The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1915-03-18

ed to be lying face up "a chance
q fully prearranged). 1t was an item
. which Farbish had known, in ad-
vance of publication, but Wilfred
wculd never have seen that sheet,
had it not been so carefully brought
to his attention. There were hints
Of the strange infatuation which a
certain young woman seemed to en-
terrain for a partially civilized stran-
ger who had made his entree to New
York via the police court, and who
wore his hair long in imitation, of a
biblical character of the same name.
The supper at the Wigwam inn was
mentioned, and the character of the
place intimated Horton felt this OBJ
jectionable innuendo was directly
traceable to Adrienne's ill-judged
friendship for the mountaineer. and
he bitterly blamed the mountaineer.
And, while he had been brooding on
these matters, man acting as Far
bish's ambassador had dropped into
his room, since Farbish himself knew
that Horton would not listen to his
condolences. The delegated spokes-
man warned Wilfred that Samson
South had spoken pointedly of him.
and advised cautious conduct, In 3
fashion calculated to infiame.
Samson, II was falsely alleged. had
accused him OF saying derogatory
things In HE absence, which he would
hardly venture to repeat in his pres
ence. In short, 1t was put to Horton
to announce his opinion openly. or eat
the crow of cowardice.
That evening. when Samson went
to his room, Farbish joined him.
"l've been greatly annoyed to fnd,"
he said, seating himself on Samson's
bed, that Horton arrived today"
Il reckon that's all right" said Sam
son. He's a member, isn't he?"
Farbish appeared dubious.
Il don't want to appear in the guise
of prophet OF trouble" he said, but
you are my guest here, and must
warn you. Horton thinks OF you as
gun. fighter and a dangerous man.
He won't takes chances with you.
If there is a clash, it will be serious.
He doesn't often drink, but today
he's doing it. and may be ugly. Avoid
an alteration If you can. but if it
comes" He broke off and added seri-
ously; You will have to get him, or
he will get you. Are you armed?"
The Kentuckian laughed.
II reckon | don't need to be armed
gentlemen"
Farbish drew from his pocket
pistol.
1T won't hurt you to slip that into
your clothes" he insisted.
For an instant, the mountaineer
stood looking at his host and with eyes
that bored deep, but whatever was in
he kept to himself. At last, he took
the magazine pistol, turned it over in
his hand, and put it into his pocket
Mr.. Farbish, he said, I've been in
places before now where men were
drinking who had made threats against
me. | think you are excited about
his thing. If anything starts, he will
start il"
At the dinner table Samson South
and Wilfred Horton were introduced,
and acknowledged their introductions
With the briefest and most formal
lods. During the course of the meal
hough seated side by side, each ig-
lored the presence of the other. Sam
ION was, perhaps, no more silent than
Usual. Always, he was the listener ex-
,ept when a question was put to him
iirect, but the silence which sat upon
Nilfred Horton was departure from
zig ordinary custom. i
He had discovered in his college
lays that liquor instead of exhilarat- J
ng him, was an influence under which /,
lie grew morose and sullen, and that
discovery had made him almost total !,
Ibstainer, Tonight, his glass was con-
tantly filled and emptied, and. as he
tie, he gazed ahead, and thought re- (
entfully Of the man at his side.
When the coffee had been brought, |
md the cigars lighted and the serv,
lnts had withdrawn, Horton with the I
manner of one who had been awaiting
In opportunity, turned slightly in his
hair, and gazed insolently at the Ken /,
uckian.
Samson South still seemed entirely |
of the others existence, |
hough in reality no detail Of the brew !
ng storm had escaped him. He was
studying the other faces around the /
able. and what he saw In them ap-
feared to occupy him. Wilfred Hor- !
.on'S cheeks were burning with dull |
lush, and his eyes were narrowing |
With an unveiled dislike. Suddenly, !
| silence fell on the party. and, as
he men sat puffing their cigars, Horton
urned toward the Kentuckian. For a
he glared In silence, then
With an impetuous exclamation of dis
gust he announced:
See here, South, | want you 10 know
hat II Id understood you were to be
lere. | wouldn't have come. 1t has
pleased me to express my opinion of
'ou to a number of people, and now |
mean to express it to you in person"
Samson looked around, and his feat
Tres indicated neither surprise nor in
crest. He caught Farbish's eye at
he same instant and thouph the nlOt-