The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1913-01-03
In Which a Bully 10 cowed-contin.

e(n Which a Bully 10 cowed-contin
! we'd.
Braddock seemed surprised at the
boys readiness. He received the
weapon %gingerly. A sudden spasn
shook his big frame.
Isis 1t loaded?" he inquired, less
~lugubrious than he had beer before
NO" said Ernie shortly. Brad
docks chest swelled suddenly. 81
suppose o think I'm fool enough tc
let you kill yourself with my gun and
me right here where they could mai
me. It's got blank cartridges, that's
az. Somebody changed 'em on me
last night-just before that-tha,
sneak went away on the train. Blu,
II you really want to shoot YOURSELF
went on Ernie maliciously, I've got
q round of real cartridges here. While
you're loadin' the gun can make a
sneak. If l was you, though, I'd 60
up that alley there, Brad. It's ter
rible public here"
You wicked little brute, YOU
,cried Braddock, coming to his feet
and drawing away as If from a viper.
You cold-blooded whelp. II never
heard OF such"
Amt o going to kill yourself?'
demanded Ernie, grinning.
,Braddock appeared to ponder. No.
he said with eager finality, mot just
NOW. I'm going to have it out with
lher first. Then maybe | won't do it
at ALL"
+ Ernie's scofing laugh followed him
tnto the shadows. 1t was the last
tstraw. He was an object of derision
10 this thing Of jibes and sneers.
The flush OF anger had come back
into his bloated cheeks by the time
ne had slipped under the side wall
INTO the dressing tent. A sense of
loneliness struck him.
Christine was In the ring. Mrs.
Braddock stood over by the tattered
ired curtains, peering out into the big
: top He knew just where to look
Tor her: she always stood there while
iher daughter was performing with old
1YTom Sacks. Not Tom Braddock, but
ALL the others, noted the weary droop
.pf her shoulders.
She started violently when he came
up from behind and spoke to her.
She faced him, hesitated an instant.
and then said. without a trace of
emoticn in her voice:
Tom. do you think Colonel Grand
would be willing to buy out my share
In the show?
He stared. Then he laughed sar-
Ironically.
What are you givin' us? Buy out
your share? l should say not. He
might buy you, but o. your share
you are a beast, Tom %Braddock,''
she said, the red mounting slowly to
her pale cheek.
Say, don't you suppose ! know how
at stands with you and him. he re-
sAorted. Come of, Mary. You're both
trying to freeze me out. I'm onto the
little game"
Deaf speak SO loudly" she i'm
Dlorei. clasping her hands.
Oh, I'm not tellin' any secrets" he
sns&led. Its common property. Ev-
ssybody's on. l should think you'd be
Ashamed to look Christine in the
face"
~ God forgive you, Tom Braddock,'
she cried, abiect horror in her eyes.
Say, I've got to have an under
standing with you" he went on ruth
l1ssly. I'm going to find out just
how / stand in this here arrangement.
Grand's taking charge of the money
lox. He say it's o and him against
rae. He's going to"
He lies! He lies!"
'"Oh, let up-let up. I'm no fool
Tom Braddock, are you-are tot
accusing me?"
He opened his lips to utter the
words which would have ended every
tAing between them. His eyes met
hers and the words slipped back into
his throat. The spark of manhood
that was left in him revolted against
this wanton assault upon the pure
9sDul that looked out upon him.
Course not" he said reluctantly.
"How much lower can you sink?'
lie asked in low tones.
sDont you turn against me like
tl.fs.' he returned sullenly.
n have endured too long-too long"
ele said ~lifelessly.
I'm sick of having you whining all
aliA tinE3-"
ssWhining!" she cried. God in
haven"
Her bitter laugh irritated him.
s7tay, I got to talk this business over
weth you. We've got to understand
a~Itch other"
I'VE 10 understand each other" she
5Mi11, = note Of decision in her voice. |
sIOu = ready to sacrifice me to
iS11fnn money u of that hor,sd beast.
15looxhe him. You know 1t, and yet |
- force me to meet him. Either |
Ioavos this show, or l do. will |
1ndure this unspoken but mani
Insult 4 day longer"
50 Hike to know how you're going /
holp It." he said. glaring at her
16lf restored belligerence. You
~ ont without losin' what
2<Sr9sa ~ IN the business and hn