OCR Text |
Show THE NEPHI, UTAH TIMES-NEW- By GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON "DROP THAT GUN!" TNOPBIS Kenneth Gwynna was year old In. the spring of 1813 when hia father ran away from Kentucky with Rachel Carter, a widow. They took with them Mln-d- a Carter, Rachel' baby daughter. In the fall Kenneth's mother died of a broken heart. Hia grandparents brought him up to hat the name of Rachel Carter, "an evil woman." . . . Kenneth, now a young lawyer, seeks lodging for the night at the farm of Phlneas Striker, near Lafayette, Ind. It appears that Ken's father ha recently died and that he i on his way to take possession of extensive lands he has inherited. The Strikers bought their farm of Ken's father K and a mortgage runs to his father's wiqow i ne ttacnei carter, a uu-tifu- l nineteen-year-ol- d girl, who says she knew his father well and refuses to give her name, is visiting the Striker. Ken Is much Interested in her. In the morning the girl Is gone. Striker tells Ken she wa planning to elope with Barry Lapelle and her mother cam in the night and took her horn. Aa Ken goes on hia way Striker tells him: "That girl was Vtla Qwyn A an she's your handsome, dashing young fellow rides up and Introduces himself a Isaac Stain, a Barry Lapelle. farmer, gives Ken a message from Viola to call. At Lafayette Ken finds that the will d'rid an exand pensive property between Ken menztLchel Gwyn. Viola is not conto decided but not has tioned, test. Kan calls at Viola's home and find Rachel instead of Viola. Rachel tells him that Viola is really Minda Carter, though she does not know it, and puts her Ave half-sister- ." V own and her daughter's future a" In his hands. Ken says h does not make war en women. Ken and Viola meet and quarrel. ftachel tells Viola she will disinherit her if she marries Lapelle. Ken realizes ha loves Viola. Stain tells Ken of Lapelle's plan to abduct Viola. Ken sets up a home. Viola helps him and is charming. Jasper Suggs, a low character, appears and saya he know Rachel Carter. Ken tell Rachel. Viola breaks her engagement to Barry. Ken tells Viola and Rachel of Barry' plot to abduct Viola. Rachel says, "You love Viola." Ken admits it and says ha would marry her. Rachel reveals that she never married Ken' father. CHAPTER XV 10 Show Hi Teeth. Kenneth went to bed that night (Irmly resolved to accompany the her iff when he set out to arrest Martin Hawk. He wag astir at cockcrow. The first faint glow of red in the fraying east found him at breakfast, with Zachariah sleepily serving him wtth bet rorpcakes, lean sidemeat and La pall made an affidavit against Martin Hawk?" "No. The sheriff was up here last Oh, night. Just after supper, but Kenny, what Is It all about?" ., His arm stole about her shoulders. She leaned heavily, wearily against him as they walked up the drenched path. "Have you any Idea at ail what time she left the house?" he asked. "I beard her go down the stairs. It was pitch dark, (but the clock struck one quite a long time afterward. I did not think anything about It then, because she often gets up In the middle of the night and goes down to sit In the kitchen. Ever since father died. I must have gone to sleep again because I did not hear her come back upstairs. I awoke just at daybreak and got up to see If she needed me. She she had not gone to bed at all, Kenny and I couldnt find her anywhere. Then I thought that Martin Hawk and the others had come and taken her away by mistake, thinking It was me In the darkness." "Sit down, Viola. I'll light the fire. It's quite chilly and you are shaking like "I want to know where she has gone," she Insisted. Then he told her briefly as ranch as he thought she ought to know. She was vastly relieved. She even smiled. "There's no use of your trying to catch up with her. Thank you for lighting the fire, Kenny. If you don't mind, I will sit here a while, and I may go to sleep In this comfortable chair of yours. Goodness, I must look awful. My hah" " "Don't touch it! It Is beautiful as It Is. I wish girls would always wear their hair In braids like that." She yawned, stretched her legs out to the fire, and then suddenly realizing that her ankles were bare, drew them back again to the shelter of her petticoat with a quick, shy glance to see If he had observed. "I wjsh I ould cut it off like a boy's. It is miles too long. You might as well head Zachariah off. She has been gone since one o'clock. I am sure I heard the front door close be fore I dropped off to sleep. Don't fidget, Kenny. They've probably got old Martin in the calaboose by this time. Mother sever fafls when she sets out to do a thing. That sleepy-heaHattie, never heard a sound last night What a conscience she mast have!" He frowned at his big silver watch-"It'- s after five. See here, Viola, sup pose you Just curl up on the sofa there and get some sleep. You look tired. I'll put a quilt over you and " d Sh up from the chair. Bushing in embarrassment "Oh, I ought not to stay here, Kenny. Suppose somebody were to come along and catch me .here In your " "Shucks 1 You're my sister, aren't you?" "I suppose It's all right" she said dubiously, sinking back Into the chair again. "But somehow, Kenny, I don't believe I will ever be able to think of you aa a brother; sot If I live a thousand years. I'm sorry to hurt your feelings, but well, I Just can't help belug a little bit afraid of you. I sup- - coffee. "Take a peep ont of the window and see If anyone Is stirring over at Mrs. Gwyn's," he said. "Tears lak Ah e'o see a lady out a de front yard, sun," said Zachariah, at the window. "Hit's Miss Vloly. Tears lak she coroln" over here, suh. Leastwise she comeout'n de gate kind ' fast-lik- e gotten a shawl wrap aronn' " Kenneth waited for no more. He dashed from the house and down to the fence where stood Viola, pulling at the swollen, water-soakegate peg. She was bareheaded, her brown hair hanging down her back In long, thick braids. It was apparent at a glance that she had dressed hastily and but partially at that. With one bnnd she pinched close about her throat the voluminous scarlet shawl of embroidered crepe In which the upper part of her body was wrapped. he was to observe that her hoes were unlaced and had been drawn on over her bare feet. Her eyes were tilled with alnrm. "I don't koow where mother Is," she aid, without other greeting. "She Is nt In the house, Kenny. I am worried almost sick." He stared at her In dlRmny. "Oh, Mast the luck She must have Suy, are you sure she's gone?" "I can't find her anywhere," cried he In distress. "I've been out to the barn and " Why, what alls you. d g half-starte- U iw h?"?! 1 Ken-neth?- mm "She got awny without me knowing Hut maybe It's not too late. I can eatch up with them If I hurry. Hey, Zaoliarlsh !" Then, you know where she Is?" cried the girl, grasping his arm as he It. turned to rush away. "For goodness sake, tell me! Where has she gone?" Hut of course "Why, don't yon you don't I" he exclaimed. "You poor girl! Tou must be almost beside yourselfand here t go making matters worse by" "Where Is she?" she broke In, all the color going from her face as she hook his arm Impatiently. "Come In the houe," he said gently, "I'll tell you all I know. consolingly. There's nothing to be worried about he will be home, safe and sound, mor--t before you know It. I will explain while Zachariah Is smMlIng Brandy Boy." He laid his hand upon her shoulder. "Come along dear." She he-bark. "If ar.ytblng happens to her and yr.n could have" she threat In her dark, harassed began, r. Heard Her Co Down the I Stair. It's silly of me, but I'm so to have you see me with my hair down like this, and no stockI I ings on, and only feel hot all over. I didn't think of It at first I was worried, but now pose ashamed half-dresse- I " "It Is very silly of yoti," he said, rather thickly. "You did right in coming over, and I'm going to make you comfortable now that you are Lie down here and get some here. good little girl, and when sleep, like you wake up Zarharlnh will have nice hot breakfast for you." yes. "I had rw Idea she would start at "I'd rather not lie down," she stem, uch an unearthly hour. I had hi ad at mered. "Let me Just sit here while and don't bolher ab"'it breakfast p mr enliid to go with her, whether r "C Ulila't h tall you aha had for Bia. JJattJe will'' d C7TOhi br DODD. MEAD a COMPANY. Inc. For the first time since Barry went until he came to the corner of the yard, where the bushes grew thickly. Here crashing to earth and lay as one dead,' he stopped to await further developGwynne raised his eyes from tha face. ments. He heard Barry say, with a Vaguely he remembered the swift rush of Viola's harsh laugh : feet as she sped past him, but that. "Oh. she will, will she?" She knows more was long ago and he had not looked "Yes, she will. to see whli her ske fled. about you than you think she does She was now coining down the steps and so do I. Let me by Do you bear of the porch, a me. Bar " rllle In her 'That's funny," he Interrupted, low hands. He was never to forget her white, set face, nor the menacing look ering his voice to a That's Just what I came up to see her In her eyes as she advanced to the about. I want to tell her that I know killing of Barry Lapelle for ther more about her than she thinks I do. was no mistaking her purpose. And when I get through telling her "Drop down !" he shouted to Lawhat I know she'll change her mind pelle. As Barry sank cowering be- -' about letting us get married. And you'll hind him, he cried out sharply to tha marry me, too, my girl, without so girl: "Viola! Drop that gun! Do much as a whimper. Oh, you needn't you hear me? Good G d, have yon look around for big brother Q d, I lost your senses?" She came on slowly, her head a lit- -, bet you'd be happy if he wasn't your brother, wouldn't you? Well, he has tie to one side the better to see the obscured sneaked Into the house, just as I knew partially figure of the he would If It looked like a squall. crouching man. "It won't da you any good to hide, He's a white-livere-d coward. How do you like that?" Barry," she said, In a voice that He was not only astonished but dis- neither of the men recognized. "Don't be a fool, Vtoia I" cried Kentinctly confounded by the swift, Incom prehensible smile that played about neth. "Leave him to me. Go hack " to the house. I will attend to him," her disdainful lips. She stopped and lifted her eyes te "What the hellfire are you laughing at?" he exploded. stare at the speaker In sheer wonder "Nothing much. I was only thinking and astonishment. about last night" "Why, you heard what he said. You "II 1!" he exclaimed, the blood heard what he called my mother. rushing to his face. "Why why, you Stand away from him, Kenneth." " The words failed him. He could "I can't allow you to shoot him, only stare at her as If stunned by the Viola. You will have to shoot me first " most shocking confession. My G d, child do you want to have ' " I lease remember that you are a man's on your hands?" speaking "He said she ran away with your, He broke In with a snarling laugh. father," she cried, a spasm 'of pain "By thunder, I'm beginning to believe crossing her face, "lie said I was you're no better than she was. She born before they were married. I, wasn't anything but a common have a right to kill him. Do you and I'm blessed If I think It's sensible hear? l nave a ngut to marry Into the family, after all." "Don't you know It would be mur"Oh !" she gasped, closing her eyes der? Coldblooded murder? No! You as she shrank away from him. The will have to kill me first. Do you unword be had used stood for the foulest derstand? I shall not move an Inch. thing on earth to her. It had never I am not going to let you do somepassed her clean, pure Hps. For the thing you will regret to the end of moment she was petrified, speechless, your life. Put It down ! Drop that "It's about time you learned the gun, I say! If there Is to be any killtruth about that d d old hypocrite ing, I will do It not you I" If you don't know it already," he conShe closed her eyes. Her tense tinued, raising bis voice at the urge of body relaxed. The two men, watchthe now reckless fury that consumed ing her with bated breath and vastly him. He stood over her shrinking fig- different emotions, could almost vis--' ure, glaring mercilessly down Into her ualize the struggle that was going oik horror-struc- k eyes. "You don't need to within her. At last the long rifle bartake my word for It Ask Gwynne. rel was lowered ; as the muzzle-touche-d He knows. He knows what happened the ground she opened back there in Kentucky. He knows Slowly they went from Kenneth, she ran off with his father twenty to the man who crouched behind him.. years ago, taking him away from the She gazed at the bloody face as If see-- : woman he was married to. That's why Ing It for the first time. he hates her. That's why he never The woman In her revolted at had anything to do with his dog of After a moment of Indefather. And he probably knows you cision, she turned with a shudder and' were bora out of wedlock that you're walked toward the bouse, dragging " a the rifle by the stock. As she to mount the steps she .paused CHAPTER XVI to send a swift glance over her shoulder and then, obeying the appeal la Tha Blow. even care--' Kenneth's eyes, lie never finished the sentence. A fully, leaned thereluctantly, gun against a post ' whirlwind was upon him. Before he and disappeared through the door. ' could raise a hand to defend himself, "Stand apl" ordered Gwynne, tamKenneth Gwynne's brawny fist smote ing to Lapelle. "I ought to kill yon him squarely between the eyes. He myself. It's In my heart to do so Do went down as though struck by you know what you've done to her?" r, crashing to the ground Barry drew himself op, his fast full six feet from where he stood. Be- swelling, bloodshot eyes filled with m hind that clumsy blow was the weight of a thlrteen-ston- e body, hurled as from a mighty catapult He never knew how long afterward It was that be heard a voice speaking to him. The words, Jumbled and unintelligible, seemed to come from a great distance. He attempted to rise, gave It up and fell back dizzily. Ills vision was slow In clearing. What he finally saw, through blurred, uncertain eyes, was the face of Kenneth Gwynne, fur above him and It was a long time before it stopped whirling and became fixed in one place. Then he realized that It was the voice of Gwynne that was speaking to him, and he made out the words. Something warm and wet crept along the sides of his month, over his chin, down his neck. His throat was full of a hot nauseous fluid. He raised himself on one elbow and spat "Get up! Get up, yon filthy whelp! I'm not going to bit you again. Get blood-smeare- "But he has to get breakfast any how," he argued. She looked at him suspiciously. Haven't you bad your breakfast?" "No," he lied. Then he hurried off to give guilty Instructions to Zachariah. An hour later, Kenneth arose from his seat on the front doorstep and stole over to the sitting-roowindow. She was asleep In the big rocking-chaiher head twisted limply toward s her left shoulder, presenting a view of her face to him as he gazed long and ardently upon her. He could see the deep rise and fall of her bosom. The shawl, unclasped at the throat, had fallen away, revealing the white flannel nightgown over which she had hastily drawn a petticoat before sallying forth. He went to the kitchen door and found Zachariah sitting grumpily on r, three-quarter- -- the Filled with sharp misgivings, he left his doorstep and walked slowly down to the gate, where he halted. It occurred to him that Barry, after a sleepless night, had come to make peace with his tempestuous sweetheart If such was the case, his own sense of fairness and dignity would permit no interference on his part unless It was solicited by the girl herself. He was ready, however, to take Instant action If she made the slightest sign of distress or alarm. While he had no Intention of spying or eavesdropping, their voices reached him distinctly and he could not help hearing what passed between them. "Have you been up to the house. Barry?" were Viola's first words as she step. "She's still sound asleep," he an- nounced. "So's dat lazy Hattie over yander," lamented Zachariah, with Jerk of his head. "Ain' no smoke comin' out'n her ehlmbley, letnme tell yo'." "Fill that washpan and get me a clean towel," ordered his master. He looked at his watch. "I'm going to awaken her in half an hour." It was nearly seven o'clock when he stamped noisily Into the sitting room with towel and basin. He had thrice repeated his visit to the window, and with each succeeding visit had remained a little longer than before, notwithstanding the no uncertain sense of guilt that accused him of spying upon the lovely sleeper. She awoke with a start, looked blankly about as if bewildered by her strange surroundings, and then fixed her wide, questioning eyes upon him, watching him In silence as he placed the basin of spring-wate- r on a chair and draped the coarse towel over the I back. "Breakfast will be ready In ten minutes, miss," he announced, bowing deeply. "If you desire to freshen yourself a bit after your profound slumbers, you will find here some of the finest water In the universe and a towel warranted to produce a blush upon the cheek of a graven Image." "Hag mother come home?" she Inquired anxiously, as she drew the shawl close about her throat again. "No sign of her. Hurry along, and as soon as we've had a bite to eat I'll rlje down to the courthouse and see If she's there." He left her, and presently she came out Into the kitchen, her skin glowing warmly, her braids loosely coiled on the crown of her head, her eyes like violet stars. Zachariah marveled at his master's appetite. Recollection of an already devoured meal of no small proportions caused htm to doubt his senses. From time to time he shook his head in wonder and finally took to chuckling. The next time Marse Kenneth complained about having no appetite he would know what to say to him. "I must run home now," said Viola at the close of the meal. "It's been awfully nice and o exciting, Kenny. I feel as If I had been doing something I ought not to do. Isn't It queer? Having breakfast wtth a man I never saw nntll six weeks ago!" "It does my heart good to see you blush so prettily," said he warmly. Then his face darkened. "And It turns my blood cold to think that If yon had succeeded In doing something you ought not to have done six weeks ago, you might now be having breakfast with somebody else Instead of with me." "I wish yoo would not speak of that, Kenneth," she said severely. "You will make me hate you If you bring It up again." Then she added, with a plaintive little mile: "The Bible aaya, 'Ixve thy neighbor as thyself.' I am doing my best to live up to that but sometimes you make It awfully hard for me." He went to the door with her. She moment on the step to paused for look senrchlngly up the road and through the tree. There was no sign of her mother. The anxious, worried expression deepened In her eyes. "Don't come any farther with me," she said. "Go down to the courthouse a fast as yn can." He watched her till she passed through the gate. As he was on the the house he saw point of her come to tn abrupt stop and stare straight ahead. He shot swift, apprehensive glance over his shoulder. Barry Lapelle had Just emerged from ItHchel's yard, his gaze fixed on the girl who stood motionless In front of Owynne's gste, a hundred feet away. Without taking his eyes from her, he slowly closed the gate and leaned against It folding his arms as be did so. Viola, after moment's Indecision and without glance at Kenneth, lifted her chin and went forward to the encounter. Kenneth looked In all directions for Lapelle's rascals. He wa relieved to find that the discarded suitor apparently had ventured alone upon this early morning mission. What did It port and I d 1 half-raise- d ; . life-bloo- d to" to" . . "Have You Been Up tc the House, Barry?" In of the man who barred front stopped the way. Lapelle did not change his position. His chin was lowered and he was look ing at her through narrowed, unsmll Ing eyes. "Yes, I have." "Where was the dog?" she Inquired cuttingly. "He came and licked my hand. He's the only friend I've got up here, I reckon." "I will have him shot today. What do you want?" "I came to see your mother. Where Is she?" "She's away." "Over night?" "It will do you no good to see her, Barry. You might as well realize It first as last" Lapelle glanced past her at the man beyond and lowered his voloe. Kenneth could not hear what he said. "Well. I'm going to see her, and she will be down on her knees before I'm through with her, let me tell you. Oh, I'm sober, Viola I I had my lesson yesterday. I'm through with whisky forever. So she was away all night, eh? Out to the farm, eh? That nigger girl of yours says she must have gone out to the farm last night, because her bed wasn't slept In. And you weren't expecting vlHitora as early as this or you would have got home little sooner yourself, huh?" "What are you talking about?" "Soon as she Is out of the house you scoot over to big brother Kenny's, eh? Afraid to sleep alone, I suppose. Well, all Tve got to say is you ought to have taken a little more time to dress." d "Oh! Oh you you dog!" she gasped, going white to the roots of her hair. "How dare you say " "That's right ! Call me all the pretty names you can think of. And say, I didn't come up here to beg anything from you or your mother. I'm not In begging humor. I'm through licking your boots, Viola. What lime will the old woman be back?" "Stand away from that gate!" she said In voice low and hoarse with fury. "Don't you dare speak to me again. And If you follow me to the house I'll I'll " "What'll you dor he Jeered. "Call brother Kenny? Well, go ahead and call him. There he Is. I'll kick him from here to the pond and that won't Im) half as pleasant aa rocking little sister to sleep In her cradle while mamma Is out for the night." "And I used to think I was In love w ith you I" she cried In sheer disgust "I could spit In your face, Barry Lapelle. Will you let me pass?" "Certainly. But I'm going Into the house with you, understand that I'd just as soon wait there for your mother as anywhere else." "When my mother hears about this she will have you horsewhipped within an Inch of your life," cried the girl furiously. These words, rising on a wsve of anger, came distinctly to Kenneth's ears. He left his place at the gate and walked swiftly along inside hia fnc low-live- hex-eye- was-abou- t sledge-hamme- immi wsm up, I 'Vini sayl" He struggled to his knees and then to his feet, sagging limply against the fencw. to which he clung for support He felt for his nose, filled with a horrid, sickening dread that It was no longer on his face. "I ought to kill you," he heard Gwynne saying. "You lylna scoundrel. Get ont of my sight !" He succeeded In straightening up and looked about him throngh mist of tears. He tried to speak, hut could only wheeze and sputter. He cleared his throat raucously and spat again. "Where where is she?" he managed to say at Inst "Shut up I You've dealt her the Tt WL rjl' -- r VLVI black-hesrte- "Get Up! Oat Up! You Filthy Whelp. deadly hatred. Ills voice was thick and unsteady. "You'd better kill me while yon have the chance," he said. "Because, so help me God, I'm going to kill yon for this." "Go!" thundered the other, his hands twitching. "If you don't I'll foulest" He broke off abruptly, struck by strangle the life out of you." the other's expression : Impede was Lapelle drew back, quailing before staring past him In the direction of the look In Kenneth's eyes. He sa the house and there was the look of a murder In them. frightened, trapped animal In his grassy eyes. "My (J d!" fell from his Hps, and then suddenly he sprang forward, placing Kenneth's body between him and the object of his terror. "Stop her! tkarr , Taks my advice. Oat out of town before you ara a day older.- - For Gods sake, Gwyuua stop (TO CONTINUED-- ! |