The Pickens sentinel. (Pickens, S.C.) 1911-2016, 1917-05-03
exclaimed, testify, "Whae are you look

II wondered what you'd say"
| "Eh? Can't fire man without Il |
lOng-winded explanation? Just because
I've let you run things to suit your
| self"
"Wait! We had our understanding"
Alaire's voice was low and vibrant.
1T was my payment for living with
you, and you know 1t. You gave me
the reins to Las Palmas so that I'd
have something to do, something to
live for and think about, except-your
actions. The ranch has doubled in
value, every penny is accounted for,
and you have more money to spend |
on yourself than ever before. You have
no reason to complaint"
Austin crushed his napkin into ball
| and flung 1t from him; with a sc0wl
he showed himself back from the table.
ut was an idiotic arrangement, just
| the same. agreed because I was sick.
Dad thought | was all shot to pieces.
But I'm all right now and able to run
my own business"
"Ncvertheess, it was bargain, and
it will stand. If your father were alive
he'd make you live up to it."
"You talk as if I were a child"
shouted her husband; and his plump
face was apoplcctic with rage. '"rhe
title is in my name. How could he
make me do anything?'
Nobody could force YOU" his wife
said. quietly. You are still enough Of
IL man to keep your word, believe, SO
long as observe my part Of our bar
gain?"
Ed. slightly Modified, agreed. "Of
course l am; never wclched. But
l won't be treated as an incompetent
and I'm tired of these eternal wrangles
and jangles."
. you have WEIGHED"
"Eh?" Austin frowned belllgcrently.
you agreed to go away when you
: felt your appetite coming on and you
!, promised to i've clean, ut least around
!, home"
= "Well?"
Alaire went on in lifcless tone that
, covered the Seething emotions within
her. Il never inquire into your actions
at San Antonio or other large cities
although of course I have ears and |
- can't help hearing about them; but
:, these border towns are home to us,
- and people know me. I won't be humi-
=. lated more than am; public pity is
:, hard enough to bear. I've about
- reached the breaking point"
% "Indeed?" Austin leaned forward
:. his eyes inflamed. His tone was raised
- needless of possible eavesdroppers
Then why don't you end 1t? Why
I" don't you divorce me? never see
80 anything of you. You have your part
~ of the house and 1 have mine; all we
share in common is meal hours, and
and mail address"
~ Alaire turned upon him eyes darl
with misery. "You know why dom
~ divorce you. No, Ed, were going t,
live out our agreement, and thes'
brownsville episodes are going tt
nc cease" Her lips whitened $50 ar
your visits to the pumping station"
'e "What do YOU mean by that?"
Us "You transferred Pantilo because Ii
I'll was growing jealous of you and Rosa.
Ed burst into sudden laughter
III "Thcre's no harm in little flirtatior
III Rosas pretty girl"
OF His wife uttered breathless
: Smothered exclamation; her hands, a
r. they lay on the table cloth, were tight
ly clenched "She's your tenant-a
~ most your servant. What kind Of
ne man are YOU? Haven't YOU any dc
y. cency left?'
nj "Say! Go easy! guess I'm no di1
al ferent to most men," AuStin's unplens
ant laughter had been succeeded by
ne still more unpleasant scowl II hnv
no to do something. It's dead enoug
he around here"
'e. You must stop going there
cy "Humph! / notice you go wher
YOU please. Rosa and never spent
ny night together in the chnparral--"
ID ed" Alaire's exclamation was lils
lis the snap Of a whip. She rose an
lash had stung her flesh.
"rhat went home, eh2 Well, I'm n
fool! I've seen something Of the worlt
and I've found that women are abou
like men. I'd like to have look at thI
David Law, this gunman, this HAND
some Harry who waits ut water hole
for ladies in distress" Ed ignored hi
wife's outfiung hand. and continued
mockingly "Ill bet he's all that
n manly and splendid, everything tha
II I'm not"
Il "You'd-better STOP" gasped tn
Il woman. II can't stand everything.
NJ $50? Well, neither can T."
IA "After-this, think you'd bette
III go-to San Antonio. Maybe I'll forge
III before YOU come back"
II To this "Young Ed" agreed qulckl
III enough. "Good!" !" said he "That suit