The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1913-08-01
XIX.
A Full Confession.

There were two more dances sched-
uled on the program. The last Of
these had begun before the infantry
sergeant returned, and, apologizing
for his long absence, resumed his du-
ties at the door. Across the room. |
Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss Nc
Donald. where she danced with an
unknown officer; then he turned and
elbowed his way to the street. The
hotel opposite wac all hustle and con-
fusion. the bar-room crowded with the
thirsty emergency walters who had
rushed about the hall completing final
| preparations. The Sergeant, intent
on his purpose, and aware that the
band had ceased playing. lodged past
these and entered the parlor. 1t vas
already occupied by four e who
were playing cards at a small. round
table and smoking vigorously. entire
ly e~ngrossed in their game. None of
them so much as glanced up, and the
intruder hesitated an instant, quickly
determining his course Of action.
There was little choice left. The girl
would never make an appointment
with him except through necessity,
and 1t was manifestfy his duty to pro-
tect her from observation. Two of the
men sitting there were strangers; the
others he knew merely by sight, a
tin-horn gambler called Charlie, and q
suffers clerk. HIS decision was swift.
and characteristic.
Gents" he said, stepping up. and
, tapping the table sharply. you'll have
! to from here"
What the hell" the gambler
I looked up into the gray eyes,. and
stopped.
8 That's all right, Charlie" went or
r Hamlin coolly. n hand at his belt
Those are my orders. and they go
: Hire a room upstairs II you want te
keep on with the game. Pick up the
stun, you fellows"
d But see here" the speaker wa.
upon his feet protesting. THE OLE
v man told US we could come in here.
Il THE old mans word don't go TO
+ this floor tonight, partner. It's rente'
by the post officers. Now mosey RICH
- along. and don't come back unless yol
10 are looking for trouble-you too, Fat
ty."
Right or wrong there was plainly n
use continuing the argument, for Han
. Inns fingers were upon the butt OF hi
revolver, and his eyes hardened at tn
- delay. The gamblers inclination wa
TO oppose this summary dismissal, bu
:. a glance at his crowd convinced hiI
~ he would have to play the hand alon'
=. 80 he yielded reluctantly. swept tn
~ chips into the side pocket of hiS cos
- and departed. leaving behind him
y, trail of profanity. The. SergeaT
-. smiled, but remained motionless unit
they disappeared.
The blum works." he thought s
~ renely, unless they make a kick
the Office; some peeved, Charlie was
od He stepped over to the window, al
a, held back the curtain. A burly fgu
=. occupied the bench, with feet upon II
rail. Even IN that outside dimne
Al. could be distinguished a black bear
II. The very man. and the Sergea
-, chuckled grimly with a swiftly DO
,lv hone that the IoIlOW might CIoatc
"a row. Nothing at that moment cot
have pleased him more. He biz
out the parlor light, partially clos
the door. and stepped forth on to
'ull porch.
Say, you." he said grufly. droppi
No one hand heavily or the others sho
a. der. Did you hear what l said
- those fellows inside? Well. It &c
ont here the same. Pack up. and lt
In the deck"
"Reb" dropped his feet to the fl
his and stood up. his bearded lips gro
ing profanity. but Hamlin gripped
wrist. and the man stopped. "
mouth still open. staring into the $
the ueant's face. All bravado seemed
desert him instantly.
asa. .Who-who says SOL? and
stepped back farther into the shad
lon II do, II you need to know" plt