Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1920-01-20

their freedom at Stanley. VI COURSE
he had sworn to let the bottle alone,
and in those days his word was as
good as his bond. But what II ne mad
been a fool and his intractable enemy
had got the better Of him?
Hadn't a man a right to kick over
the traces once in while without De-
ing called to account? Still, ne
! shouldn't have gone to Madge in that
condition-he knew that. But ne naa
only meant to catch glimpse OF her
| through the window, until he saw tnat
she had company. Even then ne might
have restrained his jealous rage II NC
Knight hadn't looked at her the way
he did, and she hadn't played ana sung
those very songs she always sang Ior
him.
Every one knew that Mcknight was
after her, too, though he had never iet
that fact worry him before. IL nau
ended with his entering and creating
scene that no self-respecting glr
could overlook. He could see the ex-
| preston of pain and pity in her eyes
now, hear Hugh's quiet words OF rea-
son, see himself tumble for his clasp
knife, and have 1t jerked from MS
shaking fingers. Then, as he was ieav-
| ing. he had sworn to 'get even.
The song came to an end, and ne
slowly rose to his feet. Bud and Le1ty
| would be covering In the shadows
cursing his delay. Before he had taken
three steps, however, singers sweet
voice held him again. OF all the dear
songs that Madge had sung to him.
1.-THE Banks of Loeb LOmond" was the
dearest, the one most pregnant with
his passion; and with stif1ed oath ne
leaned against the wall and surren-
| dered himself to its spell.
| You take the high road and I'll take the
| low road
She seemed to be there In person
pleading with his warped soul as she
had pleaded In the past, reminding
him Of all those shattered promises
| and the love he had forfeited.
The photograph whirred ano
| stopped. A draft caused the lamps
to flare and smoke, and
"Up with yer paws, you louts! came
harsh, nasal voice.
Angus North awoke with an mar
ticulate shout, and sprang toward the
door. where two muffled figures were
standing with leveled pistols. The log.
| gers had Jumped to their feet. and p
few were obeying the order. But the
boss was not of this number. For all
his big frame, he had brain and body
trained for sudden action, and scarce
| " had the words left Buds mouth be
fore he was charging recklessly down
| the camp.
Luckily for him the stranger was
| nearer the door. and as Lefty's finger
contracted on the trigger he threw
himself between them. At the report
| North pitched on his face, and Nc.
knight, clearing his body without a
pause, was upon the robbers before
they could fire again. Lefty went
down before the knotted fist as If he
had been struck by a peavey, and
though Bud made an effort to dodge,
he was caught by an arm and crumpled
violently to the floor. A dozen rough
hands made further resistance impos-
| sible.
| Then the boss dropped beside the
man who interposed and gently raised
his head The bullet had bored through
his right shoulder, but without touch
| ing the bone.
'T'm done for, Hugh" announced
| the tramp without emotion.
The boss started. 'By Jove it's An
gus North" he cried, and he stared in
amazement at the wreck of his one
time friend.
"Sure thing. Come back ter stay"
"An' Jest In the nick o. time, too.
He'd have winged me, I guess, If yer
hadn't got in the way"
| The wOodsman Is not demonstrative,
| and the tone rather than the words
evidenced the gratitude he felt for the
act. Nortffs weak features suddenly
hardened.
Don't fool yourself. 1t was for her
sake l done it. / had meant them ter
Kill yer, Uul-Dul tldI pcShy puOHO-
graph got me all balled up an I butted
In fore / knew what / was erbout.
Give me drink. some one"
The cook ran for a mug of water,
and Mcknight held him higher as he
drank.
81 had no idea yer held a grudge
against me, Angus. only did my duty
that night, an I've been tryin' ter do 1t
ever since Madge made me write to
all the folks knew in the States to
try and find out where you were. She'll
be mighty glad to hear you're back"
"Is that straight, Hugh?" North cried
weakly.
Heavens my witness. She was GER
tain you'd return some day, when
you'd got grip on yourself, an she's
been waitin' an lookin' for you ever
since"
AN she amt your-your-"
"Shucks, no! She said she'd never
talk to another It'll she'd seen If you
still wanted her. She's believed in
you all erlong."
Hes only tainted, boys" Mcknight
explained TO the silent loggers as he
lowered his friend to the floor, land !
reckon this little accident will prove
the making Of him. One of you fellows
had better go for Madge."