The spectator., 1922-03-07

loWeTS tooh ring or neavy Keys from the hand of the jailer. and led the way down a whitewashed corridor. 1t was not yet bedtime, and the other prisoners were still up; some of them were reading newspapers, others were trying to mend their clothing, still others were doing nothing. A few of them called out boldly and bade the new prisoner welcome-and each of these received a gruff order from the sheriff to keep quiet. Dale paid no at tention whatever to his would-be tormentors.
 At an iron door at the end of the corridor, the officer halted and faced about
 If there could be such thing as a comfortable cell here" he said in low and kindly tones, tits this one" He went on earnestly: Now I want you to believe me when I tell you that 1t is with real regret that I put you behind door of iron, But if didn't do it, somebody else would do it; and it's possible that can be little more
 
 would be-"
 '1 realize all that, y'know," replied Dale, and I'm very much obliged to you. sheriff.
 Flowers unlocked the door. and Bill Dale walked in. Flowers locked the door and went away.
 Dale began to inspect his quarters To all appearances, they were at least clean. There was q narrow bed GOV cred with pair of gray blankets, a stool and a soapbox, and nothing more The light in the corridor behind him made snaky black lines of bar-shadows on the brick partition walls and the outer wall of stone. Dale shuddered in spite of himself. He put up one hand and turned on a small light, which dissipated the uncanny shad- ows-and showed him line from Dantes Inferno" that to him seemed very miserable; some former occupant of that cell had written it with char coal on the whitewashed outer wall.
 Then Dale sat wearily down on the narrow bed, leaned his head upon his hands, and began to think.
 He had always wanted difficulties to overcome, barriers to surmount, a work to do, a fight to fight for him self. In full measure he had found them every one. He did not doubt his ability to overcome the difficulties, sur mount the barriers, do his work well and fight his fight as good man fights, and win-if It were not for the charge of having shot and killed Black Adam Ball! 1t seemed to him now that that must end all that was worth while for him. For that was more than difficulty, more than barrier.
 He firmly believed that it had been his bullet that had finished the earthly existence of the giant hillman. True. 1t had been an accident But how was he to convince jury that 1t had been m accident? Would the jury take his word for 1t? The jury would not. of course
 The mysterious third shot. that had come from a little distance-but he could not reasonably expec, deliver ance from that source. If only he had held down his abominable, savage tenn per; if only he had
 Major Bradley interrupted his un- pleasant train of thought
 No breeding there. my boy"
 Dale looked up. The old attorney, as neat in appearance as though he had not even seen a saddle that day, was standing just outside the hate full door of bars. Beside him stood whiteclad negro boy with a big tray of steaming food on one hand and pot of steaming coffee in the other.
 The jailer came and unlocked the door; also he very considerately brought another stool and fresh water. The major entered the cell, and the negro followed.
 An amused twinkle appeared in Dale's eyes as Bradley put the tray down on the soapbox. There was enough for five threshing- machine hands! The black boy was sent to the front door to wait.
 q thought you'd be as hungry as l am, and I'm as hungry as poor old By Heck ever was!" laughed the major. as he sat down and began to pour the coffee. Riding always made me as hungry as bear In April. Light right into it, Dale. There's nothing like q good steak, for any meal, when fellow is half starved; eh, Dale? Try that one, won't you? I told Massen- gale I'd cause his Oeheadment If these steaks weren't perfect. Massengale' he added, runs the hotel here, the Flu reka Funeral Parlors, and the One Price Clothing Emporium"
 'T wonder" smiled Bill Dale, what he does with his spare timer"
 Bradley laughed. his eyes twinkling merrily. Dale found that he too was hungry, now that savory odors had invaded his nostrils. A minute later, and he had pronounced his steak deli cious.