The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-11
.p1srnIs FOR ryNor,

.PIsToLS FOR TWor'
 David Burke picked himself up and glared at Jim with righteous indigna- tion on his brow.
 Fragments of grass and mud clung lovingly to his immediately pressed trousers-and he had lost his hat!
 He stopped and picked it up, me- chanicaliy brushing the nap or lt Wltn his handkerchief He. could scarcely trust himself to speak4-so furious was he
 For Jim had transgresscd all the known canons of good breeding. To be knocked down in a public park-aS though he were participant in any com mon brawl--he, David Burke, landed proprietor of Surrey--it was unthink- able.
 My solicitors will call upon you at the earliest possible moment! lie glared at Jim. "Rascals or your kiho are sharply dealt with in this county. let me assure you In fact, if 1t weren't for Miss Shirley here, I'd call the po- Heel"
 "A most expedient move" sarcasti- cally commented Jim. Before I'm through with you you'll be nightly Tn need of pohce protection"--
 He took a threatening step toward Burke.
 You low down, sneaking spy" He raised his arm again as though he would willingly repeat the same oeh- terous .four-inch jab" with which he had previously felled Burke to earth. You interfering curl
 But Shirley thrust himself between the two. She was shaking with appre- hension.
 eJim-Mr. Burke-are you both crazy? Remember where you are!'
 Some interested street arabs who had been playing down by the waters cage drew near to watch developments fight! In the tenements from which they came this was usual put ever enthralling spectacle! away with mel I can't permit you to be mixed up in common brawl! Burke caught the young girl by the arm. "As for you, sir. I'd be glad to have your address. and-believe me- you'll be summarly dealt with!"
 With a sardonic smile upon his lips Jim Dalton drew forth card whereof was inscribed the name of couplpe of his clubs.
 and it may interest you to know that shall bring -charge-for libel.'
 He turned to Shirley. His eyes soft
 
 ened perceptibly.
 "My dear" he said, the whole af- fairs a trumped-up pack of lies. As for cable"--he smiled contemptuously- q believed our friend MT Burke here wrote the silly thing himself! It's a hoax
 Burke stepped forward angrily.
 Examine it yourself, and sec"
 Jim hesitated.
 "Jim,n Shirley's voice held an inn ploring note. Jim, as far as the cable goes. l think It's genuine. Look at the date-and postmarks. It's come in the regular way.
 Jim Dalton snatched the paper from her hand and scanned 1t closely.
 A queer light flickered on his face
 .It's genuine, right enough. But there's a catch somewhere" His eye ran over the words. why it's from Brown & Sons, the up-country agents. They're quite reliable. too" He scratched his head. Of all the darned queer things
 Shirley was staring up at him in be- w!ldered anxiety. What could she do or say? Why couldn't Jim explain away this amazing mystery?
 well, do you admit you're fairly caught" Burke neered at last DO you give in?'
 With an angry eAciaHaeton' ''"' ~ ton tore the cable into little pieces Burke smiled sardonicaliy.
 "A useless waste of energy--I've got a duplicate at home,
 Jim Dalton turned to Shirley. Anger biazed in his eyes.
 "You've got to choose between us now, I tell you once again this cable is hoax. There's some mistake. Ev- erything will be explained-in time. Rut Shirley. I don't want you other wise. You must believe what tell you say you dol,
 Poor Shirley didn't answer, Her tingue seemed to cleave to the roof of her mouth and the words just wouldn't come Shirley, aren't you going to speak. to stand by me-" Jim took step to- ward her His tones were very sharp. T repeat again and for the last time