The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-01-05

Virgil threw of his coat and his piS-
tol-belt, and leaped Into the water. A
moment before, he would have shot
/ the beast now he would save him.
Tony was not in sight But soon he
arose, swimming, and Drace saw a
knife in his hand. In the water Tony
was as much at home as beaver I
He dived. and Virgil knew now that
ii was his aim 20 dart beneath him and
with the knife to rip him as skillful
swimmer rips a crocodile. But in the
water the strong man, young Drace.
was at home, too, and turning about
with a quick swirl. he waited. Tony
came up; and now they came toward
each other. like rival otters-grappled
and struggled. treadlng water. Shout
ders up. Virgil caught Tony's left
wrist, wrenched his arm limp and
helpless, seized him by the throat, his
left hand steel-gripped about the MUIR
derous right wrist. the knife hand.
No mercy nowl Fire and water,
their gamel Down. gasping, DOWN.
The head beneath the surface, the
hand still out. striving to stab. Slowly
the hand opened; the knife dropped;
the hand closed--half opened. was
limp. Drace turned loose his grip.
The body sank.
Virgil swan ashore and came drip
out of the cane The Old man spokes
Tony Whar hep
81 have drowned him."
Monsieur was YER strongi"
"If / had brought him to the shore,
he would have sneaked chance to
murder me-"
"He was the bad man. yes. He
ought be dead, yes. was to keel heem
bimeby. He keel the man here not
long go. Twice he 90 keel you, an
once he snap the pistol. l set the trap
for you to be stabbed In the water.
Then there be no blood to tell the
tale. Now am so sor' VIII monsieur
pull me into the houseT
mo. You would reach for pistol
to shoot me. Stay where you are"
"Monsieur have still suspicion. We
wait"
Virgil put on his coat, his belt. and
sat down on the grass. The old man
was silent. his eyes closed. He might
he dead. but no matter. More than nm
hour dragged by, the breeze moaning !
in the cane. Virgil arose and stood |
near the chair Stepho opened his
eyes, but was silent. Virgil sat down |
again and waited. the wind tangling /
the tops of the cane.
He heard the canoe coming
Father Tahnn was kindly and soft
of voice. For many a despairins
wretch he had held the Cross. At
sight of him old Stepho's eyes were
still hard. Time wears granite away,
,ut does not mellow It. Not yet had
he granted mercy, and for no pity
could he hope.
"Fathar, this Is the man would
Keel hate heem. the cnrpetbag-
lire"
at IS not true" said Virgil. stand
ng near. 81 fought against the carpet
,aggers In June In New Orleans when
hey were hanging man. cut him
town."
How great can he an instant change
The old wolf-eyes dewed soft
'Oh. monsieur, I was that man.
they hang me. hear of the brave
nan, but not know II was you. Please
orgive me- TEX the leefle
ell. an know you be kind to her. She
owe you. For you she would die.
fonsieur. beg you not TO think 80
ard of me. No my ieetle gel.
on must not cry"
81 did not know you." said Drace.
A cloth was about your features.
hinl not OF It now. Listen to the I
ne who has come with message OF
eace and forgiveness"
The priest devoted himself to bis
lcred Offices. The wind moaned soft.
The priest spoke presently to Virgil.
She must not stay here. Take her .
way. and / will see that everything =
lall be done"
Nadine stood with virgil's coat !
llled close about her face. And into
g heart she spoke:
1.-THE sun is low. Virgil. Bat you :
ave me now no more"
1.-THE END.J .