The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-04-11
By VICTOR ROUSSEAU

The righteousness of the incident
might have tempered Winton's anger
but for the memory Of Daddy Seaton,
lying unconscious on the floor. He
| went back to Kash's store. The little
storekeeper was standing where he had
been behind the counter, and still blink
ing.
Il sell no drink - he protested, fling
| ing out his hands. IF you beat me /
have you arrested. These men from
the compound, sair. they get their
drink from other MANS"
"What do you have trap-door for,
Kash2 And why did you shut 1t on
me?"
"The trap-door lead to the cellar,
sair. where l keep things cold. Those
native mans make tunnels everywhere.
shut on you because fear you beat
me, sair."
"Your instinct was sound one.
Kash." said Winton grlmly. "There
are few things | should like better"
He leaned across the counter and
shook his fist very deliberately under
Kash's nose. Listen carefully" he
said. "You'd better. because | don't
speak twice. If ever catch you selling
liquor to any one from my claim. black
or white, or yellow. I'll break every
bone in your carcass"
Disregarding the little traders vol
uble protests he went back to mis-
claim, to find Seaton standing. at the
door of the cottage The Old man
recognized him and came staggering
toward him.
"I'll be going, Mr.. Garrett" he said
thickly. Report work tomorrow. How
much you going to pay me?'
He stood swaying backward and for
ward. smiling foollshly into Winton's
face. Winton repressed his disgust
with strong effort.
'How about the drink, Seaton7" he |
asked.
whats the matter with drink?" de-
manded Seaton.
I'm have no drinking In my com
pound What about your promise of an
hour or so ago? Is this the way you
intend to keep it,"
THAT'S all right" mumbled Seaton.
"Just a drop, ole man. Last time"
he took fright at Wintons
look. Gimme another chance" he
begged "For the Lords sake. gimme
another chance"
He laid his skinny, shaking fingers
IN the lapels of Winton's coat.
"Gimme chance for Sheila's sake" he
begged. "You know Sheia. Fine girl.
Best girl in Malopo. De Wits been
after her ever since he saw her last
.ime When he knew her before she
vas too little for him. Now he's taken
Witt. She dunno what / know. De
Witt dunno. Some day I'll tell 'em.
Won't tell 'em now. Girl might leave
ne. You like her, Ell? Gimme chance
IN count of her."
The shrewd. old. odious face peered
nto Winton's.
Gimme another chance. l want save
er from De Witt. He's got wife down
ountry. Maybe two of EN-. Some day
tell 'em all joke about her. Open
heir eyes. You gimme another chance.
In Garrett, and I'll have joke on De
Witt, and bring her here where he
ant get at her"
e was surprised at the hoarseness of
is voice. II don't want to hear any
hing more from you about Miss Sea-
on. I'll give you one more chance,
nd only one. Report for work tomor-
ow morning. and Wen get the com
ound cleaned up"
He watched the old man stagger
way along the road to Malopo. and his
loughts tortured him. SO De witt
nd a wife down-country, and it was
nown, and yet he could annoy Sheila
mt whatever the nature of Seaton's
aging had been however stringent the
enalty. II was not right that the girl
could submit to De Wits insults to /
ave her father.
Seaton was no guardian for her
,ther care. too heavy to bear. He RI
ragged her down; it was to support e
i'm that she was forced into her work y
! the Continental. {
Winton resolved TO get her away
ON that life. He thought of her with {
sudden rush of tenderness. Why had o
? not refused to accept his dismissal? Z
e believed that he could win her love. d
nd he loved her.
But was II love or fascination? What a
Id they in common. he. of Harvard. u
I'd this frontier woman of the harrled e
-
A. - pOndered he saw buggy a
hich had eeen travelling along the v
ad. begin to l,.-s n toward his claim.
ne occupant was .Sage Davis. He a
w Winton and shoutr5 to him TO n
me. indicating that he Sevld not e
ave the horse. o.
He wrapped the reins about his right a
rist and took both Wintons hands In
s. 81
Mr.. Garrett. my friend, | am the b.
ppy bearer of message OF peace
d fraternity" he began In his quayer OF
2 voice. "
Both these things were perfectly sat II
factory TO winton. who said so. As Ii