The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1913-10-03

just behind your head. You Teat nea
that same revolver TO Gus, for he
couldnt use his AZ quick enough, on
account OF the tree trunk Lucky for
you, he was steady and sure Its no
small trick to put 4 bah through 4
snake. He told me he sat down and
baWled, just thinkin' Of the look in
your eyes. Yes, recolleet that. And
SO you let him have it cheap
Mr.. Clews shifted uneasily He, too,
remembered.
Il got another same make, said
he clumsily. producing heavy re-
yolyer for comparison Gus is round.
| s'pose?"
Stopped in while ago for a
drink, replied Melinda calmly I
had only cookin' water from the rain
barrel, and he went up to the spring.
clean forgot to ask him to bring me
some drinkin'. Said he, I'll leave my
gun here, Mel It's hot toting it, and
Ill get itIwhen / come back! Say,
Dave. II you hurry. you'll catch him.
Then you can help carry the water.
It's a warm lug for one. Set your re-
volver by his, If you want to- don't
mind 'em. Here's the pail You're
comm to our weddin next month, Of
course?'
IL hope So. answered the man,
absently. Yes, might as well leave
it, so long as" he paused and put
down his weapon. Your pa amt heard
heard of any row lately?"
Row? No! If he had, I'd know it.
I'm praying for his sake that rows
will be scarce" She smiled meaning
ly, and her visitor grinned Mr.. Han
wood had recently returned from a
period of incarceration due to one of
those episodes of violence for which
he had prediction.
! Clews, drumming lightly on the up
turned pail, strolled up the narrow.
bushy path.
Mel hain't been told, that's sartin. !"
he ruminated Il don't feel quite 80
anxious for gore. specially Gus Shar
ley's. If he'll come half way, I'll meet
him; if nothum! Durn the girl! She
upset me. Well, with no guns, we can't
do nothin' serious, and / II speak him
fair
Ten minutes later, two men were
walking towards the dingy cottage,
carrying between them pail of wa
ter Their faces were serious, but not
angry. They were not speaking like
the reconciled. The solemn calmness
was an ominous presage of merely de-
ferred trouble.
tMelvina, watching eagerly for hope
h full signs, felt her heart sink.
The pail was set down.
Thank you very much, boys a sob
was behind the cheerful words. She
was trying hard-very hard.
Mel Sharley's face was averted
II amt sure but what I'll need"
He halted. Clews' hat was over his
eyes.
oh! your revolyer?" said the girl,
brightly. Yes, you left it. Dawes.
too. Wait a moment" She ran in
side.
The men loitered apart. their rup-
ture only half healed, their blood still
longing for deadly settlement, the
old bond of affection urging for rec
onciliation. thorough and complete.
Suddenly, before either could give
OBTAINING spring, flying figure
darted between them and across the
yards to the old well curb.
They heard two dull, heavy splashes,
and gazed at each other aghast.
''Boys!" rang Melvina's triumphant
shout If you're not sure, l am. Get
your old guns If you can. They're at
the bottom of the WE'LL
After that, Dave Clews spoke first.
as the pair carried the fainting form
to the house.
Gus, he said, softly, I'm comm
to the weddin', yer know"
s'As best man, or nothin'," returned
Mr.. Sharley, firmly.
They both gazed at the pale, girlish
face; then at each other for a long.
steady gaze; then. away. quickly.
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