Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1915-06-02
leaned against the rail of the bridge.
his arms were folded across his

III WOIOCI dJlU III ilStIS
dismay. Eric watched him in silence.
not with the intent of spying p him,
but because he could not make up his
mind. to venture forth and accost him
in this lonely spot. The presentiment
of evil vas still uppermost in his mind.
This, then. was the physical proof of
impending danger: for something told
him THAT Chetwynd personified the
ominous thing that the ravine was to
produce, after all.
How long had his cousin been stand
ing on the bridge? Where had he
come from, and for whom was he in
waiting? Adam Carr! He was to meet
Adam there, having failed him the day
before. That was 1t. But, that being
the case. why had he failed to see Eric,
had been sharp enough yesterday why
were they dull today?
Eric looked about for a way to leave
his nook without disturbing the watch
err below. Unfortunately, there was no
means Of reaching the road except by
bridge itself. He realized that, in all
fairness and honor, he could not stay
where he was. q witness to the palpa-
bly, clandestine meeting Of the two
men. That was an act he could not
forgive i'm anyone else, SO why should
he be gr 'ty Of 1t himself? There was
but n thing left for him to do: walk
boldly down the path, speak to his cou-
sin, and continue his peaceable 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
the fact during the past few days. His
cousin had slOwered 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 it.
1T Wn1i1d mt ha coff1od with hnvinu
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 wv blood was
hot with long pent-up rage, and he
knew that The slightest spark would set
it aflame. 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.
ing down the slope an action on Chet-
wyndss part stayed him for a moment,
~curiosity being responsible for his mo-
mentary hesitation.
Young Blagden drew a letter from his
pocket, read 1t with -unmistakable 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, and then. with
2 snake Of his head, drew a match from
his pocket, struck 1t on the rail, and set
fire to h corner of the tender epis-
tie. which he held in his fingers until
II was quite consumed, before drop
ping 1t into the ravine.
In Inc next instant, as If impellad by
some. telepathic force, 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. ~ A-s
As he emerged from the shrubbery at
the base of the rock, he saw Chetwynds
with passion, his eyes start with
alarm and apprehension.
You Internal sneak!' he Kissed
through his rigid lips. $50 you've been,
spying on me, have you? I'll fix you
As 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.
as this. and was more or less prepared
FOR It. He leaped nirnbly to one side,
and the missile grazed his ear. In h
same he stopped and swept up
a stone at his feet. Chetwynd, slower
another.
Drop it," yelled Eric. Drop it. I
say! III let you have this right In the
lace. II Q pick up that rock. You
know I cen do It. SO look out!"
Chetwynd had cause to remember
Fries ability to throw straight. He
the stone and covered his face
with his arm. ~crOuching back against
s.Here!H.' he shouted hoarsely. Look
out what you're doing! Don't you
throw That rock ut me, you numbering
Y DO you mi to- kill me?''
donic grin.
2 fine one to talk. you are,
The cried. his voice trembling with ex-
element. What aid you do but try
TO kill me Just now1 rye a notion to
LET You have this, just to-
yelled Chetwynd. ii fresh
We you stay whore you are, then.
you Internal brute. I don't want %
have any trouble with you. I'm xoin9
0m wasn't spying on you, and
10y know e. Don't move from whore
knock your head offsss '''n1s' \
You can Just bet you're not looking!
ZOE tr0uble with me If you didn't have
that Q IN you hAnd 4 come 0yar Nor
and kick Q 3clears 6ver Buds Roch.
HOu are 9 sneak andsa p and lyinx
ZEE so s. tn IS. And Tli Inst ct yoa for
He was tremhlingsw with rase. Il Eric
no not held the upper hands0ver him
EAt that moment. murder Rolld hava
0Aen zGoae on the lonely spoN
.!@o 50 WAn1 tQst61ks ia: you.aCset..s
MsS - 1885, ssc!les ~ fenef.
g hays L out VIII soo. NJ III eoed
80 4or - ttng yo0r brAlns ont. and
You know You 3et mo aI6ne 16d 'Iil.