Death Devil (9781101559666) Read Online Free PDF Page A

anything to do with it. He lashed out with his right foot. He was going for Orville’s knee but kicked Orville’s shin, instead. Orville grimaced and halted and glanced down.
    â€œThat hurt.”
    â€œCareful cousin,” Artemis cried.
    The porch was at Fargo’s back. Suddenly whirling, he jumped, caught hold of the rail, and swung up and over.
    â€œLook out, Dogood!” Harold shouted, and rose from the steps and backed away, apparently in the belief that Fargo might attack them.
    â€œNever let it be said that Charles T. Dogood was cowed by an uncouth ruffian,” the patent medicine man declared. “Be my witnesses, friends, that I laugh in the face of danger.” And he uttered a bark of mirth.
    Fargo would have liked to shoot the whole damn bunch.
    Orville lumbered up the steps. He had to duck his head under the overhang. Then, standing so Fargo couldn’t get past him, he said, “Are you a man or a chipmunk?”
    â€œChipmunk?” Harold said. “Ain’t it supposed to be a mouse?”
    â€œIn my esteemed opinion he’s more like a jackrabbit,” Dogood interjected. “It’s a wonder he doesn’t possess long ears and a bobbed tail.”
    Orville said, “Well, whatever he is, I’ve got him now.” He advanced with his arms spread wide.
    Fargo couldn’t get around him without being grabbed. He didn’t bother to try. Instead, he whirled, placed both hands on the rail, and vaulted over it. He landed in the exact spot he had been standing a minute ago.
    â€œDamn it to hell,” Orville exclaimed. “I can’t thrash him if I can’t get my hands on him.”
    â€œLeave it to me, cousin,” Artemis said, and his hand came from behind his back holding a knife. Grinning, he moved it in small circles. “Stand right where you are, mister, if you know what’s good for you.”
    Fargo glanced past him and feigned shock. “Will you look at that. There’s a cow trying to climb an apple tree.”
    â€œNo foolin’?” the skinny farmer said, and looked over his shoulder.
    Fargo kicked him in the groin.
    Artemis dropped the knife and clutched himself and doubled over, his face turning cherry red. “No fair,” he gurgled, and tottered.
    â€œWhat do you call two on one?” Fargo rejoined, and laid him out with a right and a left cross. He stood over him, ready to swing again, but Artemis was out to the world. Before he could congratulate himself, a vise clamped on to his left arm and he was spun roughly around.
    â€œI’ve got you now, you blamed frog,” Orville said.
    Fargo punched and kicked and sought to wrench free. Orville absorbed the punishment without flinching and gripped him by the other hand, and smiled.
    â€œThis is goin’ to hurt, mister.”
    Fargo rammed his knee at Orville’s privates. It had worked for Artemis but didn’t work now. Orville moved and took the brunt on his tree trunk of a leg, and then he grinned and in an incredible display of raw might, he swung Fargo over his head and held him there, saying, “This is how I bust those who rile me.”
    Fargo kicked and pushed but he was helpless. He attempted to twist so his back took the impact but he wasn’t half around when he smashed into the ground so hard, he’d swear that every rib in his chest shattered. Flooded with agony, he nonetheless tried to rise.
    â€œYou’re a tough one,” Orville complimented him. “I’ll have to bust you twice.” He reached down to lay hold and do it again.
    Fargo had one chance. He marshaled all his strength, and rolled. Orville missed. Scrambling backward, Fargo dug his left hand into the ground. When Orville scowled and lunged, he threw a handful of dirt into the farmer’s eyes.
    â€œDamn it all,” Orville cried, and stopped and swiped at his face. “He’s trickier than a fox.”
    â€œI’ll help