The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1915-03-26

AAN n~NhAANAAMM AH1AnNUa
Il reckon don't need to be armed
amongst gentlemen"
Farblsh drew from his pocket .
magazine pistol.
1T won't hurt you to slim that into
your clothes" he insisted.
For an instant, the mduntalreer
stood looking at his host and with eyes
that bored deep, but whatever was in
his mind 10 he made that scrutiny
he kept TO himself. At last he took
the magazine pistol, turned It over IN
his hand, and put II into his pocket.
Mr.. Farblsh," he said. i've been In
places before now where men were
drinking who had made threats against
me. think you are excited about
this thing. II anything starts. he viii
start e."
At the dinner table, Samson South
and Wilfred Horton were introduced,
and acknowledged their intro6uctionB
with the briefest and most formal
mods. During the oourse OF the meal,
though seated side by side, each ig-
nored the presence OF the other. Sam
son was, perhaps, no more silent than
usual, Always, he was the listener DIX
cept when a question IA put to him
direct. but the silence which sat upon
Wilfred Horton was a departure from
his ordinary custom.
lie had discovered in his college
days that liquor, instead Of exhilarat-
ing him. was IN influence under which
he grew morose and sullen, ana that
discovery had made him almost a total
abstainer. Tonight, his glass was con.
stantly filed and emptied, and. as he
ate. he gazed ahead, and thought re-
sentfully OF the man at his side.
When the coffee had been brought,
and the cigars lighted. and the serv-
ants had withdrawn. Horton with the
ann Of one who had been awaiting
an opportunity, turned slightly in his
chair. and gazed insolently at the Ken.
tuckian.
Samson South still seemed entirely
unconscious OF the others existence,
though in reality no detail Of the brew.
ing storm had escaped him. He was
studying the other faces around the
table, and what he saw In them ap-
peared to occupy him. Wiifred Hor-
toms cheeks we're burning with a dull
flush. and his eyes we're narrowing
with an unveiled dislike. Suddenly,
a silence fell on the party. and, as
the men sat pufing their cigars, Horton
turned toward the Kentuckian. For a
moment, he glared in silence, then
with an impetuous exclamation OF dis
gust he announced:
See here, South, ! want you to know
that II Id understood you were to be
here, | wouldn't have come. II has
pleased me to express my opinion OF
you to a number Of people. and now l
mean to express It to you in person"
Samson looked around, and his feat
ures indicated neither surprise nor in.
terest. He caught Farbish's eye Mt
the same instant, and. though the plot
ter said nothing, the glance was subtle
and expressive. II SCENE to prompt
and goad him on, as though the man
had said:
You mustn't stand that. Go after
him"
Il reckon"-Samson's voice was a
pleasant drawl-"it doesn't make any
particular difference. Mr.. Horton"
Even II what / said didn't happen
to be particularly commendatory2" In.
quired Horton, his eyes narrowing.
so long" replied the Kentuckian,
as what you said was your own opin.
ion, | don't reckon It would interest
me much"
In point Of fact"-Horton wal gaz-
ing with steady hostility into Sam.
sons eyss-'I prefer to tell you. /
have rather generally expressed the
belief that you are a damned savage.
unfit for decent society"
samson's face grew rigid n a trife
pale. His mouth set itself In a straight
line, but, as Wilfred Horton came 10
his feet with the last words. the noun.
taineer remained seated.
And" vent on the New Yorker.
flushing with suddenly augmentlng
passion, what / said | still believe to
be true and repeat In your presence.
AT another time and place. | shall be
ever more explicit ] shall ask you To
explain-certain things"
Mr., Horton" suggested Samson In
an ominously quiet voice, Il reckon
you're o little drunk. II we're you.
I'D sit down"
Wilfred's face went from red to
white, and his shoulders stlifened. He
leaned forward. and for the. instant
no n moved. The tick Of the clock
was plainly audible.
South" he said. his breath coming
In labored excitement defend your
self"
Samson still sat motlOnleEB.
Against what2" he inquired.
Against thatl" Horton struck The
mountain man across the face with
his open hand. Instantly. there was a
commotion Of scraping chairs and
stunning feet. mingled with a chorus
OF lnarticulate protest. Samson had