The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-11-22
CHAPTER xxx.
lContinuod.D

long arm shot out and the open palm
of his hand descended on the colon,
els face Il am here for my friend,
lie said grimly
The colonel's face paled and col.
cred by turns.
Have you weapon" he asked.
when he could command his voice.
Mahaffy exhibited the pistol he had
carried to Belle Plain the day before.
step on the ground. Tom" Fen
tress spoke quietly. When Ware had
done as requested. the colonel spoke
again. You are my witness that
was the victim Of an unprovoked at
tack
Mr.. Ware accepted this statement
with equanimity, not TO say indiffer'
ence.
Are you ready2n he asked: he
glanced at Mahaffy, who by slight
inclination OF the head signihed that
he was. II reckon you're a green
hand at this sort OF thing?" comment
ed Tom evilly.
Yes" said Mahaffy tersely
We'll, listen: | shall count. one.
two. three at the word three you
will fire. Now take your positions"
Mahaffy and the colonel stood fac
! ing each other, a distance OF twelve
PAGES separating them. Mahaffy was
pale but logged he eyed Fentress
unfinchingly. Quick on the word
Fentress fred, an instant later Mahaf-
fy's pistol exploded: apparently
neither bullet had taken effect. the
two men maintained the rigid atti-
tude they had assumed. then Mahaf-
| fly was seen TO turn on his heels.
next his arm dropped TO his side and
the pistol slipped from his fingers. a
look OF establishment passed over his
face and left II vacant and staring
! while his right hand stole up toward
bis heart: he raised it slowly. with diff
fculty, as though IL were held down
by some invisible weight.
A hush spread across the field. IL
was like one OF natures invisible
! transitions Along the edge OF the
woods the song OF birds was strick'
en- into silence Ware. heavy-eyed-
Fentress. his lips twisted by tor
tured smile, watched Mahaffy as he
painted for breath. with his hand
| Clenched against his chest. That
dead oppressive silence lasted but
q moment: from out OF II came a
cry that smote on the wounded
mans ears and reached his con
| seriousness.
I It's Price" he sasped. his words
hathed in blood. and he pitched for
ward on his face.
I Ware and Fentress had heard the
cry, too, and running TO their horses
threw themselves into the saddle anc
galloped of. The Judge midway Of
the meadow roared out furious pro
test. but the mounted men turned in
TO the highroad and vanished from
sight. and the judges shaking legs
bore him swiftly in the direction Of
the gaunt figure on the ground.
Mahaffy struggled 10 rise. for nc
was hearing his friends voice now
the voice OF utter anguish, calling
his name At last painful effor'
brought him 10 his knees. He saw
the judge, clothed principally In 9
gaily colored bed-quilt, hatless and
shoeless. his face sodden and bleary
from his nights debauch. Mahaffy
stood erect and staggered toward
him. his hand over his wound, his
features drawn and llvid, then with
cry he dropped at his friends feet
Solomon! Solomon" And the
Judge knelt beside him.
It's all right. Price; kept your
appointment" whispered Mahaffy; g
bloody spume was gathering on hi.
lips, and he stared UP at his friend
with CLASSY eyes
In very shame the judge hid his
face In his hands, while sobs shooi
him.
"Solomon-Solomon why did yor
do this?" he cried miserably.
The harsh lines on the dying mans
face erased themselves.
You're the only friend I've known
in twenty years of loneliness, Price
I've loved you like a brother" h,
painted. with a pause between eact
word
Again the judge buried his face ii
his hands
Il know it, Solomon know it,
he moaned wretchedly.
Price, you are still man to b,
reckoned with. There's the boy: take
your place for his sake and keep 4
you can
II wildly God. | will" gasped the
Judge You hear me? You hear me
Solomon? BY Gods good help,
will"
you have the presidents letter