The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1913-02-06

climax. Grand, whatever his motive
for appearing SO Unexpectedly at the
Portman house, must be turned away
without ceremony or consideration. AT
any minute Thomas Braddock might
return. A tragedy would be the result
David started down the steps. pass
ing the rigid. staring woman at the
top. He was vaguely aware of Ro-
berta Grand's bow Halfway down he
called out:
Colonel Grand. you must not stay
here-not 4 second longer. l will e1-
plain IL you will let me ride with you
for couple of blocks"
Grand came on up the steps. ignor-
ing Jenison. addressing himself to
Mary Braddock.
Il have come to discuss Tom with
you. Mary" he said.
Go away" she cried in low. intense
tones. How dare you come here.
Colonel Grand! Coz"
He stopped. raised his hat. shrugged
his shoulder and then lifted his free
hand TO check the approach OF the
young man who was ominously near at
hand.
Il fancy 1t will be best for all con-
cerned II we avoid tableaux. Still. !
will 90 away IL you see fit to send
me-"
Il do see At. Co."
Roberta Grand was staring at the
speaker from the bottom OF the steps.
Don't haggle with her. father" she
cried venomously. Bring her to time!"
You have met my daughter, Mrs.
Braddock?" said Grand In his most
suave manner. What are you looking
at. Jenison!" he demanded, suddenly
noting the young mans frozen stare.
directed down the street
Tom Braddock was standing across
the street at the corner below, clutch
staring with wide open eyes at the
group on the steps
Mrs. Braddock had seen her husband
turn the corner. Her eyes were clased
now. as II to shut out the disaster that
must rush down upon them In the
next instant. Her drumming ears
waited for the sound of revolver.
David started up the steps toward her.
1T will be best for you to hear what
I have come to say" observed Grand,
ignorant of the peril that lay behind
him. He resumed his progress up the
steps. Roberta following close behind.
For heavens sake. man. go while
t,l No wi loo n<r
you see"
"Mary. will you listen to me? We've
got to come to an understanding con.
cerning Tom. He's in town. We must
come to some agreement. you and l. as
to whether a scandal is to follow his
arrest-a scandal which will blast you
and Christine forever in New"
''Is there no way to stop him?'
groaned Mary Braddock.
by this time Bradock has been
taken by the police-as Sam Bradford
the ex-convict and yeggman. Is he to
go up this time as the father OF Chris
| tine"
David whirled the older man abou,
and pointed toward the figure at the
corner.
Its Braddock! Now we're in for 1t
BY heaven. he ought to kill you!"
"Braddock!" gasped Grand. Why
he Is in jail" The words died on his
lips. He recognized the man.
Transflxed. he saw Thomas Brad
dock straighten up, relinquish his grip
on the iron post and start diagonally
across the street, his head bent for.
ward, his lower Jaw extended. His
answering gaze never left the face OF
Robert Grand.
Get into the carriage. Roberta '
shouted Grand, suddenly alive to his
peril. He trehbled. but he was not
the man to run from an adversary. nor
was he likely to sell his life cheaply
With quick desperate tug he jerked
himself free of David's grasp. His
hand few to his inside coat pocket
Thomas Braddock had reached the
curb. Miss Grand stood directly in his
path. petrified by terror Like a cat
he sprang forward. cunningly putting
her body between him and Grand
making 1t impossible for the latter to
shoot without imperiling the life of his
daughter.
A revolver cleaned in the hand OF
the man on the steps.
Here. say" grasped the colonel
HE can shoot me down like a dog
Stop him, Jenison! Don't you see
can't protect myself"
David took advantage Of the knowl-
edge that Braddock was unarmed
Colonel Grand" he cried out sharp
ly. "if you attempt to kill that man
I'll see that you suffer for It,"
But, d. 1t. he is here to kill me! l
have the right to kill in self defense
If"
Then why doesn't he kill you? He
has you in his power: Mr.. Braddock
has come to see his wife before leav-
ing the city"
He caught the cunning gleam in
Tom Braddock's eyes. His heart gave
a great bound Of relief The man was