Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1913-10-07

just behind your head. You reachedI
that same revolver to Gus, for he
couldn't use his ak quick enough, on
account of the tree trunk Lucky for
you, he was steady and sure It's no
small trick to put ball through a
snake. He told me he sat down and
bawled, just thinkin' of the look in
your eyes. Yes, | recollect that. And
so you let him have it cheap
Mr. Clews shifted uneasily. He, too.
remembered.
Il got another-same make" said
he clumsily, producing a heavy re
vclver for comparison. Gus is round.
l spose?"
stopped in while ago for q
drink" replied Melinda calmly. Il
had only cookin' water from the rain
barrel, and he went up to the spring.
clean forgot to ask him to bring me
some drinkin'. Said he, I'll leave my
gun here, Mel. It's hot toting it. and
I'll get it when l come back!' Say,
Dave, If you hurry. you'll catch him.
Then you can help carry the water.
It's warm lug for one. Set your re-
volver by his. If you want to. l DON'T
mind 'em. Here's the pail. You're.
comm to our weddin' next month. of
course?" ,...-
IL hope So answered the man.
absently. Yes. might as well leave
it. so long as" he paused and put
down his weapon Your pa amt heard
heard Of any row lately?"
Row? No! II he had. I'd know It.
I'm praying for his sake that rows
will be scarce" She smiled meaning
~, and her visitor grinned. Mr.. Ian
wood had recently returned from a
period Of incarceration due to one OF
those episodes of violence for which
he had prediction.
Clews, drumming lightly on the up
turned pail, strolled up the narrow.
bushy path.
Mel hain't been told, that's sartin."
he ruminated. Il don't feel quite SO
anxious for gore, specially Gus Shar-
ley's. If he'll come half way. III meet
him; If not-hum! Durn tie girl! She
upset me- Well, with no guns, we can't
do nothin serious, and I'll speak him
fair"
Ten minutes later, two men were
walking towards the dingy cottage.
carrying between them a pail OF wa
ter. Their faces we're serious, but not
angry. They were not speaking like
the reconciled. The solemn calmness
was an ominous presage Of merely de-
ferred trouble.
Melvina, watching eagerly for hope
full signs, felt her heart sink.
The pail was set down.
Thank you very much, boys" q sob
was behind the cheerful words. She
was trying hard-yery hard.
'Mel"-Sharley' face was averted
Il amt sure but what III need
He halted. Clews' hat was over his
eyes.
"Ch! your revolver?" said the girl.
brightly. Yes, you left it. Dawes.
too. Wait moment" She ran in
side.
The men loitered apart, their rup-
ture only half healed. their blood stills
longing for a deadly settlement. the
old bond of affection urging for rec
onciliation, thorough and complete.
Suddenly, before either could give
OBTAINING spring. a flying figure
darted between them and across the
yards to the old well curb.
They heard two dull, heavy splashes,
and gazed at each other aghast.
"Boys!" rang Melvina's triumphant
shout. If you're not sure. l am. Get
your old guns II you can. They're 1t
the bottom of the WELL"
After that, Dave Clews spoke first.
as the pair carried the fainting form
to the house.
Gus" he said, softly. I'm comm
to the weddin', yer know"
las best man. or nothin'." returned
Mr. Sharley. firmly.
They both gazed at the pale. girlish
face; then at each other for long.
steady gaze; then away. quickly.
copyright by Daily Story Pub. Coz
How He Felt