第50章

"And into that bedroom and just say: 'Emmie, here's your--'"He didn't finish the sentence. Captain Cy's big fist struck him fairly between the eyes, and the back of his head struck the walk with a "smack!" Then, through the fireworks which were illuminating his muddled brain, he heard the captain's voice.

"You low - down, good - for - nothin' scamp!" growled Captain Cy.

"All this day I've been hatin' myself for the way I've acted to you. I've hated myself and been tryin' to spunk up courage to say 'It's all off!' But I was too much of a coward, I guess. And now the Lord A'mighty has MADE me say it. You want your rights, do you? So? Then get 'em if you can. It's you and me for it, and we'll see who's the best man. Teacher, if you're ready I'll walk home with you now."Mr. Smith was not entirely cowed.

"You go!" he yelled. "Go ahead! And I'll go to a lawyer's to-morrow. But to-night, and inside of five minutes, I'll walk into that house of yours and get my--"The captain dropped Miss Dawes's arm and strode back to where his antagonist was sitting in the dust of the walk. Stooping down, he shook a big forefinger in the man's face.

"You've been out West, they tell me," he whispered sternly. "Yes!

Well, out West they take the law into their own hands, sometimes, Ihear. I've been in South America, and they do it there, too. Just so sure as you go into my house to-night and touch--well, you know what I mean--just so sure I'll kill you like a dog, if I have to chase you to Jericho. Now you can believe that or not. If I was you I'd believe it."Taking the frightened schoolmistress by the arm once more he walked away. Mr. Smith said nothing till they had gone some distance.

Then he called after them.

"You wait till to-morrow!" he shouted. "You just wait and see what'll happen to-morrow!"Captain Cy was silent all the way to the gate of the perfect boarding house. Miss Dawes was silent likewise, but she thought a great deal. At the gate she said:

"Captain Whittaker, I'm EVER so much obliged to you. I can't thank you enough.""Don't try, then. That's what you said to me about the cow.""But I'm almost sorry you were the one to come. I'm afraid that man will get you into trouble. Has he--can he-- What did he mean about to-morrow? Who IS he?"The captain pushed his cap back from his forehead.

"Teacher," he said, "there's a proverb, ain't there, about lettin' to-morrow take care of itself? As for trouble--well, I did think I'd had trouble enough in my life to last me through, but Ical'late I've got another guess. Anyhow, don't you fret. I did just the right thing, and I'm glad I did it. If it was only me Iwouldn't fret, either. But there's--" He stopped, groaned, and pulled the cap forward again. "Good night," he added, and turned to go.

Miss Dawes leaned forward and detained him.

"Just a minute, Cap'n Whittaker," she said. "I was a little prejudiced against you when I came here. I was told that you got me the teacher's position, and there was more than a hint that you did it for selfish reasons of your own. When you called that afternoon at the school I was--""Don't say a word! I was the biggest fool in town that time, and I've been ashamed to look in the glass ever since. I ain't always such an idiot.""But I've had to judge people for myself in my lifetime," continued the schoolmistress, " and I've made up my mind that I was mistaken about you. I should like to apologize. Will you shake hands?"She extended her hand. Captain Cy hesitated.

"Hadn't you better wait a spell?" he asked. "You've heard that swab call me partner. Hadn't--""No; I don't know what your trouble is, of course, and I certainly shan't mention it to anyone. But whatever it is I'm sure you are right and it's not your fault. Now will you shake hands?"The captain did not answer. He merely took the proffered hand, shook it heartily, and strode off into the dark.