The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-01-09

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"This Porch Is Going to Be Vacated
Inside Of One Minute"
use continuing the argument, for Ham
Inns fingers were upon the butt Of his
revolver. and his eyes hardened at the
delay. The gam bler's inclination was
to oppose this summary dismissal, but
a glance at his crowd convinced him
he would have to play the hand alone.
SO he yielded reluctantly, swept the
chips into the side pocket Of his coat
and departed leaving behind him a
trail of profanity. The Sergeant
smiled. but remained motionless until
they disappeared
THE bluff works." he thought Sc
| renely, unless they make kick at
the office; some peeved, Charlie was"
He stepped over to the window, and
held back the curtain. A burly figure
occupied the bench, with feet upon the
rail. Even in that outside dimness
could be distinguished black beard.
The very man, and the Sergeant
chuckled grimly with a swiftly born
hope that the fellow might create a
row. Nothing at that moment could
have pleased him more. He blew
! out the parIor light, partially closed
the door, and stepped forth on to the
porch
Say, you" he said gruf1y, dropping
| one hand heavily on the others shout.
der. Did you hear what I said to
those fellows inside? Well, it goes
out here the same. Pack up, and clear
the deck"
"Reb" dropped his feet to the floor
and stood up, his bearded lips growl'
ing profanity, but Hamlin gripped his
wrist, and the man stopped, with
mouth still open. staring into the Ser.
! geant's face. All bravado seemed to
/ desert him instantly.
''Who--who says SOP" and he
! stepped back farther into the shadow.
; Il do, if you need to know" pleas
antly enough. Sergeant Hamlin, Sew
enth Cavalry
oh" the exclamation came from
between clenched teeth. Hell, man,
you startled me-"
$50 see: nervous disposition, I
reckon. Well, are you going quietly,
or shall hoist you over the rail?"
Il had an appointment here"
Cant help THAT, partner. This
porch is going to be vacant inside of
one minute, or there is declaration
of war. Your easiest way out is
: through that window, but you can go
by rail if you prefer"
TIE black beard wasted half his al.
lowed time in an effort to buster
then. to Hamlin's utter disgust, skunk
through the open window and across
| the darkened parlor.
THE pusillanimous cuss," the latter
muttered, hes worse than a cur dog.
Blamed if be wasn't actually afraid
OF me. A gun-6ghter-pugh!" He
lifted his voice, as "Reb" paused in
the light Of the hall beyond and
glanced back, fist doubled and up
lifted. "Oh. go on! Sure, you'll get
me? You are the brave boy, now"
and Hamlin strobe toward the door
threateningly. "Lope along. son, and
don't turn around again until you face
the bar"
He drew the door partially to again,
and sat down facing the opening,
where a stray beam OF light fell
across the floor. Thus far the adven.
ture had scarcely proven interesting.
The last encounter had been a distinct
disappointment. The dispersal of the
card-players was, as anticipated, easily
managed, but the reputation of "Reb"
as killer and bad man had given him
hope of resistance But instead he
had proven a perfect lamb. Hamlin
crossed his legs and waited, his mind
divided in wonder between what Miss
Mcdonald might want, and the COW.
ardice of the fellow just driven out.
The man was actually afraid-afraid
to start row. Yet he had got to his
feet with that intention; it was only
after he had looked into Hamlin's
face and asked his name, that he be-
gan to hedge and draw back. Could
he have recognized him? Could Mrs
Dupont have warned him Of danger in
his direction? That would seem i'm
possible, for the woman had not been
with him for even minute since their
conversation. She had given him a
swift signal at the door of the dance
hall, but that could scarcely account
for his present desire to avoid trouble.
An engagement? Probably with Mrs.