Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1924-04-24

Inc enthusiasm TOT tne Tree uflukS
however. was only slightly damped
and 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
kiln you as soon as look at you. When
Bill the Tanners In a quarrelsome
mood. I've seen I'm empty this place
and the whole street. quicker than II
a mad dog was loose. Els q fair and
oily terror, e is. z about killed is
wife, three nights ago. but there amt
a living soul as d dare 70 stand In
the witness-bOx about IL"
"why don't the police take a hard
in the matter II the man is such null
sance?" Sir Timothy asked.
His new acquaintance. gripping a
thick tumbler Of spirits and water with
hand deeply Incrusted with the stains
OF his trade. scofred
police! Why. ed take on any
three Of the police round these parts p
he declared. "Policei 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. II amt 'ealthy."
The swing-doOr was suddenly
opened. A toIsie-haired urchin showed
his face in.
BILLY the Tanners comingl" he
shouted. Gave. ALL He's been 'ayin,
rare TODD in Smiths court"
Then a 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
Timothy's nelghbor set down his tum-
bier empty. He was the last to leave.
III you're going to stop ere. guv-
nor" he begged fervently. you keep
stlll tongue in your cad. Billy aIn't
particular who IL Is Ed kill Is own
mother, II e felt like It. Ell swing
some day, sure as I stand ere. but
ell do a bit more mischief first. .0p
1t with me. guvnor, or get inside there"
"Jim's right" the man behind the
bar agreed. He's a very nasty Gus
toner. Bill the Tanner sir n he's
coming down, I'd clear out for a mo-
ment. You cen go In the guvnor's
sittlng-room, II you like"
Sir Timoth- shook his head.
Billy the Tanner VIII not hurt me-"
he said "As a matter of fact. came
down to see HIM"
His new friend hesitated no longer.
out made for the door through which
most of his companions had already
disappeared The barman leaned
across the counter.
"Guvnor." he whispered hoarsely,
II 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 81
lence. The barman withdrew TO the
farther end OF his domain and busied
himself cleaning some glasses. Sud-
denly the door was swung open.
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
rhaven 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 a dirty flannel shirt. His
hands and even his chest, where the
shirt fell away, were dlseolored by yell
ow stains. se looked around the
-oom at first with an air of disappoint-
nent. Then he caught sight OF Sir
Timothy standing at the counter, and
" frightened up.
where's all the crowd. Tom?" he
Isked the barman.
Scared Of you. reckon" was the
,rlef reply. There was plenty here
/ few minutes ago"
search OF me I'll the oAucf to
,eated. staring hard at Sir Timothy.
Did you ear that. guvnpr?"
Il heard IT," Sir Timothy acqui-
seed.
Billy the Tanner began I'd cheer up.
lie walked all around this stranger
"A tOff ! A big TOM I'll ave a drink
nth you. guvnor." he declared, with a
ote Of IncIpient turbulence In his tone.
The barman had already reached up
or two glasses. but Sir Timothy shook
Is head
Il think not" he said. .
There was a moments silence. The
arman made despairing signs at Sir
timothy. Billy the Tanner was meis-
sning his lips with his tongue g
"Why not?" he demanded )
Because ! don't know you and !
ont ike you" was the bland reply.
Billy the Tanner wasted small time .
pom prelIminaries. He spat upon his e
ands
Il dunno yop and don't like you.- ?
E retorted. oyer know wot I'm c
Ding 10 DOR