Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1917-07-12
again. l know how to defend myself

oe"au = hhiVW hO" W uSiSIu uSSNt
from a drunken man."
He could not restrain nil 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
would lever ask you. If he did. I can't
live at home and know you: that Is
why l 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-byT
why. if you wish It," he answered,
taken aback. And he added more qui.
city, Yes, II YOU say So"
Il meal for good"
Il" he returned. pausing, don't"
you are not willing to be fair"
II want to be fair-I don't want to
promise more than human nature will
stand f2r--and then break my word"
Il am not asking a whole lot
Not a whole lot to you, l 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."
"Well'-he took n long breath
there is M way to make sur of that.
I'll tell you honestly I don't want to
stand in the way of such n wish, If
it's really yours. As you have said, it
isn't fair, perhaps, for me to go against
it. Got your pistol with you. Nan!"
No"
THAT Is the way you take care Of
yourself, is itT'
"Im 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
Used me never to 90 out without it.
Promise me that ono more, will your
She did AS he asked her. Nov, give
me your hand. 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 Il thrill of strange ap-
prehension. What are you doing?'
she demanded hurriedly.
Put your finger on the trigger-so.
1t is cooked. Now pull"
She caught her breath. what do
you mean"
lie 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 tc
kill you? Shame!"
"You are too excited-all | asked
you was to take the trouble to crook
your tinger-and I'll never speak tc
you again--you'll have your wish for
ever"
shame!
"Why shame?" he retorte1. II NEAR
what l say. II you meant what vol
soid. why don't you put 1t out Of my
power ever to speak to you? Do yol
want me to pull the trigger?
II told you n I'm not an assas
sln--how dare you ask me to do sucl
a thlng?" she cried furiously.
Gall y.ur uncle" he suggested
coolly. "You may hold this meantime
SO you'll know he's in no danger. Take
my gun and call your uncle"
"Shame o yOu!"
"Cnll Gale--call any man In the gal
they'll jump ut the chance
"YOu are a cold-bl0oded, bruta
. wretch--Im sorry I ever helped YOU
. I'm sorry I ever let you help me-In
. sorry I ever saw you"
She sprang away before he coul(
: interpose a word. He stood stunned
by the suddenness Of her outburst, try
Ing to listen and to breathe Mt thu
sumo time. He heard the front dool
close. and stood waiting. But no fur
} Their sound from the house greeted bill
ears.
"And I thought" he muttcred I,
himself, "thnt might cnlm her down I
little. I'm certainly In wrong, now