The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-11-23

ImF<EM1I htit u ibI no bNuti i'"NVh
lzsxI than merely because they
Ysre both 80 entirely the outcome Of
4 ! Sarah's Christmas party. Neither
OF them was long. The last one which
took place between Wlckersham and
the girl he was 10 marry was the brief
err OF the two. But her prettily seri
Gus argument that the LIST u May was
too early date for their wedding IN
view OF the work which he had TO DO
and her own state Of unpreparedness
left him 40 white OF face that she felt
guilty sorry for him for many days
to follow-felt gulltier still at the relief
she experienced when she had estab
lished that reprIeve The other inter
view was longer and took place days
earlier. but II was no more Of delight
to Archibald wickersham.
Dexter Allison had returned home al.
most week In advance ~ his daugh
ter. pleading stress ~ business. but in
spite Of the demands upon his time and
attention he had found II impossible TO
forget the night Of the dinner. when he
had watched his daughters eyes upon
stephen O'Mara's face.
He had ',een troubled more than "A
little since his Christmas trip TO Nor
rison. The night before New Years
wickersham was announced at o. He
was thinking of Barbara's mother
when lie bcckoned his guest TO n chair,
shook his head over his red cheeks and
offered cigar.
''Deyilish cold weather" he grunted
none too graciously. for he had not
wanted 90 be disturbed Just then.
The younger man admitted that II
was. His mind plainly was not upon
the weather, but lie found difficulty
Ing. Outspokenness had never been
one OF Archie Wickersham's boldest
characteristics. so Allison assisted him
now. Allison liked a man TO be ont.
spoken.
well" he demanded. lets hear II.
What's ON your mlnd?"
There are times when hatred will lie.
tray almost any man. Hatred now led
wickersham TO speak not wisely. but
with venom.
II want you 60 refuse 20 renew your
name ON the East Coast notes" he said
They are due on the second"
Few men had ever said II want you
TO" 10 Dexter Allison and. as he put Il.
got away with Il 10 any great ex-
tent" And OF all nights this one In
particular was the least likely TO prove
propitious for such an attempt. That
was wickcrsham's oversight.
''Sol" said Dexter. $50! Well. now
for your reason"
Wickersham had not learned until
after Barbara's departure that she was
spending the holidays In Morrison. for
he had himself expected 10 be away
And II Is only fair TO the girl TO say
that she had honestly forgotten to ap-
prise him OF her plan. In her real ex-
element at going. but finding II out
for himself had not made the fact any
pleasanter 10 Wickersham.
1T should be clear enough without
explanation enunciated each word
nicely-"if you want that road they
are building"
Allison glanced up. surprised at the
tone employed.
Meaning OF course do" he mused
"And yet-and yet I don't known
Fear burned In the tall. thin mans
eyes that night-fear that made his
hatred for the absent man who was
teaching him fear anything but pref
~ thing TO watch.
"fvc tried 10 buy OF their men" He
was holding himself with an effort that
made him tremble. I've held up their
supplies on every track that we con-
troll. but they've had the luck with
them. They've made up lost time by
working day and night. I've
You've set a drunken fool to steal
his plans" drawled the other with
deadly sarcasm. like a second rate
one night stand villain. Don't forget
to mention that tool' His Longing
body shifted n little.
Archie, do you remember what
told you about that woods rat. as you
called him once? Did tell you that
he would fight1 Well. listen. and listen
closely, while repeat IL for you. He
hasn't even warmed 10 II yetv'
wickersham went yellow at that. but
his Icy self control held firm. lie did
not break into vituperation this night.
lie smiled. though his voice was only
a whisper.
"Men have dropped out Of sight be
fore now In those woods" he husked
"I'n win or III see that he lies and
rots In one OF his own sink holes"
A big voice Is a wonderful weapon
at times. Allison's booming bass made
wickershsm's threat seem only mean
aud hollow when the heavy man leap
ed 10 his feet and shook a finger under
that high bridged nose.
"No. you WON'T! he snapped. mo.
you won't! And n didn't know, after
hearing you talk. that you haven't stun
enough In you to be dangerous I'D tx
you so you'd be In no condition TO
bushwhack anybody for the next siA