The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-07-23
TheLoveFeud
Bv IZOLA FORESTER

Copyright. 1912. by Associated iAtsrev
Nan frightened the rein slightly, and
Gypsy Belle paused. 1t was almost
dark along the old mountain road.
Over on the rail fence to the left had
come drawled hail for her to halt.
and the click of a trigger pulled back.
THAT you, Griff Taller" called Nan,
cheerfully. What you doing there
this time of night stopping folks on
their way homeo?"
A laugh came from the gloom Of
the railing.
I'm just squirrel hunting. Sis"
Don't you call me Sis. You amt
so well acquainted as that. Do you
call the schoolma'am down at the
Bend Sis?"
"Bill does"
Talking some, ain't you, Griff:'
I'm going to do more'n talk to-
night
IF he don't get you first Taunt-
ingly
lie won't get me first He's had a
taste by now already"
Mans voice caught little In her
throat, but she was not afraid
II suppose there are Tailers sitting
on fence rails all over Mount Scratch.
UNI tonight waiting for shot at Bill
Ames. Why don't you come Of In
the open road and fight like a man!
You all up here have got so used to
fighting Indians back awhile, you've
forgotten how to face white man.
amt you? You'll sit up there and
shoot at Bill If he comes riding by
here, and then go down to Potter's
store, and boast Of how you fought
Bill Ames. You cant fight anyone
man size. Guess all you can do Ia
lick your little trothers. and give
Molly Ann a clip side Of her head
now and then"
"I'll give you clip some day
Smarty." said Griff. slowly. You've
got too much red pepper In that tongue
of yours"
You'll give me clip some day."
Nan leaned back her head and
laughed. Why. you old, stingy, rail-
fighter. l wouldn't look at your sha
dow"
"Your pop signed papers for you TO-
day, Just the same. You amt Of age
yet, honey, so we settled 1t UP be-
tween US. That's why ain't going
to have Bill Ames riding this road
any more. lie amt got straight In
tentions anyhow. Hes Just a trifer
He's putting up one evening at the
schoolma'am's, and the next up at
your place, and Boosting OF his ire
sistible attractions down at Potter's
Saturday nights"
Don't believe a word of It, Nan
started Gypsy Belle up again. Don't
get night chill sitting on that rail-
Griff.
Say" called Griff. after her. If you
meet Rill and tell him I'm waiting fol
him, I'll take II out on your pop. un
derstand. And he signed papers fol
you to me, honest he did. Nan. And
they'll hold too. in law"
But Nan answered not. Straight VI
the road she went at canter. Inc
horse knew the way In the dark. and
ever since they had left the main roat
far below in the valley, she had le
the reins hang slack, while she SAM
to keep herself company
She was not singing now. Not
mile was covered before she heart
scrambling and stumbling ahead OF
the steep rocky road Nobody livet
higher up on Scratchum except he
father and herself and stranger
never came that way. Nobody haunted
the roads of Scratchum unless he wa
predes ined to live there by landing
on the county records before he ha'
chance to call his life his own.
Checking the mare. she drew to on
side OF the road. laundering dow
the road came Bill Ames on his whit
horse, head down. wheeling at ever
step. Bill stopped and slipped of tn
saddle with a smothered curse. as tn
horse crashed down on its shoulde
heavily.
What did you ride him so har
for?" called out Nan He'll Just Civ
one good wheeze, now. and pas
over"
Bill had started back at the SCUM
OF voice so near him. hut laugte
as he recognized the owner.
Better loan ne Gypsy Belle to 8
along on. Nan certainly need he
tonight"
What for" Mans tone was full c
innocent inquiry.
The youngster tried to pull his wit
together. His brain was full OF burs
ing lights and shooting agony Som,