Part 64 (2/2)
He took a step nearer that brought him close to her She did not shrink--only looked up into his face ide eyes filled onder
He seized her roughly in his arirl!” he cried hoarsely ”Kiss me!”
”Wait!” she said ”First tell e couldn't have e wanted e O Billy! Why didn't you do this long ago?
Months ago in New York I wanted you to take ht you had ceased to care, Billy, and since we have been together here--since that night in the roo to you Take o I love you and I'll slave for you--anything just to be with you”
”Barbara!” cried Billy Byrne, and then his voice was sainst his own
A half hour later Billy stepped out into the street to ht procure transportation for three to Galveston Anthony Harding was going with them He had listened to Barbara's pleas, and had finally volunteered to back Billy Byrne's flight from the jurisdiction of the law, or at least to a place where, under a new naain and live it as the son-in-law of old Anthony Harding should live
Aht by the raiders the previous night was a large man with a red face It happened that he turned suddenly about as Billy Byrne was on the point of passing behind hihted their faces and he of the red face found hi down the barrel of a six-shooter
”Put it up, Byrne,” he adood on the draw”
”I'an,” said Billy, ”and I ain't drawin' for aet away and live straight, and have a little happiness in life, and, Flannagan, the et hio back to stir alive See?”
”Yep,” said Flannagan, ”I see; but I ain't tryin' to crab your game I ain't down here after you this trip Where you been, anyway, that you don't know the war's over? Why coke Sheehan confessed a overnor pardoned you about ten days ago”
”You stringin' lint in his eyes
”On the level,” Flannagan assured hiotta clippin' froives all the dope”
He drew some papers from his coat pocket and handed one to Billy
”Turn your back and hold up your hands while I read,” said Byrne, and as Flannagan did as he was bid Billy unfolded the soiled bit of newspaper and read that which set hi with nervous excitean ventured a rearward glance to note how Byrne was receiving the joyful tidings which the newspaper article contained
”Well, I'll be!” ejaculated the sleuth, for Billy Byrne was already a hundred yards away and breaking all records in his dash for the sitting-room he had quitted but a few minutes before
It was a happy and contented trio who took the train the following day on their way back to New York City after bidding Bridge good-bye in the i his promise that he would visit them in New York in the near future
It was athe southland with neeet life The joy of living was reflected in the song of birds and the opening of buds Beside a slow- stream a man squatted before a tiny fire A battered tin can, half filled ater stood close to the burning embers Upon a sharpened stick theat the edges as the flah there was none to hear:
Just for a con I'd like to know (yes, he crossed over long ago; And he was right, believe me, bo!) if somewhere in the South, Dohere the clouds lie on the sea, he found his sweet Penelope With buds of roses in her hair and kisses on her mouth