The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1912-07-04

was q tall, loose ointed creature, wear
ing long black coat Tapping about
his knees The guard fairly held him
up In the doorway, and both Fagin and
Jones laughed at the pitiful sight, the
former ending his roar with an out
burst Of profanity.
Go on back ter the front door, Bill"
he ordered roughly. "This fellowll
never run away; his legs wouldn't
carry him. Now, Mr.. Preacher" glow.
ering savagely at the poor devil across
the bottle-strewn table. do yer know
who ann"
jerks endeavored to answer, from
the convulsive movement of his throat.
but made no sound. Fagln cursed
again.
IF 1t wasn't such q waste Of good
liquor I'd pour some of this down your
gullet." he exclaimed, shaking half
filed bottle in his fist. Then maybe
You could answer when spoke to you.
Now, see here, you canting old hypo-
critic. I'm Red Fagin, an | guess you
know what that means. I'm pisen. an
don't like your style. Now you're
goin' to do Just what tell you. or the
boys will have hangin' bee down In
the ravine. Speak up, an tell me what
you propose to do" a
jerks wet his dry lips with his
tongue, clinging to the sides OF the
door with both hands.
..What--what is 1t you wish Of met"
his uncertain gaze wandering over the
three faces, but coming back to Fagin.
you are to marry this officer here
to young lady,"
"What--what young lady?"
"Mortimer's daughter-Claire is the
name. isn't 1t, Grant? Yes. Claire:
you know her, ! reckon"
]. could hear the unfortunate man
breathe in the silence. but Fagin's
eyes threatened.
'Is--is she here?" he faltered help
lessly. Does she desire the--the cere-
mony|
THAT doesn't happen to be any Of
your business" broke In Fagin bluntly.
This Is my affair. an the fewer ques-
lions you ask the better. II we want
some fun. what the hell have you got
to do with It, you snivelling spoil
sport! I haven't asked either or them
about 1t. Just decided 1t was time
they got married, Stand up. man, and
let so that door," he drew derringer
from his belt and flung 1t onto the
table. There's my authority--that.
an fifty hell-hounds outside wonder
ing why | don't loot the house, an be
done. Do you want to be turned over
to themg If you don't then speak up.
VIII you tie them. or mott"
jerks eyes wandered toward Jones'.
who stared blankiy lack at him, vel
low fangs showing beneath his beard.
"Why-of course-yes,"" he faltered
weakly. "I7suppose must" W
Don't seem much chance to get
out, does there. parson? Well. reckon
1t won't hurt your conscience particu-
larly. Bill! Where's Bflla"
You sent, him 10 guard the front |
door, explained Jones.
That's right, ] did. You'll do Just |
rs we'll Go up stairs, an bring the
girl down. She's with the old man,
an Cnlberson ia guarding the door. |
Better not say what she's wanted for.
Just tell her Captain Grant wishes to |
speak to her moment"
! Jones Strengthened up, and pushed !
past the preacher, the stairs creaking
under his weight as be went up over
my head. Grant arose. and stood
looking out the window into the glow
Of the sunshine. and jerks dropped
Into the nearest chair, still staring
across the table at Fagin. For the
FIRST time I seemed to entirely grasp
tho situation. ! got to my feet, vet
dare not move 10 much az : step, FOR
Fzgin IVES facing the hallway. Il %.
nrently would b better y wait mtil !!
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