Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-08-07

"Oh!" the exclaRation came from
between clenched teeth. Hell. man,
you startled me-"
so ! see; nervous disposition.
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 a declaration
of war. Your easiest way out is
through that window, but you can go
by rail If you prefer"
The 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 II he wasn't actually afraid
OF me. A gun-hghter-pugh!" He
lifted his voice. as "Reb" paused In
the light Of the hall beyond and
glanced back. a fist doubled and up
lifted. "oh. 60 on! Sure, you'll get
me! You are the brave boy, now"
and Hamlin strobe toward the door
threateninsly. "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 stray beam OF light fell
across the floor. Thus far the adven-
ture had scarcely proven interesting.
The last encounter had been 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 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 a row. Yet he had got to his
feet with that intention; II was only
after he had looked into Hamllns
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 a 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.
Dupont But what was the use OF
specializing? Perhaps when the girl
came she would have some light to
throw on these matters. Surely her
sudden determination to see him pri-
vately must have connection with this
affair
These thoughts came swiftly, for his
period of waiting proved to be but "a
short one. He heard the laughter and
| talk as the merry-makers came into
the hotel from the dance hall, crowd.
ing the passage, and thronging in to
where the tables were set Then a
rattle of dishes, and the steady shut.
| fling of walters rushing back and
forth. Occasionally he could distip.
guish shadow out in the hall, but
never changed his motionIess posture,
or removed his eyes from the amer.
ture, until she slipped noiseIessIy
through and stood there painting
slightly, her hand clasping the knob
of the door. Apparently in the semi.
darkness OF the room she was uncer.
tain OF his presence, while her white
dress touched by the outside refec.
ton made her clearly visible.
CTo BE CoNT1NUEDl