Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1929-11-07


and TO be frank. | don't believe
like you anyway. But as we're likely
to be together for the next week or
so. II will be peusanter for everybody
II we do not quarrel. However, my
merry man, I'll talk a language you
understand. and I'll just lay you
little bet that 1t rains and that the
redwood yonder falls"
His eyes held Gardiner steadily.
The latter looked supercillously down
his nose, disdaining reply.
"Well?" challenged Davenport.
ITS an absurd bet.''
I'm offering 1t. Either you'll take
It, or | don't want another peep ont
Of you as to the arrangements choose
to make"
GARDENERS dark face flushed at the
others tone. He made his decision to
teach this upstart lesson
"I1l take you," he said suddenly.
ION condition that | name the bet"
"All right"
VERY well. then. Ten thousand dol
lars"
Burton uttered a little cry of re-
proach. Grimstead, who had been lis
tening amusedly, interposed.
That's beyond Joke, beyond all
reason, Gardiner" he objected. ..Have
some sense of proportion"
HE asked for it; not l." insisted
Gardiner steadily.
well. I'm not going to permit any
such nonsense" began Grimstead:
but Davenport cut him short.
THANK you, Mr.. Grlmstead. but don't
bother. I'll take that bet"
Now, young man." expostulated
Grimstead, don't be stampeded by
pride into"
Pardon me again. Mr. Grimstead;
and thank you again; but that's all
settled. I'll just get 1t down In writ
Ing and get you to witness It, II you
will; SO we'll have a little record of
the transaction
Il expect to collect this bet" warned
Gardiner, stung by the suggestion of
this precaution.P "Mr. Grimstead can
vouch for my solvency. Where are
your guarantees?"
The young man looked little puz-
zled.
Il. have none for the moment. Of
course; but the instant We 60 out to
a town"
Gardiner laughed.
you'll mortgage the garage to pay
up-of course" he sneered- mo. AS
you told me while back, put up or
shut upl'
Davenport shook his head at hin,
and laughed
You're a quibbler, Gardiner. I'll
bet you're legal adviser to a predatory
corporation"
Gardiner laughed. nasty, meerinx,
walk-the-plank laugh.
"Bet's off," said he, u thought 1t
would be-"
1.-THE bet Is not on" spoke up Bur.
ton suddenly. u will guarantee Mr..
Davenport"
AT this the silent wood gods--who,
Ii will be remembered. had again
drawn close about-uttered three rous-
Ing but silent cheers.
BY lhe time this little affair was all
arranged for, one gOnti-sized storm
had broken and cleared away Bur.
ton had Told her luther pluiniy that she
MAS of age and mistress ut her own
fortune. Gardiner had prnlpsteu uno
had been pu In his place. Both men
had appealed to Davenport better
nature mol 10 take advantage OF an
emotional young girl. Davenport had
wDkea openly and shamelessly III Bur
ton nnh biihely proclaimed himself
regu'al Shylock when II came 10
money The terms of the bel had been
resIated, and the mems watches syn
cllrnnzed The work had been resumed
finally in sullen gloom Oh the part of
the chief and his First Mate. and with
Joyous, carefree carolling on the part
OF Davenport, who chose that propi-
tious mo'nent to affront the wood gods
with burlesque OF Italian opera. Tie
arrangements were concluded BY run.
ming the two cars farther out into the
open meadow.
THE ground'll soften" speculated
Davenport, land wen bog ~own-but
Ii we stick near the road we're likely
to get smashed by a branch-I have
IT." 4
He and the now enthusiastic SIM
minis proceeded to cut number OF
willow poles which they laid on the
ground to form a sort OF platform, or
rather floor. On this they ran the
two cars.
Now when we want to 60 out, we
can lay more poles to form q cor
duroy," he said.
While engaged In cutting the poles
Simmins approached him with prop
osition.
II say, SIR" said he, 81 have few
quid laid by. I'd like 1t jolly well Il
you could cut me in on that bet for
a tenner or So"
Davenport stared.
Aren't you taking big chances?" be
inquired. What do you know about