Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-07-01

you're all right. and l must say I'm
glad to hear il. because the case looks
mighty ugly for you otherwise. I'll
have to speak plainly. Tom, as Mary's
father. II you've got the proofs that'll
call STAN Tucker to time produce 'em
right now"
The younger man looked the speaker
IN the face white hot anger in bis
eyes. Then suddenly doubt and some.
thing Of disniay took the place Of rage
At last he laughed mockingly, as II at
himself.
II haven't got shred Of proof" he
said. "unless my own conviction, from
what Lottie-May herself has told me-
can give hold on STAN Tucker that'll
make him toe the mark. I've got the
girls word that STAN Tucker made
love to her and that she met him In
secret"
"And Lottie-May has just publicly
accused you" commented Colonel Tod
hunter, a curious expression in his eyes
IS they rested upon Tom Strtckland's
pale face. That's mighty poor evi.
dence. Tom. The girl has made II
worthless In advance. Nobody on earth
would believe you"
Tom Strickland lifted one clinched
hand and smote it savagely into the
open palm of the other.
Nobody but STAN Tuckerr he cried
Hell know it's the truth and he'll
know that Lottie-May told me because
she was trying to make me his rival
And he's got to confess that It's the
truth-by God. III kill him II he don't!
"Stop right there. Tomr' exclaimed
Colonel Todhunter sternly. You're
maxim the biggest fool Of yourself
that's possible on all this earth to q
man In your fix. subj
Fool or no fool" cried Tom Strick
land. 'I'm not going to let this thing
lay at my door when know the guilty
man. and know, besides. he wouldn't
ask nothing better'n for Miss Mary
to throw me over on account Of this 30
that he could marry her. That's the
situation, Colonel Todhunter. and no
man At to be called man would let
STAN Tucker 90 free"
''If you go lookin' for STAN Tucker
now, Tom," said Colonel Todhunter
quietly. "there'll be shootin' scrape
In less'n two minutes after you two
come together and somebody's mighty
apt to get killed. If it's you, the diff
Guilty ain't helped you any that l can
see If It's STAN Tucker, then you're
worse off'n ever. because he'll be dead
and you'll be held for killin' him and
Lottie-May Doggett's accusation will
stand against you. Have some sense.
my boy. before It's too late"
Tom Strickland laughed at the words.
"Tll have sense enough" he retorted.
"I'll see that STAN Tucker don't profit
by this thing. And there's only one
way to see to it-and that's by having
1t out with STAN Tucker himself and
making him tell the truth. You can't
Interfere In this matter, sir, even
though you are Miss Mary's father
No third party can take hand In 1t.
SIR"
Colonel Todhunter contemplated the
speaker earnestly for moment. Then
he nodded.
You're right, Tom." he conceded. u
reckon you'n STAN Tucker'll have to
sift this out between you, and tn
ain't nobody else can lift finger. But
I've Just got one favor to ask OF you
before you go any further, my boy"
"What's that, sirY asked Tom. 81
don't mean to be disrespectful. colonel
and I'm willing to meet you as far rs
l can, but you see now just how things
are between STAN Tucker and me-
I'm not saying another word, an
swered Colonel Todhunter. "The only
thing ] want you to do, Tom. Is not to
20 lookin' for STAN Tucker tonight In
the first place, he's right here. and
you amt got no business runnin' the
chance of provokin' serious personal
difficulty where there's women. and In
the second place. you'd better get
nights sleep for your own good. Tom
I'm talkin' plain to you, my boy. be
cause good deal depends on 1t. The
chances are million to one that there'!l
be some shootin' before you'n STAN
Tucker get through with your argu
ment. and II cool head and steady
hand are mighty useful things to have
at such time"
I'm cool enough. sir" replied Tom
Strickland
But the colonel shook his head
"Tom," he said. ~ want you to prom
ise me to go quietly home right now
and 90 to bed. After tonight the games
In your own hands, and you can play
It any way you see 6t This is all I'm
goin' to ask Of you. Go home and get
II good nights rest, Tom" There was
lust the least shake In the speakers
voice.
Tom Strickland hesitated.
go home. Tom," said Colonel Tod
hunter. ~ wouldn't be true friend
Of your father If ] let you take any
foolish chances In an affair Of this
kind. And I'm thinkin' Of Mary, too
when l say this. You go home now
The colonel's grim lips were trembling
n little.
Tom Strickland nodded. "All right
colonel" he spoke finally. "1'll go
home. / won't try to do anything fur.
ther until tomorrow, SIR"
"Thats all ask. Tom" replied the
colonel.
But he saw to It that the younger
man got away from the perilous scene
without being subjected to temptation
that might compel him to break his
word. And then, knowing that Tom
was safely on the road
home, Colonel Todhunter looked up
Sim Birdsong without losing a mo-
ment's time.
"Sim," he said, IT want you to see
STAN Tucker tonight without fail and
tell him not to come into town to-
Just say this to him-that
Tom Strickland's lookin' for him on
account O. this here LOttie-May Dog
gett business and there's a-goin' to be
trouble II they meet, and then you
rome back here and tell mo what he
says. I'm tryin' to prevent shootn'
scrape, Sim. and this is the only way
| can see to do It"
"All right, colonel" replied Sim.