The Detroit times., 1913-05-06

i mann &c oleNe, CIlSu tue Tavern
keeper In husky voice, and his
| bleary eyes sought the handsome face
or the younger man. Thank ee-but
You can't keep me back She's my
| wife. she's skipped ont with another
man, and now I'm going TO make her
| skip back and | reckon she'll do quite
little skipping one way and another
before this affairs settled" and he
shook his head ominously.
Then he said:
Them deeds covering the transfers
OF that land, and the distillery. are In
lakes hands. He can get EN- record
ed. It's all right to leave II with him
to close up the deal, amt II. boys?'
Yes. certainly. He will have to
attend to it, said Stephen.
Jim appeared at the door. We'll,
Tucker, IL you are going. look spry
The mares hooked to the light fix"
Mr. Tucker. who had been standing
by the window with his head sunk on
his breast turned quickly. reused by
his words
"Thank'ee. Jim, I'm ready. You'n
look after things until get back"
and he gathered up the gaily-colored
quilt that hid the horse pistols. jim
seemed slightly crestfallen.
Don't | go too. Tucker" he asked
You know when 1t comes TO the
madam you amt no match for her
Don't YOU reckon you'll want me?"
''I'll attend to her. You do as
you're told" said the old man with
touch OF unexpected dignity. He cross
ed the room to where the I.andrays
stood with Benson. "Gooy-bye, boys.
and good luck to you" he gave trem
ulous hand to each in turn. I'm
mighty sorry to see you go
And we are sorry to see you in this
trouble" said Stephen.
Il trust you'll not do anything has
ty," urged Benson.
We'll. | won't be too everlasting
slow, Jacob" said Tucker grimly
Then he followed Jim from the room
moment later they heard him issue
his final commands to his stableman
the crack OF whip. the clatter of four
shod hoofs on the brick pavement
the rattle of wheels, and Mr.. Tucker
his hat awry, and his two wisps Of
white hair streaming out behind his
Gays like pair OF cupid's wings.
whirled out OF the inn-yard, and down
a. u
wild gallop.
The three men looked from one to
another in silence. Stephen spoke
first.
DO you think she's gone with
Gibbs" he asked.
Il shouldn't wonder, there's been a
good deal of talk 1t was Benson who
answered his question.
I'VE should not have allowed him
to start of after them," said Stephen.
Il imagine would have had our
hands full If We had tried to stop
him. responded Bushrod with
shrug. Here, Jasper Walsh entered
the room.
Let us be of. Mr. l.andray." he
cried. He was boyish, looking young
fellow with a refined~and gentle face,
that was now working piteously
enough. A stranger In Benson, fresh
from an eastern college, he had come
west-bringing with him 4 young wife
to teach school and In his leisure
time study law, but he had decided
that year or 80 In California would
furnish him with the means 10 carry
out his ambitions. and from the saw
ings OF his slender earnings he had
purchased a few shares in the COM
pany. They are waiting for us they
are all ready-can't we START" he
asked
Yes, know, Walsh said Stephen,
then he added, See here. why don't
you throw 1t over? I'll see that your
interests are well looked TO. Come,
be sensible. and stay here with your
wife
No answered the boy determin.
eddy. ITS my chance. It's best for
her, and it's best for me that ] 20.
and I've parted from her and the
worst is over" his lips Quivered.
What's keeping us?" he asked
anxiously.
Nothing" said Stephen, but he did
not move. Bushrod laughed dismally.
Walsh Is right. let's start. don't
want TO hang about here until Anna's
awake. and sees us go past the
house
Stephen looked at him In wonder