Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 104: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

By CHARLES ALDEN SEL TZER Author of ‘‘Last Hope Ranch,” *‘ Riddle Gawne,’’ ‘‘ Brass Commandments,’’ CHAPTER XIX. AFTERMATH. AMERON watched Ballantine and (_ Virginia until they vanished from — view. Then he turned, looked at the crowd—which was now pressing very close—drew a deep breath, climbed into the engine cab, and pulled the turcitle. He had been deeply impressed by Bal- lantine’s action, by the strange dignity of the old man’s manner in withholding his fire. Cameron could not have shot again. He had pulled his gun as soon after Bal- lantine’s command as mind and muscle would permit—but no sooner. He had not taken an unfair advantage. Ballantine had given the word. Ballan- tine had sought the quarrel; he had given Cameron °° alternative that a man of courage could accept. And, following the ete. ancient custom, Cameron had been at lib- erty to shoot again, as many times as he wished. But Cameron had had his chance; and he would not have shot again. He had waited, expecting Ballantine to kill him. Not until the engine was several hundred yards down the track did Cameron realize how the in- cident had affected him. He leaned against the side of the cab, drew a handkerchief from a pocket, and wiped glistening beads of cold perspiration from his forehead. He was glad he had missed Ballantine. For in the instant following the report of his automatic he had had a new revelation of the old fellow’s character. He had seen that back of the steel-like exterior was gen- tleness that he had not suspected, a no- bility that awed him, a calm self-control that amazed him. He was certain he would never forget This story began in the Argosy-Allstory Weekly for August 4. 04 ecopnicboaoks (S@)