The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-04-21

80
hand on his forearm. sBut you must
heed Den Juan's warning" she de-
ciared seriously. "You must net %
out alone at night"
He grinned boyishly. "Of course
not, Miss Ruey. You're going to ride
out with me this evening"
"Tm not I'll not subject you 70
risk"
"very well; then I shall drive out
alone"
"You're a despot Mr.. wsbster-a
regular despot."
Likewise a free agent"
"Tn 60 with you"
II thought so. For what hsur shah
order the carriager
"Seven-thirty. After all. they'll not
dare to murder you on the Aalecon..
II agree with you. II will have to
be done very quietly, II At all. You've
been mighty nice to me this afternoon.
seeress; i shall be grateful right mp g
the moment Of dissolution"
"Speak softly but carry a big stick"
she warned him.
"A big gun." he corrected hor.
two Of them, In fact"
Sensible mani I'm not going to
worry about you. Mr.. Webster" She
nodded her permission for him to re-
tire. and as he walked down the yer.
anda and into the hotel, her glance
followed him with pardonable femf-
nine curiosity. marking the breadth Of
his shoulders. the quick. springy
stride. the alert, erect poise Of his
head on the powerful neck.
"A doer Of deeds are you, John
Stuart Webster" she almost whisper
ed. "As Kipling would say: 'Wallahi
But you are a manr"
A stealthy footstep sounded below
the veranda: she turned and beheid
Don Juan Csfetero. his hat In his left
hand. In his right a gold-piece which
he held toward her.
Take 1t, allanah," he wheeged In
his honrse, drunkard's whisper Keep
1t f'r me till tomorrow, for sorra wan
av me can I trust to do that same
an be the same token I can't face that
big man witout It."
"Why not Don Juanr
He hung his red head. ~ dunno,
Miss" he replied miserably. Maybe
tbs on account av hm-the eye av
him-the way av him-divil such Q
man did ever meet-God bless himi
Shurc, Misther Geary do be the fine
lad. hut he-he-"
"Mr. Geary never put a big fore
finger under your chin and babe you
hold up your head. Is that tr'
''Tis not what he did. Miss but the
way he did 1t. All the hends av hell II
he at me this night to shpend what he
give me-and I'm AFRAID"
He broke Off. mumbling and chatter
Ing like man In the grip of q great
terror. In his agony Of body and
spirit. Dolores could have wept for
Don Juan CafeterO. for In that su-
preme moment the derelict's soul was
hare. revealing something pure and
sweet and human. for all his degrada..
tion. How did Jack Webster knowr
wondered Dolores. And why did he
so confidently give an order to this
human tiOtsam and expect II to be
obeyedf And why did Don Juan
CafeterO come whining to her for
strength TO help him obey it,
THAT wouldn't be playing the
game" she told him. ~ can't help
you deceive him. You are tho drst Of
your breed"
Don't say IT. he cried. Didn't
he tell me wanstr
~Then make the dght, Doa-Mr.
Cafferty." She lowered her voice
Il am depending On you to stay sober
and guard aim. He needs q faithful
friend 50 badly, now that Mr. Geary
:s s%aS." Che netted the grimy hand
and left him staring at tho ground.
Presently he sighed, quivered horribly,
and shambled out Of the patio on to
the arfng-line. And when he reported
to Jack Webster at nine O'Clock next
morning. he was sober. shaking hor-
r!bly and on the verge Of deiirium
tremens, but tightly claspsd In bis
right hand he held that hve-doliar
piece. Dolores. who had made II her
business to be present At the inter
view. heard John Stuart Webster say
heartily:
THE finest thing abeut q terrible
Aght. friend Cafferty. 10 that II II r. e
worthwhile battle. tho spoils Of VIC
tory arc exceedingly sweet. You are
now about to enjoy one fourth Of tho
said spoils--a large Jolt OF aguard-
ientel You must have n to steady
your nerves. Go to the nearest can.
tina and buy one drink; then come
back with the change. BY that time
| I shall have breakfasted and you and
I will then 60 shopping. At neon You
shall have another drink; At four
o'clock another; and Just before 70
firing you shall have the fourth and
last for this day. Remember. CAT.
forty: one jolt-no more-and then
back here with the exact change" :
AS Don Juan scurried for salvation,
Webster turned to Dolores. He'll fall
me now. but that will not be his fault
but mine. I've set him too great q
task In his present condition. Never.
theiess. to use colloquiai expression.