The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1913-01-16

Braddock seemed surprised at the
boys readiness. He received the
weapon gingerly. A sudden spasm
shook his big frame.
Isis 1t loaded?" he inquired. less
sugubrious than he had been before.
No. said Ernie shortly. Brad
docks chest swelled suddenly Il
suppose you think I'm fool enough to
Yet you kill yourself with my gun and
me right here where they could nab
me. It's got blank ca'tridges. that's
oil. Somebody changed 'em on me
last night-just before that-that
sneak went away on the train. But
II you really want to shoot yourself
went on Ernie maliciously. I've got
round of real ca'tridges here. While
you're loadin' the gun l can make q
sneak. II I was you. though. I'd 90
up that alley there. Brad. It's ter
rible public here
"Yos wicked little brute, you!"
cried Braddock. coming to his feet
and drawing away as II from q viper.
you cold-blooded whelp! IL never
heard Of such"
Amt you 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
her first. Then maybe l won't do It
at ALL"
Ernie's scofflng laugh followed him
into the shadows. It was the last
straw. He was an object of derision
to this thing Of jibes and sneers.
The flush Of anger had come back
into his bloated cheeks by the time
he 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
red curtains. peering out into the big
top" He knew Just where to look
for her; she always stood there while
her daughter was performing with old
Tom Sacks. Not Tom Braddock, but
all the others, noted the weary droop
OF 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 q trace of
emotion 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.
donically.
What are you givin' US! Buy out
your share? I should say not. He
might buy you. but not your share. -
"You are q beast. Tom Braddock," /"
she said, the red mounting slowly to
her pale cheek.
Say, don't you suppose know how
It stands with you and him?" he re-
torted Come OF, Mary. You're both
trying to freeze me out. I'm onto the
little game
Don't speak so loudly" she i'm.
plored. clasping her hands.
"Oh, I'm not tellin' any secrets" he
snarled. its common property. Ev.
erybody's on. I should think you'd be
ashamed to look Christine in the
face"
God forgive you. Tom Braddock,' y
she cried. abject horror in her eyes
Say. i've got to have an under.
standing with you" he went on ruth,
lessly. I'm going to find out Just
how stand in this here arrangement
Grand's taking charge of the money
box. He says it's you and him against
me. He's going to-"
He lies! He liesI"
"Oh. let up-let up! I'm no fool. i"
tom Braddock, are you-are you
accusing met"
He opened his lips to utter the
words which would have ended every.
thing 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
soul that looked out upon him.
"Course not" he said reluctantly,
How much lower can you sink ~
she asked In how tones.
Don't you turn against me like
this" he returned sullenly.
II have endured too long-too Ions, .
she said hfelessly.
I'm sick Of having you whining all
the time"
"whining!" she cried. God IN
heavsn!"
Her bitter laugh irritated him
"Say. I got to talk this business over
with you. We've got to understand
each other"
We do understand each other" she
said. q note Of decision in her voic.
You are ready to sacrifice me "a
worm money out Of that horrid beast
! loathe him. You know 1t, and vet
you force me to meet him. Either
he leaves this show, or do. viii
not endure this unspoken but mani.
fest insult a day longer"
"Td like to know how you're eoins
to help It," he said. glarins at her
with half restored belligerence. you
can't get out without losin' what
you've got in the business, and he
won't get out"