The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-06-03

boldly down the path, speak to HIS cou-
sin. and continue his peRceable way
homeward, before any serious friction
could result.
He knew that Chetwynd was ready
and eager for the chance to quarrel.
There had been plenty of evidence of
h fact during h past few days. His
cousin had glowered at him with posi-
tive hatred In his eyes ever since his
return from New York. There was a
score to be settled. and Eric knew 1t.
1t would not be settled with boxing
gloves, but with bare fists. He was
not afraid of Chetwynd, but he was
especially reluctant to invite a physical
clash at this time. His own blood was
hot with long pent-up rage, and he
knew that the slightest spark would set
IL aflanle. The result might prove dis
astrous in more ways than one. This
was the time for reason for temporiz-
Ing, although every sinew In his body
ached to be at this cheat and bully.
Just as he was on the point OF start
ing down the slope an action on Chef
wynd's part stayed him for a moment,
curiosity being responsible for his mo-
mentary hesitation.
Young Blagden drew a letter from his
pocket, read II with u~nmistakable Gag
erness, and then, to the Watchers
amazement, pressed the tinted sheet to
his lips. There was apparent reluct-
ance in the young bully's next act. He
looked at the missive for some mo-
ments. as II In doubt, n then, with
a shake OF his head, drew q match from
his pocket, struck ii on n rail, and set
fire to the corner Of the tender epis-
tie, which he held In his fingers until
1t was quite consumed, before drop
ping Ii into the ravine. y
In the next instant, as IL impelled by
some telepathic fierce, he whirled and
looked up the slope to where Eric was
standing. For a full minute, the two
young men remained motionless, star
ing at each other. Then Eric began
slowly to descend.
AS he emerged from the s%hrubbery at
n base or the rock. he saw Chetwynd
advancing upon him, his face white
with passion. his eyes stark with
alarm and apprehension.
You internal sneakl" he Kissed
through his rigid lips. $50 you've been
spying on me, have you? IN fix you
for that!"
AZ he spoke. he drew back his arm
and the next Instant a Jagged rock
came whizZing through the air, aimed
with deadly interest at Eric's head. A
dozen PAGES separated the young men.
Eric had expected some such treachery
as this, and was more or less prepared
for 1t. He leaped nimbly to one side,
and the missile grazed his ear. In the
same moment he stopped and swept UP
a stone at his feet. Chetwynd, slower
than his adversary, was reaching for
another.
Drop IT." yelled Eric. Drop II, I
say! I'll let you have this right in the
face. II you pick up that rock. You
know I can do II, 81 look Quit"
Chetwynd had cause to remember
ENrtH'S ahiIffV IN fhrnU afrot0hf IIa
dropped the stone and covered his face
with his arm. ~crouching back against
the rail post.
"Here!" he shouted hoarsely. Look
out what you're doing! Don't you
throw that rock at me, you numbering
cur. Do you want to kill me?'
donic grin.
You're a fine ne to talk. you are"
he cried. his voice trembling with ex-
element. What did you do but try
to kill me just now? rye a notion to
let you have this. just to-"
,"Don't!" yelled Chetwynd. in fresh
alarm.
well, you stay where you are, then.
you internal brute. I don't want to
have any trouble with you. I'm going
home. / wasn't spying on you, and
you know 1t. Don't move from where
you are. Chiefly, or, by thunder, ri
KNOCK your neaQ OIL. ". t|''
You can just bet you're not looking
for trouble with me. II you didn't have
that rock in you hand I come over there
and kick you clear over Buds Rock.
You are a sneak and a spy and a lying
one at that. And III just get you for
II some day"
He was trembling with rage. If Eric
had not held the upper hand over him
at that moment, murder would have
been done on the lonely spot.
Il don't want to talk to you, Chef"
said Midthorne resolutely. you can't
drag me into a fight, much as I'd like
to v 1t out with you. I've got good
reason for beating your brains put, and
you know It. You let me alone and I'll
do h same by you. II there is no 9TH
er way, I'll take Mary and go away
from Corlnth. I won't stand anything
more from you. Wen let things go as
they are, IL you are willing, but you've
Just got to let me alone. I've not told
Uncle Horace what you did to her. but
l did tell him you stole my drawing
the -" ..,
IT'S a liel" cried ChetWynd. 1T made
that drawing. You dirty sneak. YOU
tried to work that CUFF off on father.
But I proved to him yesterday that it
was my drawing that tool the prize.
He knows 1t now. He believes you had
a purpose In lying"
You proved it," cried Eric, yaghast
How could you prove it?"
II proved It by mother. IL that will
satisfy you. She saw mo working on it
for days" snarled the other, showing
his teeth. NA
Eric giared. Did Aunt Rena say
that?" he gasped.
(Coptinued next week.