Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-04-19
brothers. so close was the general re
semblnnce between them.

-
Of the morning. but the two men rid
Ing forth TO do vengeance each upon
the other saw nothing save the first
grim outline of the tall cottonwoods
that mark the entrance to Satan's
gulch. The trees grew larger and took
definite shape as they drew nearer.
The dull gray line which marked the
mouth Of the gulch became an opening
which finally became large enough for
them to ride through into the rock In
closed desolate place.
At the farther end there was level
stretch OF sand. Here they could wreak
vengeance for their real or fancied
wrongs. and the sun would not be In
their eyes TO dazzle their sight aud
bulk them OF their revenge.
Slowly they dismounted, making
much delay over the careful stalking
Of their horses AT respectful distance.
fussing over the adjustment OF saddles
and blankets and delaying in every
way the crucial moment. At last. when
there was no excuse for further delay
Gabriel walked slowly TO the farthest
point and leaned against rock.
I'm ready" he said carelcssly.
"Same here" returned his enemy
briskly
There won't but one 20 back" said
Gabriel slowly. II s'pose there might
be n message TO send"
An uncomfortable pause followed Al
last CRIME spoke. II amt heard what
| II was you was sore about" he said
grimly. II don't mind shooting man
when think he deserves II. But. con.
found you. Gabe. don't know what's
the matter with you"
"You lie." returned Gabriel deliber'
ately.
THAT'S enough" remarked Crane
! Count ten"
| He drew his revolver and leveled its
long blue barrel ut his erstwhile friend
| Gabriel did likewise and slowly
counted ten
There was a binding flash of powder
| with a simultaneous report from the
two weapons. When the smoke lind
| cleared away the two revolvers were
| lying on the sand and the antagonists
were each nursing right arm.
Crane darted forward. snatched M
one OF the weapons with his left hand
and held II close to Gabriel's head
III you don't tell me what's eatinl
you." he snarled angriy. "lll blow
some daylight into you"
The other glared back at him fierce
| ~. "You mean to say You don't know
what's the natter" he demanded
"why would be asking you. Them
Gabriel was silent for several sec
onds; then he blurted out: Its what
you told Mrs. Padrose. She told ms
what you said the night of the doings
to the minister's house,
what did say?" Cranes face was
scarlet.
she said you told her was married
and didn't ought to be paying attention
to respectable widows That's what
she said you said And It's n blanked
lie. as you know | never was married
to nobody" Gabriel's hand clasped his
wounded arm.
/
brcathed Crane heavily rs he dropped
his left hand to his side. Have
ever told yon lie. Gabe?"
NO" snapped Gabriel.
"Do you believe me when say that
never told that TO the Widder Padrosc:'
Yes"
Then what's your crouch about:"
Gabriel looked helplessly about him
lie saw the jagged rocks. the tufts OF
verdure thrusting forth from the Gran
MES. heard the Tilt of the bluebird and
saw the azure sky OF the new day
His eyes dropped to Cranes face. pale
and drawn with pain. and his own
scowllng countenance broke into q
crumpled smile OF anger and pity.
dash II all. Did wing you. yot
old chcruby Here Tenderly he as
sisted Crane TO u reclining position
his bullet had made Then he applied
his flask 10 Cranes compressed lip:
and watched with concern his com
rade's efforts TO swallow. ForgetfuI oi
the bullet that was In his own right
arm. he worked over the other until al
last Crane sat up. thin saturnine
smile curying his mouth.
I'm all right now. Gabe Get down
here and let me Fix you mp. reckon
I'm Jest as good shot as you arer'
An hour afterward the two rode
slowly toward the Lone Bull Each
right arm was bandaged stitIly. aud
each revolver was thrust IN left
hand pocket
AS for that Wilder Padrose." he
gan Gabriel. when Crane cut In roughly;
Dash the widdcrs for meddlesoms
crew.
Out OF the distance two horsemcn
rode TO Nect them. One was Hurry
Barry. aud the other was Tim Lewis
AT sight Of the two older men riding
together In apparent fricndliness the