose to his
feet, however, the light of battle In
his bruised eyes, only to be borne
down again.
Have you had enough?" asked Lar.
rimore as his opponent fell back, pros
trate upon the ground
Yes, Sir" returned Cardigan meek
ly. Tell the old woman Pm sober
now and ask her to help me-"
You shall not go away tomorrow
Amos" declared Mrs. Mervin, bandag-
Ing Larrimore's hands few minutes
later. He did not decide for a mo.
ment. but glanced about him. His
gaze met that Of Helen Waters. and
something in her dark blue eyes told
him to stay.