The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1915-06-17
he castle and what ned do if he were


genuous way. always supplementins
them with some such salve as Don't
YOU think so. Mr.. Smart?" or I'm sure
you have thought of 1t YOURSELF" or
Isn't that your idea too?" or you've
done wonders with the joint. old man :"
Colingraft came directly up to where
we were standing.
"See here. Mr. Smart" he began aus
terely, i've got something to say to
you, and I'm not the sort to put it off
appreciate what you've done for
Aline and all that sort Of thing, but
your manner today has been into!er
able. and we've got to come to an un
derstanding"
eyed him closely. Il suppose you're
about to suggest that one or the other
of us must evacuate-get out. SO to
speak," | said.
Don't talk rubbish. You've got my
mother bawling her eyes out upstairs
and wishing she were dead. You've
got to come of this high horse OF
yours. You've got to apologize to her.
and quick at that. Understand!'
Nothing will give me greater joy
than to offer her my most abject apol
ogy. Mr.. Titus, unless it would be her
unqualified forgiveness"
"You'll have to withdraw everything
you said"
iii withdraw everything except my
ult1matum In respect to her putting a
foot outside these walls That still
stands"
Il beg to differ with you"
you may beg till you're black in the
face" said l cooIly.
lie swallowed hard. His face twitch
ed, and his hands were clinched.
"You are pretty much Of a mucker.
Mr.. Smart" he said between his teeth
I'm sorry my sister has fallen into
your hands. The worst Of 1t is she
seems satisfied with everything you
do. Good Lord. what she can see in
you Is beyond comprehension! Protec.
ton! Why, you couldn't protect her
from the assault OF chicken!"
Are you trying to insult me. Mr..
Titus?'
"You couldn't resent 1t If were.
| There never was an author with
enough moral backbone to-
"Wait! You are her brother don't
want to have trouble with you But
II you keep on in this strain. Mr.
Titus. | shall be compelled to THRASH,
you soundly."
He fairly gasped ''Th-thrash met
he choked out. Then he advanced.
| Much to his surprise-and. strangely
enough. not to my OWL failed to re
treat. Instead extended my left fist
| with considerable abruptness and pre-.
cision. and he landed on his back.
| experienced a sensation of unholy
joy. Up to that moment had won
dered whether | could do it with my
left hand.
! I looked at Jasper junior. He was
staring at me in utter bewilderment.
"Good Lord. you-youve knocked
him down.
II didn't think | could do it," said
hazily.
He sprans to bis brothers. side and
assisted him to Il sitting posture.
"Kight to the jaw" shouted Jasper.
with a strange enthusiasm.
Left" l corrected him.
COlingraft gaZed about him in stu
pid. vacant fashion for u moment. and
then allowed his glazed eyes to rest
upon me. He sat rather Imply. l
thought.
"Are you hurt. Colly?" cried Jasper
Junior.
A sickly grin. more Of surprise than
shame, stole over Colingraft's face.
He put his hand to his jaw, then to
the back Of his head.
"By Jove!' he murmured. "1-1
didn't think he had it in him. Let me
get up!'
Jasper Junior was discreet. "Better
let we'll enough alone, old"-
II intend to- sale Colingraft as he
struggled to his feet.
For moment he faced me uncer.
tainly.
I'm sorry, Mr.. Titus" said calmly.
"You-you are a wonder!'' fell from
his lips. I'm not a coward, Mr.. Smart.
I've boxed good deal in my time, but,
by Jove, never had jolt like that!'
He turned abruptly and left U.S. We
followed him slowly toward the steps.
At the bottom be stopped and faced
me again.
you're better man than thought"
he said. IF you'll bury the Ratchet,
so will l. take back what / said to
you not because I'm afraid Of you, but
because respect you. What say?
Will you shake hands?'
The surly, arrogant expression was
gone from his face. In its place was a
puzzled, somewhat inquiring look.
mo hard feeling on my part" cried
gladly. We shook hands. Jasper jun
Tor slapped me on the back. "1t's a
most distressing, atavistic habit I'm
| no<%ipo into knoolinO nonn1o down