Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1924-05-28

llley eau Billy the Tan
ner frequentsT
Inc question appeared to produce
an almost uncomfortable sensation
The enthusiasm for the free drinks
however, was only slightly damned
ana a small forest Of grimy hands
were extended across the counter
Don't you ask no questions about
i'm, guvnor," Sir Timothy's immediate
companion advised earnestly. "He'd
XIII you as soon as look at YOU. When
Bill the Tanners in a ouarreIsoma
mood, I've seen i'm empty this place
and tbs whole street, quicker than If
a mao dog was loose Els a fair and
oily terror, e is. E about killed lis
wife, three nights ago, but there amt
a living Aou as d dare to stand in
the witness-box about it."
"Why don't the police take a hand
in the matter if the man is such a nui-
sance?' Sir Timothy asked.
His new acquaintance, gripping q
thick tumbler of spirits and water with
hand deeply incrusted with the stains
of his trade, scoffed.
Police! Why. ed take on any
three of the police round these parts !"
he declared. Police! You tell one
on 'em that Billy the Tanners on the
rampage, and you'll see 'em op it.
Cicero, guvnor, and don't you get curl
Gus about Billy. 1t amt 'ealthy."
The swingdoor was suddenly
opened. A tousle-haired urchin showed
his face in.
BILLY the Tanners comingp' he
shouted. "Cave, all! He's been 'avin'
rare TODD in Smiths court"
Then curious thing happened. The
little crowd at the bar seemed some
how to melt away. Half-a-dozen left
precipitately by the door Half-a-
dozen more skunk through an inner en-
trance into some room beyond. Sir
Ti,nothy's neighbor set down his tum-
bier empty. He was the last to leave.
IF you're going to stop ere, guy
Eor," he begged fervently, ''you keep a
still tongue in your ead. Billy amt
particular who it is. ED kill is own
some day, sure as ! stand ERE, but
ell do bit more mischief first. 'Op
it with me, guvnor or get inside there"
"Jim's right the man behind the
bar agreed. Hes a very nasty GUS
toner, Bill the Tanner, sir If he's
coming down, I'd clear out for mo-
ment. You can go in the guvnor's
sitting-room, if you like
Sir Timothy shook his head
BILLY the Tanner will not hurt me-"
he said. Gas a matter of fact, l came
down to see him."
His new friend hesitated no longer.
put made for the door through which
most of his companions had already
disappeared. The barman leaned
across the counter.
"Guvnor," he whispered hoarsely,
81 don't know what the game is, but
I've given you the office. Billy won't
stand no truck from anyone. He's a
holy terror"
Sir Timothy nodded.
Il quite understand" he said.
There was a moments ominous ST.
| lenceI The barman withdrew to the
| farther end of his domain and busted
himself cleaning some glasses. Sud-
denly the door was swung open. A
man entered whose appearance alone
was calculated to inspire a certain
amount of fear. He was tall, but his
| height escaped notice by reason of
! the extraordinary breadth of his Shout
derS. He had a coarse and vicious
| face, a crop of red hair, and an I'M
shaven growth of the same upon his
! face. He wore what appeared to be
| the popular dress in the neighbor-
hood-a pair of trousers suspended by
a belt, and dirty flannel shirt. His
hands and even his chest, where the
shirt fell away, were discolored by vel
| low stains He looked around the
room at first with an air of disappoint-
ment Then he caught sight of Sir
Timothy standing at the counter, and
he frightened up.
where's all the crowd, Tom?" he
asked the barman.
Scared of you, l reckon" was the
brief reply. There was plenty here
a few minutes ago."
Scared OF me, chr" the other re-
peated, staring hard at Sir Timothy.
did you ear that, guvnor?"
81 heard it," Sir Timothy acqui-
esced.
Billy the Tanner began to cheer up.
He walked all around this stranger.
"a toff! A big toff I'll ave drink
with you, guvnor," he declared, with a
note of incipient turbulence in his tone.
The barman had already reached up
for two glasses, but Sir Timothy shook
his head.
81 think not" he said.
There was moments silence. The
barman made despairing signs at Sir
Timothy Billy the Tanner was mois-
tening his lips with his tongue.
"Why not?" he demanded.
Because / don't know you and l