The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-08-25

the big>and sunbrowned man with all |
the force Of q bullet.
$50 you're Bill Dale. Well. D. my
soulw
Don't. buddy, don'tI"
The boy went on: MY name, It's
Henery. I come here with q Christ
mas gtf' TO you" He pointed q dirty
forehnger toward the bundle I'm his
lap. But you aint a-goin, to git 1t
now" '
"whyr" Dale asked smilingiy.
"Whyi Shoes -'at's why. HI,
did ever have any shoes ,aforef Bare
footed As rabbit. That's me. Bare
footed as Q d-n' pebbiti"
son." protested Bill Dale, you're
entirely too small to swear. You
mustn't do It. y'know."
Yes" quickly. "Tm small. I'm small
to my age. I'm done twelve year old.
I've been measured TO- the go-backs."
Measured for the go-backs."
laughed Dale, whats thatf"
why" >soberiy, when ye grow ut-
Ter std o bigger, ye've got the 70
backs. Nav, she measured me with
yarn string out O. q stocking which
had been wore by a woman seventy
seven-year old, and 'en she wrapped
the yarn string around the door-hinge.
I'll gin - grow higher, or die. one or
rother, afore the string wears out on
the hinge. Bound to-"
Again Dale laughed. Mountain su.
perstitiOns always amused him. Ben
Littleford came into the room, ard
Dale arose and faced him.
| do you know this boy, Benz"
| IT'S Lyss Balls boy" answered
Littleford. puckerins his brows.
whats he a-doin' hereT
| HE brought q Christmas present
for me-" said Dale, but he has de-
cided that I shan't have It."
"The only Christmas present you
could gtt from . Bau would be a bull
let" frowned Ben Littleford.
| He stepped to the rocker and took
the bundle from the boys lap; he
took away the crumpled brown pa.
per-and there In his hands was n
loaded and cooked revolverl
"By George" exclaimed. Bill Dale.
"Whatd I tell yer" smiled Ben Lit
tleford.
An hour later Dale and q score Of
Littiefords and Norelands entered the
big downstairs room of the office and
supplies building. The defeated Balls
and Turner'S lounged here and there
sullen and silent, on the rough -bonrd
hoor Of their temporary prison.
Dale walked into their midst and
addressed them quietly.
you'll admit, won't you, that I've
Eot what you fellows call the dead
wood on your And that 1t lies In my
power to send every single one Of you
to the state penitentiary7"
reckon 3d." admitted Adam Balls
father. he was pretty we'll cowed. and
- were the, others.
But I've decided not to do IL" wen,
an hill Dale. II can't forget that this
s Christmas day. You may have your
nDerty as q present from the man
you've tried SO hard and 50 un1ustly
20 XIII. After the doctor gets through
with Little Tom and Saul Littleford
Nc VIII come here to dress all your
wounds; then our guards will give you
SsSs Joa7 .::cs, ::a yc- mas o.
nome. I'm not asking you to promise
me anything. you understand. In
simply trusting the human heart, and
! don't believe III be disappointed"
dale turned to John Moreland
Aoreland's rugged face wore q puz
sled. displeased smile.
III your brother David was here. .
Bill Dale demanded with a bare shads
or anger In hs voice. "what do you
think he'd do about it, It's Christ.
mas day. isn't itf'
The old Moreiand chiefs eounts.
nance softened: his grey eyes bright.
ened. "Yes," he said, "ius Christmas
day. Bill" He looked toward the Balls
and Turner's.
Merry Christmas. gentlemen hs
said.
Adam Balls father immediately
asked him for q chew Of tobacco.