The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-07-14
Johnny's Way OF
Getting Even
b. FRANK FILSON

By FRANK FILSON
John Barrett and Frank Rogers
were Of much the same height and
build, but when they were at school
together Rogers was shooting UP
into man while Barrett was still
8 boy. That enabled Rogers to
bully Barrett to his hearts content.
You cowardv the little boy
would scream. as the big one
pounded him. I'LL get even with
you some day."
"A bully Is always q coward" an
swered the other, lodging away.
When Barrett was as big as Rog-
ers he was the stronger. He could
have taken his revenge then. But
he had already forgotten. Barrett
was slow, easy-going fellow, and
Rogers a more popular fellow at
college. Their paths seldom crossed,
except on the athletic field.
In one of che test games, the
result Of which was to be the selec-
ton Of either Rogers or Barrett
for the team. Rogers bullied Bar
rett again. Barrett had injured
tendon of his knee. I, was nearly
well now and not likely to inter-
fere with his play, unless he re-
ceived a kick there. Rogers knew
about that and, in the scrimmage,
he gave Barrett q kick which total
~ disabled him.
"Sorry, old man." said Rogers. as
Barrett lay gasping on the ground.
Il didn't mean to hurt YOU"
"You did, you liar" answered
Barrett, land I'll get even with you
for that some day, don't you forget
it."
But Rogers, who was elected to
the team, speedily forgot. And Bar
rett, If he didn't forget, apparently
bore no malice. though he never
played football again and walked
with a slight limp ever after. BY
the time they went into the Kings
ley bank together they were ap-
parently the best of friends again.
Clifford Kingsley, who owned the
bank, had had failure with big
land company recently and there
was a good deal of reorganizing
work to be done in connection with
the concern. Barrett. as ,neral
utility man, divided his time be-
tween the defunct land company
and the bank.
Both Barrett and Rogers had
known Ruth Kingsley at college,
where they were contemporary
with her brother. That was how
they got their positions. They
called regularly at the fine old
house on Madison avenue. OF
course 1t was Rogers who won the
girls love. She had pledged her
self to Barrett.
.''I'm sorry. Johnny" said Miss
Ruth-everybody called Barrett
"Johnny"-"but l find l was mis-
taken. l don't love you. but l will
always be your friend"
AL right" said Johnny miser-
ably. He did not cease going TO the
house, even after Rogers engage
ment was privately made known. II
In his .heart he resolved to get even
with the bully, nobody guessed his
resolution, not even Rogers himself
"I'm sorry had to cut you out
old man." said Rogers, ''but l Just
had to. She's q sumner, Is Miss
Ruth"
Barrett walked out of the ROOM
He did not want to hear Miss Ruth
discussed by Rogers.
There had been good many
cases of impoverishment connected
with the failure of the land COM
pany, and at one time Mr.. Kings
ley had received threats from vari-
Gus sources.
The bank was just closing; IN.
side, Rogers had stepped out Of the
teller's cage, and then stepped back
as ragged looking man drew near.
"After closing time." he said.
Tomorrow"
He stood at the door of the cage
and the ragged man, opening the
wicket which led to the ladies' ia
BILE, walked up toward the back
door Of the cage.
"You've had my money and my
wife's life. you dogs!" he roared.
"and I'm going to have your life.
You're Mr.. Kingsley, I know you"
Barrett. who was working at
desk near by. raised his head; then.
seeing the revolver which the fel.
low was flourisfing, he sprang In
front Of Rogers.
''I'm not Mr.. Kingsley" habbled
Rogers, covering behind Barrett as
the man raised his weapon.
II am" said Barrett, advancing
with smile.
eyes, screamed Rogers. thrust.
ing Barrett forward up to the re-
yolver bartel as 1t spat fire.
"A woman rushed forward and
kneeled at Barrett's side. 1t was
Ruth Kingsley. Her tears fell On
the face Of the wounded man. AMI
with her little handkerchief she at
tempted to staunch the blood from
his wound. ;ttG
: 'It'st only my shoulder. Ruth"
whispered Barrett, beginning Ito
grow pale. * r..
Rogers had come forward, trem-
bling and endeavored. to assist. But
the girl forced him back.
= "DOn't you dare TO lay your
hands upon johnny Barrett" she
cried Indignantly. II saw all that
happened"
Barrett raised hts hand depre.
catIngly, but Rogers hat seized his
hat and was already sinking away.
The passage to the door Of this
bank. under the sc0rlfful eyes .ot
the employees. seemed an endless
one. When he reached the door he
began to run. Evidently he ran u
good distance. because he was
never seen in the city, again.
"Johnny-JOhnny!" whispered
Miss Ruth. And. IN the presence of