The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1920-11-05
CHAPTER TX.

We had seen nothing Of Dravada or
the lawyer for nearly three weeks. |
was unable 10 think that we had heard
the last OF them. Dravada's purpose
had been too long nourished and the
lawyers cupidity was too great for
either e abandon Ills intent. Jed's
disposition was resilient. and soon he
| recovered his poise. He thought his
enemies had abandoned their intent.
1t was q relief to me when going to
bed and lying q few minutes awake, TO
hear the rush and scurry OF the dogs
about the place. They were active at
night. Rabbits, coons, weasels and
occasionally a fox kept them moving.
Jed's courage returned-and with II,
I was disturbed TO observe, 4 threat Of
another fit Of temper. 1t showed itself
first in mOOdiness and then in inso-
lence. I was glad to find that Jed IN
this mood this time was not directing
himself against Mrs. Sidney. He had
turned against me-. ! knew that he
was IL torment again. He had moth
ing to say to me unless he saw me In
Afr. Sidney's room. Then he was
pleasant.
Jed" l said to him one morning,
81 know you better than you think |
do You'll torment yourself until you
do something you'll regret"
600 to the devil" said Jed.
Iaobel and l had been progressing
as nationally as two young people
could, situated with regard TO each
! other as we were.
one evening | had been reading and
Isobel had gone to the piano. | had
put my book down on my knees as
she began to play. Then | was aroused
/ BIZ perceiving, without seeing, that
somebody was near me.
| turned suddenly and saw Jed. He
vas not three feet behind my chair.
His face revealed disorder Of mind.
"Do you want a cocktail?" he asked.
NO" | said.
Isobel touched the keys Of the piano,
as q player done with a mood may do
to express surfeit or conclusion.
"Not a mild one?" Jed asked, per-
sisting.
"Well, then, very weak" | said.
took up my book again and forced
myself. as discipline, to read. | had
not been able to do it so long as Isobel
played, but that she had stopped
l might at least try.
| made an effort. l tried to keep
my attention on the type. 1t vas no
use. After fifteen minutes reading |
found that | had not turned Il page.
Neither had Jed brought the cocktail.
| got I'D and walked about the library.
| went to the front entrance to lind II
a few deep breaths in the open would
not produce tranquility.
AS | stood at the entrance 1sobel
came running toward it. I heard her
before | saw her. She was running
and ~gasping. She came up the steps.
saw me. controlled herself and tried
to appear ~undisturbed. She might
have succeeded, but a sleeve Of her
gown was torn from her waist and had
fallen to her wrist.
What has happened to your l
asked.
Nothing" she said.
"You are running"
"A little exercise"
Look at your sleeve" I said.
She clutched at it as II she had be-
come conscious of it for the first time,
and then ran by me and indoors.
We met at dinner twenty minutes
later. Isobel had on another gown.
Jed did not serve us. Dinner was de-
layed ten minutes. Then two maids
undertook the service. Mrs. Sidney
asked fol Jed. One Of the maids said
that he had not appeared and they
were doing the best they could with
out him.
"Why. what can have happened to
JEDI" Mrs. Sidney exclaimed.
''Nyhat did happen 10 Jed?' asked
Isobel after dinner when We were
alone.
81 don't know" she said.
"Whu tore your sleeve?"