Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1917-05-05
exclaimed. testify. "What are you ,ok-

Il wondered what you'd say"
"Eh! Can't l fire man without a
long winded explanations Just because
I've let you run things TO suit your
self"
wait! We had our understanding"
Alaires voice was low and vibrant.
1T was my payment for living with
you, and you know it. You gave me
the reins to Las Palmas so that I'll
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 10 spend
on yourself than ever before. You have
no reason to complain"
Austin crushed his napkin into ball
and flung it from him: with Il scowl
he showed himself back from the table
ut was an iGiotic arrangement, just
the same, l agreed because I was sick
Dad thought l was all shot to pieces
But I'm all right now and able to run
my own business"
Nevertheless, 1t was bargain, and
it will stand. If your father were alive
he'd make you live up to it."
You talk as IL 1 were a child"
shouted her husband; and his plump
face was apoplectic with rage. The
title is in my name. How could he
make me do anything2"
Nobody could force you" his wife
said, quietly. "You are still enough of
man to keep your word. believe. so
long as I observe my part of our bar
gain?'
Ed, slightly Modified, agreed. "Of
course / am; never WEIGHED. 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 belligerently.
You agreed to go away when you
felt your appetite coming on, and you
promised to i've clean. at least around
home"
"Wen?"
Alaire went on In q lifeless tone that
covered the seething emotions within
her. Il never inquire into your actions
at San Antonio or other large cities,
although of course l 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 humu-
lated more than I am; public pity is
hard enough TO bear. I've about
reached the breaking point"
''Indeed?' Austin leaned forward,
his eyes inhamed. His tone was raised,
needless of possible eavesdroppers.
Then why don't you end it? Why
don't you divorce me2 l never see
anything of you. You have your part
of the house and have mine: all we
share in common IS meal hours, and
and q mail address"
Alaire turned upon him eyes dark
with misery. You know why 1 don't
divorce you. No. Ed we're going to
live out our agreement, and these
Brownsville episodes are going 30
cease" Her lips whitened. so are
your visits to the pumping station.'
what do you mean by that?'
you transferred Panfilo because he
was growing jealous of you aud Rosa"
Ed burst into sudden laughter.
There's no harm in a little Irritation.
Rosa's pretty girl"
His wife uttered a GREATNESS,
smothered exclamation; her hands. as
they lay on the table cloth, were tight
ly clenched. "She's your tenant--al-
most your servant. What kind Of a
man are you? Haven't you any de-
cency left?'
Say Go easy! guess I'm no DIFF
ferent to most men" Austin's unpleas-
ant laughter had been succeeded by a
still more unpleasant scowl. Il have
to do something. It's dead enough
around here
'YOu must stop going there"
"Humphi 1 notice you go where
you please. Rosa and l never spent
night together in the chaparral-"
Ed" Alalre's exclama ton was like
the snap of a whip. She rose and
faced her husband. quivering as if the
lash had stung her flesh.
THAT went home, eh2 Well, I'm no
AuOt ! We seen SoAlblDiUE Oh IIe WOTtu,
and I've found that women are about
like men. I'd like to have a look at this
David Law. this gunman. this Hand
some Harry who waits at water holes
for ladies in distress" Ed ignored his
wife's outflung hand, and continued,
mockingly: "I'll bet he's all that's
manly and splendid. everything that
I'm not"
"You'd-better stop" gasped the
woman. II can't stand everything"
1907 Well. neither can l."
"After-this, l think you'd better
go-to San Antonio. Maybe I'll forget
before you come back"
To this young Ed" agreed quickly
enough. "Goodl" said he. THAT suits
me. I'll at least get a little peace at
my club" He glowered after his wife
as she left the room. Then, still scowl-
ing. he lurched out TO the gallery
where the breeze was blowing, and
flung himself into a chair.
Ca