Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-08-05

ing at Jim Lewis use OF cheap tobac-
co. Harry Barry was passing around
his handsome new Stetson with all the
solemnity OF a deacon passing the con-
trihuticn plate.
For Jim's marriage license" ex-
planned Mr.. Barry as he poked the hat
under Timothy's nose. We're all
doped with that band OF herbs he's
smoking. Get back TO the Broncho
brand. Jimmy Well raise the money
for the wedding"
Timothy frowned little as he
thought of the face pressed against
his heart. but tact required that a con-
tribution be made. so with what grace
he could muster ne dropped a handful
OF cigarettes in the hat and went on
with his supper.
Jim Lewis was growing over his
newspaper. "I'll eat old Simeon alive
II he's keeping back any more Of my
letters"
Heard anything more about that
behind his coffee cup.
Mary. Maybe it's because haven't
been near the old scalawag for ten
days I've thrsshed 1t out with him
for the last time. feel pretty bling
mad tonight. and I've got a mind to
20 over and thrash him good and
plenty" said Mr.. Lewis savagely.
I'VE might go over and wipe out the
hull place, take your letter and git"
suggested Harry Barry eagerly. IT'S
mighty dull nowadays. I feel like
could lick a regiment"
'T'll attend to my own licking" OBJ
served Jim dryly. When 1 60 to
hunt down a weakened old scalawag
like Simeon Carter I guess I amt feel
ing so poorly that I have to take along
six picked men. a battery Of machine
guns and an alryplane scout to help
me out Nixey. That is to he duet
Just Simeon and me. and me coming
home with the letter which he says
is not for me-
In this mood Mr.. Lewis was not to
be trifed with. and one by one the
men dropped away to indulge in
quiet game Of poker near the glowing
stove.
Timothy Lewis resolved to postpone
his interview with his comrade until
morning had brought the gloomy one
! to a more amiable frame of mind
! Toward morning he was awakened
by a touch on his shoulder. and he
started up to find Jim Lewis sitting
/ on the edge of the bed IN a food Of
moonlight.
WELL" said Timothy sharply.
whats wantedT
Lewis crossed one leg over the other
and pulled renectively at his mus
tache. 81 just been over to Saltpeter
Canyon and licked that postmaster. On
the side I've rified the United States
mail, and I'm liable for most anything.
and when it was all over but the
shouting old Simeon banks out he'd
give the letter to Mr.. Tim Lewis. which
is you, 1 believe" Mr.. Lewis voice
was dangerously silky.
That's my name" snapped Timothy.
now wide awake. THAT letter was
given to me by mistake. 1t surely was
addressed so it looked like Tim and I
opened it. or course as soon as l saw
what was in it l knew It wasn't for
me. 1 was going to give it to you in
the morning"
"Honest?" demanded Jim Lewis.
YES" returned Timothy quietly, and
such was his reputation among his
comrades that his word was never
doubted. Jim Lewis held out his hand,
and Timothy reached under his pillow
and drew out the letter. Here it Is"
he said.
You're taking plenty good care of
7 ~
ed curiously in the end Of the letter
and then drew forth the photograph.
He held it to the moonlight and stared
and stared again at the face. Then he
scanned the superscription on the en-
velope. well, I'm hanged II IT isn't
little Nell! OF course | thought 1t
must be from Lulu!' The disappoint-
ment In his tone embroidered Timothy
to ask questions
who Is Nell?" he asked bluntly.
MY sister" said Jim Lewis proudly.
"She teaches school in Sioux City, and
she's the purtiest girl out-except Lulu
Gilbert-of course always except the
future Mrs. Lewis" He tucked the
picture away in his pocket and seemed
smitten with some happy thought, for
he asked suddenly, "What'd you have
1t under your pillow for? Now, that's
pretty good, Tim. Don't you blow to
the chaps about my end, and I'll keep
It dark about your blushing over Mel
Hes picture. What say?"
Agreed said Timothy promptly
"And say, Jim. the next time you &c
to Sioux City will you take me alongr
Sure thing. I'm going to marry
Lulu there in about two weeks. so you
can go along and be best man. It's to
be done in style. IL you ever call me
brother-in-law, Tim Lewis. you car
thank that old scalawag at the post
office"
"Scalawsg" breathed Timothy fer
vently. The only name that's good
enough for Simeon Carter is Cupid
postmaster