The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-11-09
(cont,nued.1

horseshoe bend. finding in a sheltered nook the three ponies that Wilfred had provided at nightfall. He had hoped to the last that Willock could be pro vailed on to alter his decision, and evel while riding away toward Mangum h. Argued and coaxed But it was IL vain. and as they clattered up to the hotel veranda Willeck was searching the crowd for a glimpse of the sheriff. The street was unusually full for that time of night Some topic of engros- sing interest seemed to engage all minds until Willocl's figure was recog- nized; then, indeed. he held thef center of attention. Men gathered eagerly, curiously, but without the hostility they would have displayed had. not a message regarding Red Feather reach ed the town Brick was still an out law, to be sure. but whatever crimes he had committed were unkhown, hence unable to react on the imagina- tfon. The surviving friend of, Red Kimball. giving up his efforts against Willock on the liberation of Bill, had left the country harmless without his leader. T&
 Conversation which had been loud and excited, eager calls from street cor ners that had punctuated the many tongued argument and exposition, dim med to silence. There was a forward movement of the men, not rush, but a vfbratory swell of the human tide pushing toward the steps of the hotel. The tHo riderless horses danced side wise. Brick Wiflock had jumped upon the unpainted floor of the yeranda, and Wilfred had sprung lightly to his side. esI'1 just keep on my horse,'' Inutter- cd Bill, resting one leg stihy over the pommel T can't get up as used to, and I expect to stay with ye, Brick. to the jail door" M Wi1Iock did not turn his shaggy head to answer. He had seen the sheriff at the other<end of the piazza, and he. made straight for him, not even. con descending to a grin when the other, mistaking his intentions, whipped out his revolver. Put it up, pard," 7. Brick said gruf1y. 'ssWhen you come to me in the cove Rew.years ago give you a warm wei come, but now ain't a-comfng to you. I'm coming to the law. Where's that there warrant2"
 The crowd that had been listening to the sherif's discourse before the ar rival of the highwayInan scattered at sight of the drawn weap pon, all except Lahoma-
 ..Briskr, she cried. "oh. Brick. Brfck!
 There was something in her voice he couIdNnot understand. but he dared not turn to examine her face. He could not trust himself if he once looked at her.
 Get out your warrant" he cried gaEageIy, sand get it out quick if you want mew His great breast heaved with the conflict of powerful emotions.
 I'm sure sorry to see you, old man, M1zzoo declared. we know Red Feather done what we was charging up against you. but guess there's no other course open to me. As my aunt < used to say Cdiss Sue of Missouri I got a duty-do it I must 2 He thrust his hairy hand into his bosom and drew forth the fatefuI paper.
 L.ahoma laughed Read it, Mizzoo read it aloud-read all of it.'' she cried gIeefulIy
 WiIfred looked at her. bewildered The crowd stared alsd. knowing her love for Brick. therefore dazed at the sound of mirthfuI music. Brick turned his head at last. He looked also, not
 
 his hard. stern eyes
 Mixzco turned red. Well, yes, I'll read it, he said dedantiy. "SureI l guess as sher1T of Greer county I'll make shift to get through with if alive
 He began to read slowly, doggedly Brick, without movement save for that heavings of his bosom, facing him with mfngling on his face of supreme de 6ance for the reader and superstitious awe for the legal instrument
 That's all," Mizzoo at last an nounced- You'll have to come with me, Willock.''
 Hold onY' came voices. from the crowd. During the reading they had been watching Lahoma, and her ex. pression promised more than fruitless laughter. Hold on, Mizzoo. Laho- mas got something up her sleever'
 Lahoma spoke clearly, that her voice might carry to the confines of the crowd: .'Afizzoo. think you read ir that warrant county of Greer. state ot Texas?' Didn't you?''
 That's what I done. Here's the words.
 "But. you see.' returned Lahoma ethat warrants no good!"
 Mfzzoo stared at her moment, ther exclaimed violently, By Propriety forbade the completion of his phrase
 The crowd instantly caught hel meaning; shout rose, shriIl, tumultu Ous. broken with laughter. She had reminded them of the subject whicI short time ago had engaged al minds
 It's no good" cried Lahoma trf umphantly. She took it from Mizzoo's lax fingers and deliberately tore it from top to bottom.
 T guess I'm a-getting old sure enough" said Bill ssThis is beyond me-
 WiIfred looked at Lahoma question fngly. Brick, stupefied by violence done that sacred instrument of civiIi-