The Ozark spectator., 1917-05-09
of what happened with Gale on Music

mountain"
 'I wish to God you and l were on Music mountain again! I never lived or did anything worth living for, till you came to me that day on Music mountain. It's true I was thinking of what happened when spoke-but not to remind you you owed anything to me. You don't; get that out of your head"
 'I do, though"
 'I spoke in the way I did because l wanted to remind you of what might happen some time when I'm not near.
 ''I shan't be caught off my guard again. I know how to defend myself from drunken man."
 He could not restrain all the bitter ness he felt. That man." he said de liberately, ''is more dangerous sober than drunk"
 "When I can't defend myself, my uncle will defend me-"
 Ask him to let me help"
 He doesn't need any help. And he 7 live at home and know you; that is why I ask you not to come again.
 He was silent. Don't you think, all things considered"-she hesitated as if not knowing how easiest to put it-''you ought to be willing to shake hands and say good-by?"
 "Why, if you wish it." he answered taken aback. And he added more qui, etly. "Yes, if you say so."
 'I mean for good"
 T-" he returned, pausing, don't
 "You are not willing to be fair"
 "I want to be fair-I don't want tC promise more than human nature will stand for-and then break my word.
 ''I am not asking a whole lot"
 Not q whole lot to you, I know But do you really mean that you don't want me ever to speak to you again?'
 If you must put it that way-yes.'
 "Welr'-he took long breath there Is one way to make sure of that I'll tell you honestly 1 don't want to stand in the way of such wish, fl it's really yours. As you have said, il isn't fair, perhaps. for me to go agains, it. Got your pistol with you, NanY
 "No."
 "That is the way you take care of yourself, Is it?"
 'I'm not afraid of you"
 "You ought to be ashamed of your. self not to be. And you don't even know whom you'll meet before you can lock the front door again. You prom ised me never to go out without it. Promise me that once more. will your She did as he asked her. Now, give me your Aand, please" he went on. Take hold of this"
 "What is it?'
 ''The butt of my revolver. Don't be afraid" She heard the slight click of the hammer with thrill of strange ap- prehension. What are you doing?" she demanded hurriedly.
 Put your finger on the trlgger-so. It is cooked. Now pull
 She caught her breath. .What do you meanT'
 He was holding the gun in his two hands. his fingers overlapping hers, the muzzle at the breast of his jacket. "Pull." he repeated. that's all you have to do: I'm steadying it."
 She snatched back her hand. "What do you mean?" she cried. For me to kill you? shame"
 "You are too excited-all I asked you was to take the trouble to crook your finger-and I'll never speak to you again-youll have your wish for ever"
 "Shame!"
 "Why shame?" he retorted. T mean what I say. If you meant what you said, why don't you put 1t out of my power ever to speak to you? Do you want me to pull the trigger?"
 "I told you once I'm not an assas- s!n-how dare you ask me to do such thing?" she cried furiously.
 Gall y.ur Uncle" he suggested coolly. "You may hold this meantime so you'n know he's in no danger. Take my gun and call your uncle"
 shame on you"
 Gall Gale-call any man in the gap they'll jump at the chance"
 You are cold-hlooded, brutal wrctch-Tm sorry I ever helped you I'm sorry l ever let yoI help me-rm sorry ever saw you!"
 She sprang away before he could intcrpose a word. He stood stunned by the suddenness of her outburst, try ing to listen and to breathe at the same time. He heard the front door close, and stood waiting. But no fur ther sound from the house greeted his ears.
 And thought" he muttered to "that might calm her down . little. I'm certainly in wrong. now."