The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-05-25

color OF IRE. and Johnny continued
hurriedly; I've loved YOU a whole
month. When I'm ridin' around L
sort Sc yoI, an hear you. Why.
I've saved NJ some money, an l had
10 work hare TO save it. too. I've
got some COWS runnin' with our'n-
IN little while III have a ranch of
my own. Buckn let me use tn east
part of IN lanCh. an there's a hin
over there that'd look fine with :; n
mouse on IL. I can't wait no longer.
Noras; I've got 60 know. VIII YOU
let me put this ON Nore finger" He
SWiillN bent the pin into a ring and
held IT out eagerly: Can To-
She pushed him away and Welded
TO sudden pricking OF her con
science. speaking swiftly. as il fore
ing herself to do a disagreed BILE duty.
and hating herself at the moment.
Johnny. I've been IA flirt, When
l saw You We're beginning 10 care too
hucn Tor me l should have stopped
IT, but L didn't. / amused myself
put L want YOU 10 believe one thing.
10 give me a little credit for lust one
thing; l never thought what it might
mean TO you. 1t was carelessness
win me. But j was flirting, Just the
same-and it hurts 10 admit it, I'm
not good enough for you. Johnny
NeSon; its hard to say, but it's true.
Can you, Will you forgive me?"
He choked and stepped forward
holding out his hands implorinrlv.
but she eluded him. When he saw
the shame in her face, the tears in
her eyes, he stopped and laughed
gently; But we can begin right, now.
can't we2 L don't care. not il youl
let me see you same as ever. You
might get 10 care for me. And. any
how, it amt yore fault. / reckon it's
me that's to blame"
Al that moment he was nearer to
victory than he had ever been: but he
did not realize il and opportunity
DIED when he failed TO press his adj
Il am to blame" she said, so low
he could hardly catch the words.
Nhen she continued it was with a
rush; I am not free-I haven't been
Tor a week. I'm not free any more
ana I've been leading YOU on
What are you thinking? Tell me-"
Why, I'm thinking what Nolan
said An, Norah. listen. You say
you want me TO forgive you? Well.
do, II there's anything to forgive.
But want you TO promise me that il
tell me-"
What do YOU mcan?"
Only what 1 said. Do you prom
Perhaps you would better speak TO
him about it, she retOrted.
Villain plain. But don't Wor-
ry bout me. II was my fault for be
in tenderfOOt. 1 never played this
game before. an don't know tn cards.
Goodbye"
lie rode away slowly, and made the
rounds, and by the time he reached
LaceyS he was so unsteady that he
was refused a drink and told to 20
home. But he headed for the Palac,
instead. and when he stepped nigh
over the doorsill Nolan was seated i'm
a chair tipped back against one Of the
side walls, and behind the bar on the
other side of the room Jed Terry
drummed on the counter and express
ed his views on local matters The
sheriff was listening in a bored way
until he saw Johnny enter and head
his way, feet high and chest out: and
at that moment Nolan's interest in
local affairs flashed up brightly.
Johnny lost no time: Nolan" he
said, rocking on his heels, tell Gree
ner Ill kill him If he marries that
girl He killed his first wife by abuse
an he don't Kill no more. Savvy?"
The sheriff warily arose, for here
was the opportunity he had sought
The threat TO Kill had a witness.
An If you open yore toad's mouth