Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-04

what youv done for Al1ne, and all that Sol
but your manner today has been intolerable
got to come to an understanding.
| eyed him closely. Il suppose you're abb
gest that one or the other of us must evacuat
so to speak, said l.
Don't talk rubbish. You've got my moth
her eyes out upstairs, and wishing she '
You've got to come off this high horse OF your
got to apologize to her, and mighty quicl
Understand"
3Nothing will give me greater joy than
my most abject apology, Mr.. Titus, unless
it would be her unqualified forgiveness
you'll have to withdraw everything you
said"
I'll withdraw everything except my ulti
matum in respect to her putting foot out
side these walls That still stands"
Il beg to differ with YOU
@You may beg till you're black in the
face said | coolly.
He swallowed hard. His face twitched,
and his hands were clenched. "YOu are
pretty much of mucker, Smart, he said,
between his teeth. am sorry my sister has
fallen into your hands. The worst of it is
she seems satisfied with everything you do.
Good Lord! What she can see in you is
beyond my comprehension. Protection!
Why, you couldn't protect her from the
assault of chicken"
"Are you trying to insult me, Mr.. Tituso"
@You couldn't resent it if | were. There
never was an author with enough moral
backbone to
@Wait! You are her brother. | don't
want to have trouble with you. But if you
keep on in this strain, Mr.. Titus, shall
be compelled to thresh you soundly.'
He fairly gasped. 1Th-thresh mel he
choked out. Then he advanced.
Much to his surprise, | failed to retreat.
lad Ecf
siderable abruptness and precision, and he
landed on his back.
looked at Jasper. He was staring at
me in utter bewilderment.
1Good Lord! You-you've knocked him
down." He sprang to his brothers side,
and assisted him to sitting posture. fright
to the jaw' shouted Jasper, with strange
enthusiasm.
Colingraft gazed about him in stupid,
vacant fashion for moment, and then al
lowed his glazed eyes to rest upon me.
"Are you hurt. Colly?" cried Jasper.
A sickly grim more Of surprise than shame,
stole over Colingraft's face. He put his hand
to his jaw, then to the back of his head.
@By Jove!' he murmured. al didn't
think he had it in him. Let me get up"
Jasper was discreet. Better let well
enough alone old"
a intend to-" said Colingraft, as he
struggled to his feet. For a moment he
faced me uncertainty.
am sorry. Mr.. Titus" said l calmly
"You-you are wonder!' fell from hi,
lips am not a coward, Mr.. Smart I've
boxed good deal in my time; but-by
Jove l never had a jolt like that!7
He turned abruptly and left us. We
followed him slowly toward the steps. At
the bottom he stopped and faced me again
3You're better man than | thought"
he said. "If you'll bury the Ratchet, so will
/. take back what said to you; not be-
cause I'm afraid Of you, but because re-
spect yoE What say? Will you shake
hands?"
The surly, arrogant expression was gone
from his face. In its place was puzzled,
somewhat inquiring look
mo hard feeling on my part, cried
gladly.
We shook hands. Jasper slapped me on
the back. 1It's a most distressing, atavistic
habit I'm getting into, knocking people down
without rhine or reason
Il dare say you had reason muttered
Colngraft. go what was coming to me-
Copyright. 1918. by George Barr Mccu,cheon.