The Little River news. (Ashdown, Little River County, Ark.) 1897-current, 1920-09-29

copyright, By Peter B. Kyne)

She's a Iydy. sir Mother jerks
affirmed proudly "An' done 1t. You
,.an see with ART heye wot | am.
hn' for all that I've done my dooty
n, her From the day my sainted
rnnrv--'e was colonel O. hartille-y
n. 1p, President Ruey Dolores father
- nescaped from the burnin' palace
VI i or an told me to raise 'er a lydy
for the syke of her ia ther, as was the
finest gentleman this rotten cOuntryll
ever see. she's been my guidin' star.
She's self-supportin' now, but still l
amt done my whole dooty by her. l
want to see 'er married to a gentle
man ASH maintain 'er like a lydy."
swell, Mrs. jerks. think you will
live to see that worthy ambition at
tanned. Mr.. Geary is head over heels
in love with her."
AYE. Willie's nice lad could
wish no better; but wot 'e's got e
got from you, an where'I e be If is
mine doesn't ply big? Now, with you,
sir, It's different. You're bit older'n
Oily, du LuOIC SClllCu I'LL SCI
you've made yer fortune. so Willie
tells me. an not to go beatin about
the bally bush. I sly, wot's the matter
with you an her steppin' over the
broomstick together? You might 60 a
bloomin' sight farther an fare wuss."
"Too old. my dear schemer, too
old !" John Stuart replied sthilingly.
"And she's in love with Billy. Don't
worry. If he doesn't make go of
this mining concession, I'll take care
of his finances until he can do so him
self. l do not mind telling you, in
strictest confidence. that l have
made my will and divided my money
equally between them"
cord bless you, for sweet, kind
gentleman" Mother jerks gulped
quite overcome with emotion.
Hastily Webster babe Mother jerks
good night and hurried away to es-
cape a discussion on such a delicate
topic with Bllys blunt and single
minded landlady. His mind was in
tumult SO it was that he paid no at
tention to vehicle that logged by him
with the cochero sagging low in his
seat, half asleep over the reins, until
a quick command from the closed in
terror brought the vehicle to an
abrupt halt. half block in advance
of Webster.
Save for an arc light at each end
of the block. the Gale de COncordia
was dim; save for Webster, the car
rage and the two men who piled hur-
riedly out at the rear of the convey
ance the Gale de Concorda was de-
void of life. Webster saw one of the
men hurriedly toss coin to the coch-
ero; with a fervent "Gracias, mi cap
itan," the driver clucked to his horse.
turned the corner into the Gale hli-
condo and disappeared, leaving his late
passengers facing Webster and calmly
awaiting his approach. He was within
20 feet of them when the taller of the
two men spoke.
"Good evening. my American friend.
This meeting is pleasure we scarce
ly hoped to have so soon. For the
same we are indebted to Lieutenant
Arredondo. who happened to look
back as we passed you. and recos-
nized you under the arc light"
Webster halted abruptly; the two
Sobrantean officers stood smiling and
evidently enjoying his discontinue.
Each carried q service revolver in
closed holster fastened to his sword
belt, but neither had as yet made
move to draw--seeing which, Webster
felt sufficiently treasured to accept the
unwelcome situation with grace
equal to that of his enemies.
"What? You two bad little boys
IN this late I'm surprised" he replied
I'm Spanish He folded his arms
struck an attitude and surveyed them
as might an indignant father. You
kids have been up to some mischief"
he added, as his right hand closed over
the butt of his automatic, where 1t lay
Struggled in the open holster under his
left arm between his shirt and coat,
Scan it be possible you are going to
take advantage of superior numbers
and the fact that you are both armed
TO force me into duel on your terms
my dear Captain Benavdes|
BY a deferential bow. the unwhole-
some Benavides indicated that such
were his intentions. "Then, SAID
Webster, "as the challenged party
have the choice of weapons. choose
pistols"
AT what range?" the lieutenant
asked with mock interest.
"As we stand at present I'm armed
Pull your hardware, you pretty pair OF
pOlecats, and see If you can beat me
to the draw"
Captain Benavides' jaw dropped
slightly; with quiet, deliberate mo
ton his hand stole to his holster-hap'
Lieutenant ArredondO wet his lips and
glanced so apprehensively at his com
panon that Webster was aware that
here was a situation not to his liking.
''You should use an open holster,
Webster tainted. Come come-un'
button tina: holster-flap and get busy
.Benavides' hand came away from