The evening world., 1912-08-08


thieves had been caught Ferris grimiy
declared that mo man could kstch
horse thief by hangin' around . SRI
most OF his time" This had reached
Hubbeirs ears and therefore there was
. noticeable lack Of cordially between
tho two man.
Insolcnco shone In Hubbeu's eyes a.
he turned sUd looked at Ferris.
you ~orkin' to-dsy7" he inquired.
Ferris deliberately placed his hat upon
his head, showed II we'll back from his
forehead, ana smiled coidly.
was you recSonin' to be my boar
he returned.
Hubbeirs eyes siittercd eviiiy. Il
ain, botherin' my head about you" he
sneered. lie deliberately turned his
back to Ferris and spoke TO Martha. II
reckon you ma readin' more intsrestfn'
than talk!n' 10 some mem no aid.
why. yes" admitted Martha. sr',-
ing up into the gun-man's eyes. but Mr..
Ferris In so original that one cannot be
bored with him"
There II was again-that dread word
original" The cold light did not die
out OF Ferriss eyes; II became inten-
SIZED and glittering. IIuboell sneered
sgain, facing about aud grinning sig-
nlhcantly down at Ferris. For a mo-
ment the two men gazed at each other.
their eyes hghtlng silent. ominous
battle. Tho muscles OF both were on
the verge OF action and had Miss Mar
tina delayed but an instant they mus,
have sprung into play. Hut Miss Mar
tina ala not delay.
You are both very interesting" she
observed mildly. her voice causing both
mems eyes to waver way" she added
deiightediy, II believe both OF you would
rght at this instant. And over me!'
She concealed a vain smile by avertina
her head. but Ferris had caught the
smile and drew a deep breath. sceinr
Martha In q new light. His eyes had
become steady and filled with an ex.
preston that would have been hard
to nnaly2e The gun-man sneered a.
Ferris. but both men allowed thei
muscles to relax The awkward silence
that had followed tho young woman'i
words remained unbroken until sh'
spoke again.
II do love shooting" she said, ieanint
comtor tably back In tho hammock ant
watching tho two men through half
closed eyes. That Is" she added ~ sh'
saw significant glance pass .betwsei
tho two, II don't like to ae6 bne maj
shoot another. But admire men WIN
can be clever with a weapon when Their
II need"
Fcrris saw a flash OF triumph light ri
tho Eun-man's eyes: his own narrowc'
oddly. Hubbeli was q full half secon'
faster than he In getting his gun on
and was considered q dead shot. Ferris
past performances with the six-shoots
had taught him that for all praStioa
purposes he had ability enough. blu
his skin was not to be compared wtt
IIubbells.
lie became aware that Mias Mar
was standing near. he was convince
that she had heard something OF tn
conversation. Ills gaze met hers. II
thought ne detected mockery In ne
eyes and his own dropped. when h
looked up again Mary was standing 4
the same position. but now her gas
was fixed with cold ssrcaam upon he
sister. Then she spoke to the latts
with tho manner and voice Of . ssrvan
addressing her mistress. But there va
In her voice tho same mockery tina
Ferris had seen In hcr eyes.
what would you like for dinner 2
she said. looking at Miss Martha.
Miss Martha languidly returned he
glance.
PLEASE have chicken" she returned
Miss Marys eyes cleaned with re
pressed anger. She stifrened. he
Drowned hands cienching. her chill
coming forward beiligerontiy.
III you want chickens you will xii
them yourself. my ladyw she nared
her lips curling
Very WE'LL" returned Miss MarthI
with Irritating mildness. III you dom
care TO kill them I am sure Mr.. Hub
bell will not refuse"
Hubbell grinned insolentiy.
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