The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25
PAGE1x

nery."
 He came in first, a trifle unsteady, behind him were several who obviously l.. just come down from the mines
 "Dad," whispered Ed Raleigh, the col. rushing from his face, ''for Gods sal make your getaway. This is Martin. al he's lookin' for you with gum"
 Martini" Big Raleigh wavered, and th shrugged back his shoulders. I've nes sneaked away from any man, and l a goin' to begin now"
 And Ed, knowing that this was rrevoc ble, stepped back ard prepared for fight.
 Are you still plannin' for that train said Olaf to Martin.
 "And I'm goin' to get it. Olaf, Wa you to know my friend Bud Hendrix"
 He waved forward huge, black-b beard man.
 Bud has guaranteed to get me to ths train" He turned. "Step up, boys, all you My dust aint run out yet by hc of long ways" Here his eye fell ul1 big Raleigh; he halted and then walked straight across the room and paused a pace away from Peter.
 With hand on ais gun, Ed waited for the Tightening move, the flash of steel, and in his heart he had never admired his father as he did at this moment, for the big man did not stir hand He waited for the other to make the decisive move.
 Stranger" said Martin suddenly, you might as we'll know what's comin' off. Come and liquor up and hear story what every man ought to know"
 He waved toward the bar, and Pete Raleigh, after an instant of hesitation, smiled quietly and followed. As Tor Ed, he was ready for the trouble which he thought must come.
 "Get your eye on the time, Bud' asked Martin.
 The other exposed huge gold watch. 'I'm watchin every minute. If what you say is right that gent ought to die, and I'll help you on your way
 "If Pm right?" roared Martin. "Don'i the whole town know how Pete Raleigh done me dirt and sneaked away my girl and married her?'
 By his side Pete Raleigh strengthened, and for moment Ed thought that the de- nouement was about to come; but then he saw his father relax and watch Martin with an odd smile.
 ..For 20 years,' said Martin, Il been hungering' to get at him. For 20 years l been burnin' up with fire to see this gent face o face. And now the time has come."
 Ed Raleigh shuddered but his father had not stirred. He still stood there at the side of Martin, looking at the avenger with the quiet, reminiscent smile. Every one had taken his drink, and it was Pete Raleigh who proposed the toast.
 Martin he said there's hopn' that you meet Pete Raleigh face to face-as close as I'm standn' to you now"
 "Ah!' groaned Martin, and tossed off his drink. Stranger" he went on, laying a hand on Raleigh's arm. q like you. You got straight look about your eyes. Well, so-long. I got to go down and kill Pete Raleigh; this is my last try, and if l don't get him this time in the valley Pm going to call the deal off. When I come back part ner, l want to see more of you"
 Thanks" said Pete Raleigh. "Go get him."
 "Time up!' parked Bud Hendrix.
 ''Wait minute," pleaded Martin T got a gent here that can understand, and l wanthim to know" want him to know"
 Don't you hear that train whstiin'?"
 Damn the train! Partner-'
 But Bud Hendrix was man of his word.
 Far away the train hooted around the bend, and Bud, fixing one brawny arm under the shoulder of Martin, caught him with the other hand on the opposite side and fairly lifted him toward the door.