The Glasgow courier., 1916-01-07
Copyright, 1918, by the sobbs. Merrill
Company.

u AcuSObdDlC
Some of them did, evidently, for the
grim resolution on their faces softened.
Others, however, were unconvinced.
A stern voice was raised: Let Brick
Wilcox come do his own explaining.
Bill Atkins knows where he's hiding
out-and we got to know. We've start
ed in to be law abiding county, and
that there warrant against Wilcox has
got the right Of way"
you've no warrant against Bill"
cried Wilfred, stepping to the edge of
the platform, therefore you've violated
the law In locking him up
'That's So" exclaimed Red Kimball's
former comrade. "Well, turn i'm loose,
that's what we ask-let him go-open
the Jail door,
Hes locked up for his own safety"
shouted Mizzoo. "You fellows agree
to leave him alone, and I'll turn him
out quick enough. You talk about the
law-what you want to do to Bill amt
overly lawful, l take it."
IF he gives up his secret we amt
going to handle him rough" was the
quick retort.
Lahoma found that the softening in
fluence she had exerted was already
fast dissipating. They bore with her
merely because of her youth and sex.
She cried out desperately.
"1s there nothing can say to move
your hearts? Has my story of that
pearl and onyx pin been lost on you?
Couldn't you understand. after all?
Are you western men and yet unable
to feel the worth Of western man like
Brick? How he clothed me and shell
tered me when the man who should
have supported the child left in his
care neglected her. How he taught me
and was always tender and gentle
never a cross wOrd--a man like that!
And you think lie could kill! don't
know whether Bill was told his hiding
place or not. But if knew it. do you
think I'd tell? And if Bill betrayed him
but Bill wouldn't do it. Thank God,
I've been raised with real men. men
that know how to stand by each other
and he true to the death. You want
Bill to turn traitor. say. what kind Of
men are your
She turned to Wilfred, blinded by hot
tears. ''Oh. say something to them!"
she gasped, clinging to his arm.
go on" murmured Wilfred. Il
couldn't reach 'em. and you made
point that time. Go on--don't give 'em
a chance to think"
But | can't-Tve said all / had to
say
Don't stop. DEAR for Gods sake
the case Is desperate! You'll have to do
it-for Bill"
In broken. pathetic voice, as she turn
ed her pale face upon the curious
crowd. "That isn't all. You know Brick
and Bill have been all had--all in this
world. You know they couldn't have
been swecter to me if they'd been the
nearest of kin-tley We're more like
women than men. somehow. when they
spoke to me and sat with me i'm the
lU%out: and | guess ! know Il little
about Il mothers love. because I've al
way, had Brick ,anh Bill. l,ut one day
somebody else came to the cove. and
this SOmrbrdy else - we'll he - this
somebody else wants TO marry me-tO
day. This was the end Of our jour
! ney." she went on blinIly. and and
it is our wedding day. | thought there
must be some way to get Brick to the
wedding. but YOU soc how it is. And
and we'll have to marry without him.
But Bills herein that jail-because he
wouldn't betray his friend. And
couldn't marry without either Brick or
Bill, could ?"
She took her quivering hand from
Wilfred's sturdy arm and, moving to
the top of the steps, held out her trem-
bling arms appealingly:
Men! Give me Bill!'
The crowd was with her. now. No
tears here and there, broad grins to
hide deep emotion, open admiration,
touched with tenderness, in the eyes
that took in her shy flowerlike beauty.
You shall have Bill!' shouted the
spokesman Of the crowd. And other
voices cried. ''Give her Bill. Give her
Billr'
Bring him OUT! continued the
spokesman in stentorian tones. "Well
not ask him il question. Fellows. clear
path for en-
\ broad lane was formed through
the throng of smiling men whom the
sudden. unexpected light of love had
sOftened magically.
| While Mizzoo FASTENED to Bills cell,
some one exclaimed. Invite us too.
Make it town wedding.'
And another started the shout, "Hur-
rah for Lahomav
| LahOma. VINO had taken refuge be-
hind Wilfred's protection, wept and
laughed in rosy glow of triumpha Mt
joy.
MizZOO presently reappeared, leaving
the door wide open. He walked to
the stairs. the wrinkles at the corners
of his ewes ueeD cut with aDUreciat ion