The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-02-18


to the wheel and followed the snaky trail
through the mesquite without the slightest
symptom of annoyance. His cigar was
drawing nicely; the weather was neither hot
nor chill. He was at peace with the world,
as becomes a middle-aged man of clear
conscience and conf rtable financial condi-
ton. For ten miles he had seen no living
thing, other than couple of road-runners,
and was idly specializing on the possible
bill of fare he would encounter at the
little oil camp he should reach before sup
perfume.
Thus it was when he made q sharp turn
to the left and found an obstruction. A
thick, thorny, dead mesquite tree lay across
the road Oae who knows mesquite thorns
and does not favor patching inner tubes
as a outdoor sport does to drive over
distractions of the sort. So, quite natu-
rally, Judge Van Fleet halted his convey
ance, stepped out and had stopped to grasp
the little tree when the order came:
"Stick 'em highw
1t was not the voice of perfect gentle
man. 1t sounded just mean as the thug
looked when the Judge, raising his hands
as he Strengthened up, turned slowly and
inspected his captor.
The robber wore grin but it was mean
grin. He couldn't look any meaner by
scowIing. Instantly Judge Van Fleet rec
ognized him.
"Welcome to our bosky dell, Jedge,' said
Mr.. blackberry, specialist in larceny and
assassination. Didn't expect to ketcn
such big fish when I heerd yer flivver
comm an set out muh hooks"
Calmly and confidently he approached,
but the muzzle of the forty-five held at his
waistline did not leave it's perfect alignment
with the waistline of the Judge. "Haw-
haw, this we're is rich" pursued Mr.. Hack
berry tLemme see-how was it you said
hit? Here's a immitation-jest changin
locations, conditions and sech Jedge YAM
Fleet, hereby sentence yuh to twenty miles
of walk in tn bresh Meanin', of course,
that I collect such pussonal goods as yuh
may be totin', and put crimp in the
works of that goodwill yonder SOS yuh'll
get some leg work"
"You seem to hold pat hand" said
Judge Van Fleet, land haven't any more
gun than a rabbit. If / had one, maybe
we could make the game more interesting.
/ might even have the luck to put you
back where you belong. They've repaired
that jail-what you left of it,
"Well, Pm kinda glad you amt got yer
iron," stated Mr.. blackberry. s'Fust place,
/ need most of them clothes-an' l think
they'd suit nue. better without no extra but
tonholes in 'em. However, we're wastin
daylight, as the Teller says, So"
Here-here-what's this?"
A tenor voice to the rear of the robber
caused him to start suddenly. but he kept
his head. He did not wheel about, leaving
his back exposed to the Judge. Two Jumps
and he was on the other side of his victim,
where he could face the intruder without
losing his drop. Buc what he saw treasured
him. Pattering rapidly down the road came
a short, stout, pink-faced gentleman in Palm
Beach suit and gayly banded straw hat
With his left hand he waved folded news
paper and gesticulated likewise with his
right hand, which was empty.
.Well, WE'LL" greeted the robber. broad
grin splitting his face. Look who's here.
Tn Lawd do pervide an blessin's don't
never come single. Don't crowd, Fatty.
Yo' turn next-soon as / close muh bust
ness transaction with this gent. Plenty
time-jes' stick aroun'."
"Hey-wotsay?' The pink one con-
tinued to advance, cupping his empty right
hand around an ear. This is-er-er-scan-
dalous. Desist at once. What's the quar-
rel between you gentlemen? Certainly moth
ing that would justify threatening with fire
arms? 1t is unlawful. Stop it at once"
pJJINK