Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-01-13

"Nothin' KANT stand between me an
what I've got ter do, Anse," he said
slowly. He did not speak now with
wild passion, but calm finality. I've
done took Their oath"
For a while Anse Havey did not re-
ply. At last he said quietly: 81 reckon
we've got rid of the idea that was
amin to deceive We, Jeb. l told We
that when F1etch's assassin came back
to the mountains I'd let We know. I'm
goin' to keep my word"
Jeb rose suddenly from his chair
and stood with the fire lighting up his
ragged trousers and the frayed sleeves
Of his coat
"Air he back now?" he demanded.
Anse shook his head.
mot yet, Jeb; but he's coming" He
saw the witch that went across the
tight closed lips which made no com
ment.
"Jeb," he continued, 81 want We to
help me. l want We to be big enough
to put by things that it's hard to put
by"
The boy shook his head
"Anse," he replied slowly, TASK me
ter do anything else in God Almighty's
world, but don't ask me tibet, cause if
We does I've got ter deny ye''
81 amt askin' ye to let the man 90
unpublished. I'm only askin' you to let
me punish him with the law"
Astonishment was writ large In
every feature of jobs face He stood
in the wcvCring circle Of light while
the sha6, VS. swallowed the corners Of
the cabin, and wondered if he had
heard rightly At last his voice carried
note OF deHn disappointment. and he
spoke as though Unwilling to utter
such reasonable words.
Il reckon. Anse," he suggested we
wouldn't hardly hev asked thing like
tibet afore"-there was a hesitatine
halt before he went on-"afore a fur
rim woman changed yore fashion OF
lookin' at things"
Anse Havey felt his face edien,
and an angry retort rose to his lips.
But the charge was true.
He went on as though Jeb had not
spoken.
"All I ask is that when that man
comes yen hold your hand until the
cote has acted
Does ye reckon Milt McBriar aims
ter let Sidering try kin of his?" was
the next incredulous question
AnCn HounusC
quiet tones and his eyes woke to fire
that was convincing.
by heavens, | aims ter have him
do it! amt askin leave of Milt Nc
Brlar. Then he added: q aims to
hang the man that kilt your daddy in
the Jail house yard at Peril, an if the
McBriars get him they've got to kill
me first. VIII you hold your hand till
I'm through"
The boy stood there, his fingers
slowly clenching and opening. Finally
he said: Hit amt a-goin' ter satisfy
me ter penitentiary thet Teller He's
got ter die"
He's goin' to die If fail. then"
the clarsman raised his hands in a ges-
ture of concession-"then he's yours
Will you waltz"
Il don't hardly believe" said Je5
McNash with conviction, amy man liv-
in kin keep Milt's hired assassin in no
Jail house long enough ter try an hang
him. But I'm willing ter see. I'll hold
my hand tibet long, Anse, but
Once more spasmodic tautening of
muscles conVulsed the boys frame and
his voice took on its excited note Of
shrillness: "But warns ye, I'm goin'
ter be settin' in Their high cote.
hain't never a-goin' ter leave hit, an
eff that jury Glars him-or ef they jest
penitentiaries him-Pm goin' ter kill
him as he sets thar in his cheer-so |
help me Cod"
CTo BE CONTINUED,