Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1915-06-03

boldly down the path, speak to his cou-
sin, and continue his peaceable way
homeward, before any serious friction
could result.
he knew h a C~hetwynd 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 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 it.
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
not with long pent-up rage, and he
knew that the slightest spark would set
it aflanle. The result might prove dis
astrous in more ways than one. This
was the time for reason for teInporiZ-
ing, although every sinew in his body
ached to be at this cheat and bully.
Just as he was Oh the point of start
ing down the slope an action on Chet-
wynd's part stayed him for a moment,
curiosity being responsible for his mo-
mentary hesitation.
Young Blagden drew Il letter from his
pocket, read it with unmistakable Gag
erness, and then, to the watchers
'N'f'S Wy inv "
ms lips. There was apparent reluct-
ance in the young bully's neXt act. He
looked at the missive for some mo-
ments, as If in doubt, and then. with
4 shake of his head. drew a match from
his pocket. struck it or the 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 1t into the ravine.
In the next instant, as if impelled by
some teiepathic force, he whirled and
looked up the slope to where Eric was
standing. For a full minute, the two
young men remained motionless. star
slowly to descend.
As he emerged from the s~hrubbery at
the base of the rock, he saw Chetwynd
advancing pom him, his face white
with passion, his eyes stark with
alarm and apprehension.
through his rigid lips. $50 you've been
spying on me, have you? I'll fix you
for that"
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.
Eric had expected some such treachery
as this, and was more or less prepared
for it. He leaped nimbly to one side,
and the missile grazed his ear. In the
same he stopped and swept up
a stone at his feet. Chetwynd. slower
than his adversary, was reaching for
another.
Drop it," yelled Eric. Drop it, 1
say! IN let o have this right in the
face. if you pick up that rock. You
know / can do it, so look QUIT"
Chetwynd had cause to remember
trlc's ability to throw straight. He
dropped the stone and covered his face
with his arm, crouching back against
the rail post.
Here" he shouted hoarsely. Look
ont what you're doing! Don't you
throw that rock at me, you numbering
cur. Do o want to kill me?"
Eric's pale face relaxed into a sar-
donic grin.
You're a fine one to talk, you are"
he cried, his voice trembling with ex-
temen "What did you do but try
to kill me just now? I've 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, I wasn't spying on you, and
you know 1t. Don't move from where
you are, Chiefly, or, by thunder. IN
knock your head Off"
You can just bet you're not lookine
Tor trouble with me. If you didn't have
that rock in you hand / come over there
and kick you clear over Buds Rock.
You are a sneak and q spy and IA living
one at that. And I'll just get YOU for
it some day"
lie was trembling With rag If Eric
had not held the upper hand over him
at that moment, murder would have
been done Oh the lonely spot.
II don't want to talk to you, Chet.,,
SAID M1dthorhe r~esolutely. "You cant
drag me into a fight, much as I'd like
to have it out with you. I've got good
reason for beating your brains out and
YOU know it. You let me alone and ri
do the same by you. If there is no 9th
er way, I'll take Mary and go away
from Corinth. / won't stand ANYTHING
more from you. Well let things go as
theN are, III you are willing. but you've
just got to let me alone. I've not told
Uncle Horace what you did to her. but
| old tell him you stole my drawing
the ="
TITS a lie!" cried Chetwynd. II made
that drawing. You dirty sneak Won
tried to work that CUFF off on father
Blu l proved to him yesterday that If
Was my drawing that took the prize.
He knows it now. He believes YOU had
Il purpose in lying"
You proved it," cried Eric aphas+
How could you prove it?"
II proved it by mother, if that viii
satisfy you. IN saw me working on If
for days" snarled the other. showing
his teeth.
Eric glared. did Aunt Rena saw
that?" be gasped.