The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-04-11

nibal and the judge, she had been un-
aware of his presence. Darlington
stepped forward.
E Have you met Mr.. Norton, and my
brother, Mr.. Carrington?" she asked.
The two young men shook hands,
and Ware improved the opportunity
to inspect the newcomer. But as
his glance wandered over him, 1t took
IN more than Darlington, for it in
oluded the fine figure and swarthy
face OF Captain Murrell, who, with
his eyes fixed on Betty, was thrusting
his eager way through the crowd.
Murrell had presented himself at
Belle Plain the day before. For up
ward of a year, Ware had enjoyed
great peace OF mind as q direct re-
suit OF his absence from west Ten
nessee, and when he thought of him
ct all he had Invariably put period
to dis meditations with, Il hope to
hell he catches 1t wherever he Isl"
More than this, Betty had spoken
Of the captain in no uncertain tones.
He was not to repeat that visit.
AS Murrell approached, the hot col
or surged into Betty's face. AS for
Hannibal, he had gone white to the
Aps, and his small hand clutched hers
desperately.
Murrell, with all his hasdihood,
realized that too great confidence
had placed him in an awkward posi-
ton, for Betty turned her back on
him and began an animated CONVEX
sation with Darlington and Charley
Norton.
Hicks, the Belle Plain overseer,
pushed his way to Murrelrs side.
Here, John Murrell, amt you 60
ing to show us a trick or two?" he
inquired.
Murrell turned quickly with a sense
Of relief.
If you can spare me your ritie,' he
said, but his face wore bleak look.
Don't you think you've seen about
enough, Bet?" demanded Tom. You
don't care for the shooting, do your"
That's the very thing l do care
for; I think I'd rather see that than
the horse-racing," said Betty perverse-
y.
Betty now seated herself In the car
rage, with Hannibal beside her,
quietly determined to miss nothing.
The judge, feeling that he had come
into his own, leaned elegantly against
the wheel, and explained the merits
of each shot as it was made.
Il hope you gentlemen are not 60
ing to let me walk of with the prize?"
said Murrell, approaching the group
about the carriage. Mr.. Norton,
am told you are clever with the rifle"
Il am not shooting today" respond
ed Norton haughtily.
Murrell stalked back to the line.
AT forty PAGES I'd risk 1t myself,
ma'am," said the judge. But at a
hundred, ofhand like this, should
most certainly fall"
1T would be hard to beat that"
they heard Murrell say.
"At least it would be quite possible
to equal It," said Darlington. ad-
vancing with Hannibal's rife in his
hands.
It was tossed to his shoulder, and
poured out it's contents In a bright
stream of flame. There was q mo-
ment of silence.
Center shot, ma'am!" cried the
Judge.
I'll add twenty dollars to the
purse!" Norton addressed himself to
Darlington. And I shall hope, sir,
to see it 60 into your pocket"
"Our sentiments exactly, ma'am.
are they not?" said the Judge.
,"Perhaps you'd like to bet little
Of your money!" remarked Murrell.
I'm ready to do that too, SIR" re-
sponded Norton quietly.
Five hundred dollars, then, that
this gentleman in whose success you
take so great an interest, can neither
equal nor better my next shot!" Muir
rell had produced a roll OF bills as he
spoke.
Norton colored with embarrass-
ment. Darlington took in the situa-
ton.
wait minute" he said, and
passed his purse to Norton. Cover
his money, SIR" he added briefly.
Thank you, my horses have run
away with most of my cash." ex-
planned Norton.
"Your shot" said Darlington short
~, to the outlaw.
Murrell taking careful aim, fred,
clipping the center.
AS soon as the result was known.
Darlington raised his rifle; his bullet,
truer than his opponents, drove out
the center. Murreh turned on him
with an oath.
@'''You shoot we'll, but board stuck
against tree Is no test for q mans
nerve" he said insolently. o.
Darlington was charging his piece.
Il only know Of one other kind OF
target" he observed coolly.
''Yes-a living target!" cried Muir
rel.