The evening world., 1914-03-12


the Joint. old man."
Colingraft came directly up TO
where we were standing. There was
trouble In his eye.
See here. Mr.. Smart" he began
austcrcly. "lve got something TO say
to you. and I'm not tho sort to put
II OF. appreciate what you've done
for Aline and all that sort Of thing,
but your manner to-day has been In.
tolcrablc. and we've got TO come to
an understanding"
I. eyed him closely. II suppose
You're about to suggest that one or
tho other Of US must--cvacuate--gct
out no to speak," said l.
Don't talk rubbish. You've got my
mother bawling her eyes out up.
stairs. and wishing she wcro dead.
You've got TO come of this high horse
Of yours. You've got to apologize to
her. and damned quick. at that. I'm
derstand3"
Nothing will give me greater Joy
than 20 offer her my most abject
apology. Mr.. Titus. Unless 1t would
be her unqualified forgiveness"
= "You'il have to withdraw every.
thing you said"
I'll withdraw everything except my
ultimatum In respect to her putting
n foot outside these walls. That still
stands"
81 beg TO differ with you"
"You may beg TIL you're black in
the face" said I cooiiy.
lie swallowed hard. His facc
twitched and his hands werc cienchcd,
you are pretty much OF a mucker,
Mr.. Smart" he said between his
teeth. I'm sorry my sister has fallen
into your hands. Tho worst OF Il Il,
she seems satisfied with everything
you do. Good Lord! What she can
see in you II beyond my comprehen-
sion. Protection! Why you couldn't
protect her from the assault Of q
chicken"
"Are you trying to insult me. Mr..
Titus?"
You couldn't resent Il II I wers.
There never was an author with
enough moral backbone to-
walt! You arc her brother. I
don't want to have trouble with you.
But II you keep on In this strain, Mr..
Titus. I shall DO compelled to thrash
you soundly."
He fairly Gasped. '"rh--thrash me-"
he choked out. Then he advanced.
Much to his surpriss--and. strange.
ly enough. not to my own---I failed
to retreat. Instead. I extended my
left fist with considerable abrupt
ness and precision and he landed on
his back.
experienced a sensation OF unhoiy
Joy. Up to that moment I had won
dered whether ! could do II with my
left hand.
I looked at jasper jr. lie WA
staring at me In utter bcwiiderment.
Good Lord! You--you've knocked
him DOWN."
II didn't think could do IT," said
] hazily.
He sprang to his brothers side. AMI
assisted INN to u sitting posture.
fright to the Jaw" shouted Jas.
per. with n strange enthusiasm.
Left" | corrected him.
Colingraft gaxed about him In 4
stupid. vacant fashion for a moment,
and then allowed his glazed eyes to
rest upon me. He sat rather Imply,
l thought.
Are you hurt. Colly?" cried Jas
per jr.
A sickly grin. more Of surprise than
shame. stole over ColinRraft's face.
He put his hand TO his jaw; then to
tho back OF his head.
ny JOve!" he murmurcd. I'll
didn't think he had II In him. Let
mo get up!"
Jasper Jr. was discreet. Better let
well enough alone. old
II intend to-" said Colingraft AZ he
struggled to his feet.
For a moment he faced me. un.
certainly.
I'm sorry. Mr.. Titus" said I calm.
ly.
"You--you are wonder!" fell
from his lips. I'm not coward,
Mr.. Smart. I've boxed a good deal In
my time. but--by Jove. l never had
q Jolt like that"
He turned abruptly and left III.
We followed him slowly toward the
steps. At the bottom he stopped and
faced me again.
You're n better man than
thought" he said. III you'll bury the
Ratchet. 80 will ]. ! take back what
] said to you. not because I'm afraid
OF you. but because | respect you.
What say? WIN you shake hsnds?"
The surly. arrogant expression was
gone from his face. In It's place was
a puzzled. somewhat inquiring look.
NO hard feeling on my part" I
cried gladly. We shook hands. Jas
per jr. slapped me on the back.
MS most distressing. atavistic
habit I'm getting into. knocking peo-
I 10 down without rhyme or reason"
Il dare say you had reason" NUT
tered Coiingraft. II got what WAS
coming to me-" An eager light crept
into his handsome ewes. "By love. ye