The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-02-10

could command himself.
Montgomery started violently and :
his pipe fell from his mouth.
us that you. Boss Langhamr no
He stared about him seeking to
pierce the darkness. fearful that
.angham was not alone, that Gilmore /
might be somewhere near.
Are you by yourself, bossy ne |
asked, and tremor stole into MS
hoarse throaty voice. lie sull car
ried the scars OF that fearful oeatlhs
had administered.
yes" said Langham. I'm alone
Il didn't know but Andy Gilmore
might be with you. boss, said Mont
clearing his throat,
"No. he's not here" replied Lang
ham quietly. Hes left town.
Yes, but he'll be comm back
said the handy-man with short
laugh.
NO, he's gone for good
We'll, amt sorry. hope 10 Goo
never see him again-he beat me
up awful, was as good friend as
he'll ever have; was perfect yer
low dog 10 him; he whistled ana
Jumped, but I'll be damned II ever
Jump again! Say, got about elgn-
teen inches OF old gas-pipe slid down
my pants leg now for Mr. Andy; one
good slug with that, and he won
have no remarks 10 make about my
goin' home TO my old woman!
"You won't have3to use II.
I'm almost sorry" salu Montgom
cry,
ct suppose that thirst OF yours Is
unimpaired?" inquired Langham.
His burning eyes never for an IN
slant forsook the dark outline or the
handy.man's slouching figure.
'T dunno, boss, l amt been drinkln'
much lately. Liquors a bully thing
10 keep the holes IN your pants, anu
YOUR toes out where you can look az
am n YOU want TO. | dunno as II
ever take up whisky-drinkin' again,
concluded Mr.. Montgomery with
self-denying shake OF the head
Are you glad TO be back, Joe!
asked Langham.
II was anything to gain time, ne
was thinking desperately but 10 no
purpose.
"Glad, Stick all the cuss words
YOU know in front OF that ana IL VII
be mild" cried Montgomery teeiihs
". Its pitiful the way been useu'
Just knocked from pillar 10 post; ! We
seen dogs right here In Mount Hope
that had lot happier time than We
been havln'-and me married man
I've always tried TO be good nus,
band; hope there won't be no can
for me TO make rough-house OF 1t TO
night 10 added playfully. as ne
looked of across the bridge.
II guess not, joe" SAID Langham.
His fears assembled themselves be-
fore him like a phantom host How
was he TO deal with the handy-man;
how would Gilmore have dealt with
him Had the time gone by 10 bully
and bride. or was that still the meth
cd by which he could best safeguard
his life?
Say, boss, what they done with
young John North?" Montgomery sud
denly demanded.
nothing yet answered Langham
after an instant's pause.
Amt he had his trial?" Montgom-
cry asked.
yes"
We'll, amt they done anything
with him? II he amt been sent up.
he's been turned loose.
Neither joe" rejoined Langham
slowly The jury didn't agree. His
friends are trying to get the judge TO
dismiss the case"
THAT would suit me bully, boss, X
they done that" cried the handy
man.
Langham caught the tone OF relief.
IL don't want TO see him hang; |
don't want TO see no one hang. I'm
all in favor OF livin'. myself. Say, |
had sweet time out west! I'd
died yonder: I couldn't stand 1t, | had
to come back-just had to-"
He was shaking and wretched, and
he exaggerated no part OF the misery
he had known.
When did you get INF" asked
Langham.
II beat my way In on the ten
thirty: rode most OF the way from
Columbus on top OF the baggage car
I'm half dead, boss!"
Have you seen any one?"-
mo one but you. l got on at the
crossin' where they slow UP and come
along here; wasn't thinkin' OF a
/ damn thing but gettin' home to my
old woman. | guess I'll hit the ties
right now" he concluded with sud
den resolution, and once more his
small blue eyes were turned toward
the bridge.
'rll walk across to tho other side
with you," said Langham hastily.
"The crick's up quite a Bit" said
the handy-man as they set foot on
the bridge.
Langham glanced out into the
gloom, where swollen by the recent
rains the stream splashed and whirled
between its steep banks.
Eyes, way upl" he answered.
AS he spoke he stepped close TO
Montgomery side and raised bis
voice.
stop a bit" said Joe hating. Il
shan't need this now" and he drew
the piece OF gas-pipe from his trous-
ers pocket. 'Td hammered the life
e4t-et Andy Gilmore" ho said as he
tossed the ugly bludgeon from him
You haven't told me where You
have been" said Langham, and once
more he pressed close TO Montgomery.