The Elk Mountain pilot., 1924-05-08

behind, and beheId the gambler
I'D like word with Won. Mr.
Gwynne." drawled Jack.
II am In somewhat of a hurry
Mr.. -"
III walk along with you, IL you
don't mind" said the other, coming I'm
beside him. "I'm not In the habit of
beating about the bush. When I've
got anything to do, I do 1t without
much fddling. Barry Lapelle is down
at my place. He has asked me to rep
resent him in little controversy that
seems to call for physical adjudica-
t1on. How will day after tomorrow at
i've In the morning suit your"
Perfectly" replied Kenneth, stiffly.
Convey my compliments to Mr.. La
pelle and say to him that I overlook
the irregularity and will be glad to
meet him at any time and any place"
Il know it's Irregular" admitted
Mr.. Trentman, with an apologetic
wave Of the hand, "but he was In some
doubt as to who might have the honor
to act for you, Mr.. Gwynne, SO he sug-
gested that come to you direct. II
you will oblige me with the name Of
the friend who is to act as your Sec
ond. will make a point of apologlzing
for having accosted you in this man.
ner, and also perfect the details with
him."
II haven't given the matter a mo-
ment's thought" said Kenneth, frown-
Ing. DAY after tomorrow morning,
you say?"
"Yes, SIR"
Cant you arrange it for tomorrow
morningi"
Mr.. Trentman spread out his hands
In deprecatory manner. "In view of
the fact that you are expected to ap-
pear in court at nine tomorrow morn
ing to defend an unfortunate girl, Mr..
Lapelle feels that he would be doing
your client a very grave injustice If
he killed her lawyer-er-a trife pre-
maturely. you might say. He has con-
flded to me that he is the young wom-
ans friend and can't bear the thought
of having her chances jeopardized
by"
Pardon me, Mr.. Trentman." inter-
| rupted Kenneth shortly. Both of you
are uncommonly thoughtful and con-
siderate. Now that am reminded of
my pleasant little encounter with Mr..
Lapelle this morning, am constrained
ito remark that have had all the sat
isfaction I desire. You may say to
him that I am a gentleman and not in
the habit of fighting duels with horse
thieves"
Mr.. Trentman started. His vaunted
aplomb sustained sharp spasm that
left him with slightly fallen jaw.
"Am l to understand, sir, that you
are referring to my friend as horse
theft" he demanded, bridling.
II merely asked you to take that
message to him." said Kenneth cool
ly. ~ might add cattle thief. sheep
stealer. hog thief Or"
"Why, good Cd. sir" gasped
Trentman. "he'd shot you down like
a dog If L"
"You might also tell Mr.. Lapelle
that his bosom friend Martin Hawk Is
in jail"
"Well, what of itr
Does Lapelle know that Martin is
in jail?"
"Certainly-andh he says he ought to
be hung. That's what he thinks of
Hawk. A man that would sell his
own"
Hawk is in jail for stockstealing.
Mr.. Trentman."
whats that got to do with the
case? What's that got to do with your
calling my friend horse thiefT'
"A whole lot, sir. You will prob
ably find out before the day is over
| that you are harborlng and concealing
| a thief down there in your shanty, and
you may thank Martin Hawk for the
information in case you prefer not to
accept the word of a gentleman. If
seeking counsel, I should not hesitate
to advise you-as your lawyer-that
there is law against harboring Grim
inals and that you are laying yourself
open to prosecution"
Trentman obviously felt of his chin.
Being well versed in the law" he
said, II suppose you realize that Mr..
Lapelle can recover heavy damages
against you in case what you have
said to me isn't true"
Perfectly. Therefore, repeat to
you that cannot engage in an AFFAIR
of honor with a thief. l knocked him
down this morning, but that was In
the heat of righteous anger. For fear
that your report to him may lead Mr..
Lapelle to construe my refusal to meet
him day after tomorrow morning as
cowardice on my part, permit me to
make this request of you. Please say
to him that I shall arm myself with
pistol as soon as have reached my
house, and that 1 expect to be going
about the streets OF Lafayette as
usual"
IT see," said Trentman, after mo-
ment. "You mean you'll be ready for
him in case he hunts you up"
Exactly"