Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-02-13

"Those are my orders, and they go.
| Hire room upstairs if you want to
keep on with the game. Pick up the
| stuff, you fellows"
"But see here" the speaker was
j upon his feet protesting. THE old
man told US we could come in here. "
1.-THE old mans word don't go for
!, this floor tonight, partner. It's rented
by the post officers. Now mosey right
along. and don't come back unless you
are looking for trouble-you too, Fat. !
ty"
Right or wrong there was plainly no
use continuing the argument, fol Ham
Inns fingers were upon the butt Of his
revolver, and his eyes hardened at the
delay. The gamblers inclination was
to oppose this summary dismissal, but
glance at his crowd convinced him
he would have to play the hand alone,
80 he yielded reluctantly, swept the
chips Into the side pocket Of his coat
and departed. leaving behind him q
trail of profanity. The Sergeant
smiled, but remained motionless until
they disappeared.
: renely, unless they make kick at
: the office; some peeved, Charlie was"
He stepped over to the window, and
3 held back the curtain. A burly figure
3 occupied the bench, with feet upon the
Y rail. Even in that outside dimness
!, could be distinguished black beard.
J, The very man, and the Sergeant
:. chuckled grimly with swiftly born
|, hope that the fellow might create a
d row. Nothing at that moment could
+ have pleased him more. He blew
0 out the parlor light, partially closed
s the door, and stepped forth on to the
O porch.
e Say, you," he said gruffiy, dropping
o one hand heavily on the others shout
d der. Ibid you hear what l said to
is those fellows inside? Well, it goes
s, out here the same. Pack up, and clear
e the deck"
ic "Reb" dropped his feet to the fool
,e and stood up, his bearded lips growl
lg ing profanity, but Hamlin gripped hi'
49, wrist, and the man stopped, will
ed mouth still open, staring into the Ser
n. geant's face. All bravado seemed tt
; :, v,--,,,,-.e
ad antiy enough. Sergeant Hamlin Sow
m enth Cavalry"
:. oh!" the exclamation came from
=. between clenched teeth. Hell. man
ne you startled me-"
SO see; nervous disposition.
h reckon. Well, are you going quietly
- or snail l hoist you over the rail?"
. mad an appointment here"
can't help that. partner. This
II porch is going to be vacant inside of
g one minute, or there is declarat;on
d OF war. Your easiest way ont 10
d through that window, but you can 20
4 by rail if you prefer"
i The black beard wasted half his al.
J. lowed time in an effort to b,nsta -.
y y .nen, to Hamlin's utter disgust. skunk
- through the open window and across
9 the darkened parlor.
! The pusillanimous cuss." the latte,
muttered. hes worse than cur doc
= niamed II he wasn't actually afraid
OF me: A gun-fghter-pugh!" He
nfted his voice. as "Reb" paused in
me light of the hall beyond and
glanced back. fist doubled and nm.
1fted. "Oh. go on! Sure, youu get
me9 You are the brave boy, now"
ana Hamlin strobe toward the door
.nreateninely. Lope along, son. and
aont turn around again until Won face
the bar" - 'o4 Ae''e
ne drew the door partially to again
ana sat down facing the oneninp
where stray beam of light fell
across the floor. Thus far the adven.
lure mad scarcely proven interesting
Inc last encounter had been distinct
disappointment. The dispersal of tho
oaiu-players was. as anticipated, easily
managed, bst the reputation of "Reb"
as Killer and bad man had given h.,
nope OF resistance. But instead hel
had proven perfect lamb. Hamiin
! crossed his legs and waited. his mind
1 olvloed IN wonder between what Mis-.
mcdonald might want, and the COW.
arolce OF the fellow just driven ont
Ahe man was actually afraid-afra;d
70 start row. Yet he had got Ia his
| ieet with that intention; it was only
| a1ter he had looked into Harn,,n.s
| race and asked his name. that no he.
gan to hedge and draw back Co,,,
ne nave recognized him? Could Mrs.
dupont nave warned him of danger in
MS direction? That would seem inn.
possible, for the woman had not been
Win MIN Tor even minute since their
conversation. She had given him a
swirl signal at the door of the dance
nan, put that could scarcely account
LOT MS present desire to avoid trouble
An engagement? Probably win nT,.
Dspont. But what was the use Of
specuiating? Perhaps when the girl ,
came she would have some light to
throw on these matters. Surely her ]
sudden determination to see him mi.
vateiy must have connection with this [
affair. 'A 'l'iS
na Inese y thoughts came ssifs,y. for his