The Washington herald., 1912-08-18

quick, 1.-THE, supple. Dissipation had
not left its mark, and the hard life OF
the road" had so far merely made
him fit, an athlete in perfect condi-
ton. His features were clean-cut and
symmetrical, with narrow, humorous
good-natured mouth and eyes soft and
gray and gentle, the eyes of dreamer
and an idler.
James looked at the slight graceful
youth, sprawled in the shade of the
butternut tree, and grinned, doubling
his huge arms with slow, luxurious
pleasure in the mere physical action
and watching the rhythmic rise and fall
of the great muscles.
"You might get honorable mention
in one of these county fairs for the bes,
yoke of oxen" admitted the Water
melon from where he lay at ease.
There amt going TO be no show,
said Mike firmly. Not if yer have to
swipe the duds. | amt going"
James showed that he was a true
member of the bon-ton. He waved the
other to silence with the airy grace OF
a master dismissing an impudent SER
want There is goin' to be contest
for the just reward of beauty and yer
goin' TO be here, Mike. and be the
judge or y will have that red-headed
block of yours knocked into kindlin'
wood"
Mike was fat and red-headed and
dirty. His soul loathed trouble and
longed for quiet with the ardor of an
elderly spinster. No, amt" said he,
in vain struggle for peace. Il amt
goin' to hang around here until you
blokes swipe the rags and come back
wild de cops after yer"
There amt no cops around this
place, you mutt" contradicted the Wat
ermelon with the delicate courtesy of
the road.
There's a sheriff"
"Sheriffs," interrupted James cold
ly, amt never around until the jobs
done"
Sunday" added the Watermelon,
from knowledge gained by past expert
ence, is the best time to swipe any
thing. No one is lookin' for trouble
that day and so they don't find it, see?"
Sure" agreed James Every ones
feelin' warm and good and stuffed, and
when yer feel good yerself, yer won't
believe any one is bad You know
how it is. Mike When yer feelin'
comfortable, yer can't understand why
the devil we amt comfortable"
We'll, why the devil amt yer? de-
manded Mike Il amt takin' all the
shade or all the earth. am I? Lie
down and be quiet. What do yer want
beauty show for?"
"Aw, stow itr' snapped the Water
melon.
'Yes, I'll stow it all right when we're
all sent TO the jug. | tell yer | amt
fit to work. The last time / got pinch
ed, | pretty near croaked. / wasn't
made TO work.
I'VE amt going to get pinched," said
James. You make more talk over
two suits of clothes"
1T amt the clothes. It's the damn
fool notion of swipin' 'em aond then
comm right back here, and not maxim
no getaway"
This hang-out is more than four
miles from the burg, you galoot,"
sneered the Watermelon. No one
would think of coppin' US here. They'll
go to the next town, or else watch the
railroads-"
But they might"
Might what? Might be bloomin'
fools like you"
Where are you goin' to be shaved?"
In barber shop said James mild
ly. You probably favor a lawn now
er, but personally | prefer barber"
YES" walled Mike, go to barber
shop and let every guy in town get his
lamps on yer"
You're gettin' OF. Mike. me boy.
and losin' yer nerve" said James. He
stretched and yawned. We'll. I'm off
before church time or the BARRIERS will
be closed. Remember. Mike, this af-
ternoon, between and 5"
He pulled his clothes into place, ad-
justed his hat at the most becoming
angle and started up the narrow wood
land path, whistling gayly through his
teeth. As he disappeared among the
trees, the far-off sound OF church bells
stole TO them on the quiet Of the Sab
bath morning.