Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-03-04

That's right" seconded Willie
Hes told US all along that Mr.. Speed
was Merc-ry-footed wonder. and If
the young Teller can't run he had
ought to have told u.s."
Mr. Cloudy showed his understand.
ing of the discussion by nodding 81.
| lently.
Well put it up to him in the morn.
ing" said Slower.
IF Mr.. Speed cannot r-r-run, wat
you do, eh?" questioned the Mexican.
| Nobody answered. Still Bill seemed
| at loss for words, Mr.. Cloudy stared
! gloomily into space, and Willie ground
! his teeth.
On the following morning Speed
sought a secluded nook with Helen,
but no sooner had he launched himself
fairly upon the subject uppermost in
his mind than he was disturbed by a
delegation OF cowboys, consisting OF
the original four who had waited upon
him that first morning after his ar.
rival. They came forward with grave
and serious mien. requesting mo-
ments interview. 1t was plain there
was something of more than ordinary
Importance upon their minds from the
manner in which Slower spoke, but
when Helen quickly volunteered to
withdraw, Speed checked :ier.
Stay where you are: have no Sc.
crets from you." said he. Then noting
the troubled face Of the foreman,
quoted mpatiently:
You may fire when ready, Grid
ley"
Still Bill shifted tie lump III his
cheek, and cleared his throat before
beginning formally.
Mr.. Speed, while We honor you
heap for your accomplishments, and
while We believe il you IS a man and
a champeen, we kind Of feel that it
might make you stretch your lesa
some if you knew just exactly wha:
this foor-race means to the Flying
Heart outfit"
Il assured you that the Centipede
cook would be beaten" said the col. /
lege man, stifhy.
Isn't Mr.. Speeds word sufficient"
inquired the girl.
Slower bowed "It had sure ought to
be, and we thank you for them new
assurances. You see, our spiritual on.
rest IS due to the fact that Humpy
Joe's getaway left us broke, and we
banked on you to pull US even. That
first experience strained our credullty
to the Dustin point, and-weli, in
words Of one syllable, we come from
Joplin"
Missouri" said Willie.
My dear sirs, can't prove that you
are going to win your wagers until the
day of the race. However, if you are
broke to start with. l don't see how
you can expect to lose q great deal"
You amt got the right angle on the
affair" Slower explained. Outside OF
the onbearable contumely OF losin'
twice to this Centipede outfit, which
would be bad enough, We have drawn
a months wages in advance, and we
have put it up. Moreover, have bet
my watch, which was presented to me
by the officials OF the Santa Fe for
KILN pair Of road-agents when l
was deputy sheriff"
Miss Blake uttered little scream,
and Speed regarded the lanky speaker
with new interest.
IT'S a Waltham movement, solid
gold case. eighteen jewels, and en-.
sraved with my name"
No wonder you prize it," said
wally.
81 bet my saddle" informed Carara,
in his slow, soft dialect. Stamp
leather wit silver flagree It is more
dear to me then-wcll-I love it ver'
much senor!"
Seems like Willie has, made the
extreme sacrifice" Stcver followed I'D.
While all our boys has gene the
limit, Willie has topped 'em all; hes
bet his gun"
Indeed! Is it good weapon?''
Its been good to me-" said the lit.
tie man, dryly. 81 took it Off the quiv.
ering remains OF sheriff in Dodge
City, up to that time the best nip shot
Il Kansas"
Speed felt a cold chill steal up his
spine, while Miss Blake went pale and
laid trembling hand upon his arm.
you see it amt intrinsic value so
much as association and sentiment
that leads to this interview" Slower
continued. st amt no joke-we don't
Joke with the Centipede-and we've
relied on you. The Mex here would
10 murder for that saddle" Carara
nodded, and breathed something in his
own tongue. II have parted with my
honor, and Willie is gamblin' just as
nigh
'tBut I notice Mr.-Willie still has
lis revolver"
"Surs got it," Willie laughed, abb
'uptly. And don't give it up till we
ose, neither. That's the under
'tandin'." Els voice was surprisingly
harsh for one so high-pitched. He