The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-12-22

~ than merely because they
were both 50 entirely the outcome Of
Miss Sarah's Christmas party. Neither
OF them was long. The last one which
took place between Wickersham and
the girl he was TO marry was the brief.
err Of the. two. But her prettily seri
GUS argument that the LIST Of May was
too early date for their wedding in
view of the work which he had to do
and her own state of unprcparedness
left him so white of face that she felt
guilty sorry for him for many days
to follow-felt guiltier still at the relief
she experienced when she had estab-
lished that reprleve. The other inter.
view was longer and took place days
earlier, but it was no more of delight
to Archibald Wickersham.
Dexter Allison had returned home al
most week IN advance Of his daugh
ter, pleading stress Of business. but in
spite of the demands upon his time ana
attention he had found it impossible to
forget the night of the dinner, when he
had watched his daughters eyes upon
Stephen O'Maras face.
He had been troubled more than !
little STAGE his Christmas trip to Nor
rison. The night before News Years
Wickersham was announced ut o. He
was thinking of Barbara's mother
when he beckoned his guest to chair.
shook his head over his red cheeks and
offered a cigar.
"Deyilish cold weather" he grunted
none too graciously, for he had not
wanted to be disturbed just then.
The younger man admitted that It
was. His mind plainly was not upon
the weather, but lie found difficulty
In introducing topic OF his own choos-
Ing. 0utspokenness had never been
one Of Archie Wlckersham's boldest
characteristics, so Allison assisted him
now, Allison liked man to be out
spoken.
We'll, he demanded lets hear It.
What's on voiIr rnindS- -
There are times when hatred VII pc
tray almost any man. Hatred now led
Wickersham to speak not wisely, but
with venom.
Il want you to refuse to renew your
name on the East Coast notes" he said,
They are due on the second"
Few men had ever said 81 want you
to- to Dexter Allison and, as he put It.
got away with 1t to any great ex-
tent" AMI of all nights this one In
particular was the least likely to prove
propitlous for such an attempt. That
was Wickersham's oversight.
"So!" said Dexter $50! Well, now
for your reason"
Wlckersham had not learned until
after Barbaras departure that she was
spending the holidays In Morrison, for
he had himself expected to be away
And 1t is only fair to the girl 10 say
that she had honestly forgotten to ap-
prise him of her plan, In her real ex-
element at going, but finding 1t out
for himself had not made the fact any
pleasanter TO Wickersham.
ut should he clear enough without
explanation enunclated each word
nicely-"if you want that road they
are building"
Allison glanced up, surprised at the
tone employed.
Meaning Of course do" he unused
"And yet-and yet | 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
ty thing to watch.
tive tried to buy Off their meu." He
was holding himself with an effort that
made him tremble. 1--WE 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 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 lounging
body shifted little.
Archie, do you remember what |
told you about that woods rat, as you
called him once? Did | tell you that
he would fight? Well, listen, and listen
closely, while | repeat 1t for you. He
hasn't even warmed to It yeti"
Wickersham went yellow at that, but
his icy SELF control held 6rm. He did
not break into vituperation this night
he smiled though his voice was only
a whisper.
"AIen have dropped out of sight be
fore now in those woods. he husked.
"Ill win or IN see that he lies and
rots in one of his own sink holes.
A big voice is wonderful weapon
at times. Allison's booming bass made
Wickershams threat seem only mean
and hollow when the heavy man leap
ed to his feet aud shook a finger under
that high bridged nose.
"No, you won'tr' he snapped NO,
you WON'T And If | didn't know, after
hearing you talk, that you haven't stun