The Ozark spectator., 1917-05-23

 and was instantly halfway up to the front of the shop, exclaiming profane- ly but collectively at the lads awk- wardness, before De Spain had had time to reply to the insult.
 The noise and confusion of the incl dent were considerable. Morgan was too old fighter to look behind him at a critical moment. No man could say he had meant to draw when he stamped the card underfoot, but De Spain read 1t in his eye and knew that Lefever's sudden diversion at the rear had made him hesitate; the crisis passed like flash. Sorry you feel that way. Duke" returned l , Spain. undisturbed. Tt is q courtesy we were glad to extend. And l want to speak to you about Nan, too"
 Morgan's face was livid. What about herT'
 "She has given me permission to ask your consent to our marriage" said De Spain, "some time in the reason able future"
 It was difficult for Duke to speak at all, he was so infuriated. You can get my consent in just one way" he managed to say, that's by getting me-"
 '.Then I'm afraid I'll never get it, for I'll never get yod, Duke"
 A torrent of oaths fell from Nor gan's cracked lips. He tried to tell De Spain in his fury that he knew all about his underhand work, he called him more than one hard name, made no secret of his deadly enmity. and challenged him to end their differ ences then and there.
 De Spain did not move. His left hand again lay on the cigar case. Duke" he said, when his antagonist had exhausted his vituperation, "I wouldn't fight you, anyway. You're crazy angry at me for no reason on earth. If you'll give me just one good reason for feeling the way you do to- ward me, and the way you've always acted toward me since I came up to this country. I'll fight you.'
 Pull your gun" cried Morgan with an imprecation.
 Il won't do 1t. You call me 0 cow ard. Ask these boys here in the shop whether they agree with you on that. You might as well call me an isosceles triangle. You're just crazy sore at me when l want to be friends with you. Instead of pulling my gun, Duke, I'll lay it out on the case, here, to show you that all ask of you is to talk req son." De Spain, reaching with his left hand under the lapel of his coat, took Colts revolver from its breast har- ness and laid 1t, the muzzle toward himself. on the plute-glass top of the cigar stand. It reduced him to the ne- ccssiky of spring into Morgan for the smallest chance for his life if Morgan should draw; but De Spain was q des- perate gambler in such matters even at twenty-eight. and he laid his wagers Of what he could read in an- others eye.
 There's more reasons than one why l shouldn't fight you" he said evenly. Duke. you're old enough to be my fa- ther-do you realize that? Whats the good of our shooting each other up?" he asked, ignoring Morgan's furious in- terruptions. Who's to look after Nan when you go-as you must, before very many years? Have you ever asked yourself that? Do you want to leave her to that pack of wolves In the gap? You know, just as we'll as do, the gap . yNIn TAv l. grained girl like Nan Morgan. But the gap Is your home, and you've done right to keep her under your roof and under your eye. Do you think I'd like to pull trigger on a man that's been father to Nan? Damnation, Duke, could you expect me to do 1t, willing ly? Nan Is Il queen. The best in the world isn't good enough for her-I'm not good enough, l know that. She's dear to you, she is dear to me. If you really want to see me try to use gun, send me man that will insult or abuse her. If you want to use your own gun, use 1t on me if I ever insult or abuse her--is that fair?"
 Damn your fine words" exclaimed Morgan slowly and implacably. 'They don't pull any wool over my eyes. l know you, De Spain-I know your breed-"
 What's that?"
 Morgan checked himself at that tone. You can't sneak into my affairs any deeper" he cried. "Keep away from my blood! know how to take care of my own. I'll do 1t. So help me God, If you ever take anyone of my kin away from me-it'll be over my dead body" He ended with bitter oath and q final taunt: "is that fair?'