The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1932-06-24
CHAPTER XI-Continued

really begun TO show its full strength.
a tone too that awoke Ames thorough
ly out of his stunned surprise. His
mind cleared, and he sat forward,
alert for the next move whatever it
might be. He made no effort to in
terfere in any active way. That, he
realized would be fatal 1t would
simply lead TO a general scrap all
round. He saw that his part now
must be TO keep p clear head, and see
that Lee did Macklin no real. serious
damage. Beyond that he must leave
the settling Of the score TO Lee. And
he saw Just what a mighty big score
it was.
What would come afterwards he
couldn't tell Perhaps it would be his
turn TO feel the strength of that
mighty fist. and to look into the re-
vengeful fire of those blazing eyes.
But that, if it should happen, was for
hereafter. Now, his job plainly was
TO keep cool head and a steady
nerve anC be ready for anything. So
he sat still; Outwardly calm; in real
ity, all keyed up and tensely watchful.
Killings too good for you, you little
beast" Lee was saying again, and his
free fist drew back menacingly. Mack
lin shrieked to Ames.
Are you going to sit still and see
me killed? He's lying 1 don't know
anything about the theft! Aren't you
going to help me-"
NO said Ames, and his voice fell
with a curious, telling GOODNESS into
the fury of the scene. 81 am not going
10 help you. Macklin. I can see that
he is not lying. Your guilt is as clear
TO me now as if it were written in
words on your forehead. Lee owes
you a good deal. I'm going to let
him pay it. . :"
Lees fist drew back further, and the
menace of it became more and more
acute. Macklin saw that fist
coming toward his face. Before
it landed, he almost felt the smash of
ii on his flesh. He suddenly
gave out a piercing shrek. and again
Ames' voice fell. cool and clear.
through the fear and horror and fury.
Don't hit him, Lee; he's too SMALL
It was quietly said. but with tone
of authority that made Jim hesitate.
That hesitation probably saved Mack
lin, if not his life, at least whatever
claim he had TO good looks. And it
saved Jim from a good deal more. II
gave him time to realize the difference
in size between him and his enemy.
1t gave him time to realize what that
difference might mean. It gave him
time 10 remember that, no matter what
his enemy had done TO him, he might
hit a fellow his own size, but not a
little cringing worm of a thing like
Macklin. There could be no fighting
this question out. To fight would be
simply TO kill. It would be as Mack
lin had called it-murder.
His fist, trembling with the desire
TO do its work, nevertheless fell to his
side and his hold Of Macklin relaxed.
You needn't kick up such a row,
Macklin. I'm not going TO smash you.
Not yet. at any rate. There's quite
a lot for you to do first. Do you IN
derstand?" His voice was harsh and
menacing. Ames nodded his agree
ment.
I'm ready to take down anything
that Macklin says, Lee" he said quiet
ly. Jim turned towards him quickly.
furiously.
You realize at last that he may
have something to say, them" he said
roughly. "You realize that you were
not so almighty infallible when you
had me jailed?"
Lee" said Ames, looking him full
in the face, Il realize it." He drew a
breath. what can say?" he added
after a moment.
Il don't want you TO say anything"
returned Lee in the same rough way.
Your turn is coming next. I'm only
waiting to clear my account with
Niacklin. Your turns coming, all
right, Ames."
Il am quite ready" answered Ames.
Jim turned back to Maeklin.
Now then, you little beast-talk.
D'you understand? Talk. :"
de let go altogether of Macklin's coat,
now, and the miserable man sank TO
the floor with groan. Jim dragged
him up again, threatening him with
that terrible fist
Il will. I will :" cried
Macklin, sobbing now in his abject
terror.
"You didn't mind letting me take
your punishment for you. You watched
that happen; made it happen, and re-
manned spry enough. Now stand
up, d-n you, and take it yourself
It's been long time coming to
you. But that doesn't mean that
it's going to overlook you forever.
stand up and take it!''
Jim was laundering out the words
and Macklin shrank down again, cry
ing over and over again: Il will
Warrington, 1 will I will
I'm ready" said Ames, placing a
writfng-pad before him and taking the
top off a fountain pen. Talk
Macklin."
Shaking, crying, tears running down
his face, Macklin made his confes-
sion. He had found the wallet Jim
had lost, and the idea to disgrace him
had arisen out of that. He had paid
half-witted Billy Brady to do the
actual robbery for him. He had
thought that this foolish creature
would not have the wit to know what
he had done, nor to place the blame