Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-09-09

well, what's yer theory, Daveg"
1--WE can't say we know any thing fur
certain, ye know"
20, yes, but who Is hep"
IL don't know; he hasn't told any
one his name, We know"
"Well, what's his businessp"
I've cnly got suspicion as to that. I"
"What is your suspicionP"
''IIe is one of two things"
"What are theyP"
"He is either rich millionaire, lots
o money, who is prospectin' around
an goin' to do big business here, or
he's detective after some poor cuss or
other"
Bill started as II new idea. and one
not altogether pleasant had struck
him.
"a detective he said, recovering
himself Immediately. "What business
do you suppose a detective can have
here? who's he after?"
"No one is suppose to know that.
Them chaps usually keep their secrets
to themselves. May be YOU could think
of some one in your own neighborhood
who comes in under suspicious circum-
stances" said Dave.
Don't know any one," answered
Bill, somewhat puzzled. Then bright
ening up in moment, he added:
=" But thar is one feller in our section
regarded as ruther suspicious"
"Who is hePn
walter Brownfield he calls him
self, an he works for Jim Miles"
Where's he from?'
Queenstown, | hurd."
How long since?"
About a month ago"
Dye know what business he was IN
"Clerking in Joe Browster's store,
heerd."
''ln Joe Brewster's store! Well. /
know Joe Brewster very well, an il
the feller is a runaway he'll tell me all
about it,"
''lf ye'd write to him he might in
form We, said Bill
"Tll do it. I'll write this very day."
"But say, Dave?''
"Well, Bill. what is it,"
Don't ever hint that sed q word
bout il, ye know. I'm poor workin'
feller, ye know. an don't want to do
any feller wrong, or make any enc
mics
al understand you, Bill. and I'll not
mention your name in the affair at all -
As Bill walked away the merchant
solilOquized with himself
''Jim Miles is an old customer of
mine. and If he is harboring thief and
find il out ! shall make ii my business
to tell him."
Bill Martin strolled about the streets
until he met Jack Hawkins.
Hey We hecrd about the stranger,
Jack?" he asked.
= The old feller what's a'stoppin' at
Brewster'sP"
The same"
yes"
We'll what hev yo heerd bout
himPn
''Some say he's a forty-niner from
California, returned with heap o.
money in gold coin and dust" said
Jack Hawkins.
And some say he's detective sent
10 hunt some one out" added Bill.
"Who dye think he'd be afterP"
asked Jack. Bill looked at his com
panion with knowing grin and said;
ut might be that he's come to make
MS trouble, Jack"
Nonsense, Bill, yer gittin' nervous"
'But tell ye, Jack, one term at the
pen 'ud make anybody nervous.
I've made up my mind" with an
air of braggadocio ''never 10 serve in
the pen; when the officers Of the law
take me IL II be when I'm dead.
The two men were sitting on an up !
nj h..f haN 1anr In.
lot in the rear Of the blacksmith shop. |
There was no one within ear-shot and !
they spoke in low tones, so as MOTTO |
be overheard.
IL was Saturday, and many of the |
people from Preston Flat were in Bush |
vile, either making purchases for the
coming week, or spending a holiday. |
The one theme of gossip By all was the |
stranger. The two Unlocking men
who were sitting ON the wagon-bOx in |
ihe open lot had a fair view Of the tav-
srn. They saw rather stout gentle |
nan, forty-iiye or fifty years OF age,
yet with robust frame, come from the
Iouse and stand upon the low porch.
do was smoOth-shayen. with a high
orehcad, gray eyes and benevolent
expression on his fsce.
"Thats him, said Jack.
do you know himP' asked Bill.
"I do
"Who is hep What Is heg'
"IIc's a returned Californian"
with the 'ycller boys?
Yes, by the thousands"
do ye know for sureP"
II do.
when did you learn all this,
Iackg'
You never mlndi l know H."
''lc are surep"
~ am
"HaY 70 laid yer plaoo?'
ttles
r'fhlt are lherf' I,