Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1888-05-10

bers took the train. What do you make out
OF it, Bergman! Do you reckon that the
cream Of the skimmin' was in that ar
one package he took. 1t don't seem material
that any common thief should go over .
gold brick and thousand dollars in Jew
elry and more in cash for one bit of pack
age unless it was worth a sight-any ways
to him. Pity you don't know the address it
had on it,
But l do know. Something's don't
know what-impressed it on my memory"
Il know what I'd do if l was in your
shoes, them" said Ike sid go to the party
it was intended for and tell him all about il.
The express company isn't going to coax
him to come down on them for the vally Of
it by giving him notice of it's loss, and they're
all taken up in the hunt after the other gang
Now, take it that it wasn't money nor
straight moneys. worth, but something Of
as much or may be more concern to them
that's interested in it, and I'd give them the
chance to get on the track Of the thief while
it's fresh. Looks to me like the square way
of doing it.''
II believe you are right, Ike" said Berg
man, thoughtfully, and it was in accord
ance with this view of the case that he made
his way the following evening to the ad-
dress which he carried in his mind. 1t was
growing late, for he had been obliged to
wait until his working hours were over. 1t
was an unknown locality to him, the street
quiet one branching of from one of the
main avenues, and not so well lighted, so
that he had some difficulty in determining
the location of the number he sought. Once
or twice, as he stopped to study the num-
bers, he glanced back, thinking he heard
footsteps and expecting to see some one ap-
prOach, though no one appeared; but now,
as he made out the right figures over the
door of house which stood little back
from the sidewalk, some one did come hasti-
ly up at his back, and turning from the
street at the same instant with himself
mounted the steps at his side.
''Going in!" Queried this new conner, fun
bling in his pocket, apparently for key.
Eyes, if, as suppose, Mr.. Childer lives
here"
liam Lyman Childer. Haven't seen you
before, somewhcrer'
''Really, don't think you'd know for all
the chance you have Of seeing me here"
thought Bergman, unpleasantly affected by
the brusquc tones Of the other; bu: he gave
his name, and was surprised to find it in
mediately recognized
THE express messenger! Have you
brought package for me, sir!''
Il have not, but it is with reference 10 that
have come"
Explain yourself, please"
81 WILL" more and moro displeased BY the
manner Of the other. 'The package was
stolen, in so strange way that thought 1t
best to let you know the exact circumstances
attending its loss. II you choose to listen
here will make the matter Short"
Briefly he related the circumstances at
tending its loss, the other listening until the
sound of withdrawing bolts within made
him start. With muttered excuse, he
darted down the steps, and hurried away,
whilo the opening door disclosed young
man equipped for the street, who paused st
the sight Of the messenger, lingering on the
steps.
did you wish to see me, sir" he in
quired.
II had business with Mr. Childer, who
has just left me-" explained Norris Berg
man.
'.Mr. Childer?' in a puzzled Tone 81
wasn't aware l. had namesaAe at my
very door, too. Arc you quite sure that
YOU have not made a mistake! lily name is
Lyman Cbilder.''
A feeling Of CONSERVATION, mingled with
chagr:n, swept over the express messenger.
He realized instantly that he had been
duped; there was that about the man be-
fore him that gave him confidence in his
truth, had not the hasty manner in which
the other decamped stamped his pretcn-
sions with suspicion.
II am afraid l have been an idiotr' he
exclaimed. ruefully ''If you will give ne q
moment to explain"
'As many as you Ike, if you will step in
side"
Bergman followed him through the lighted
hall, into small apartment bearing a litter
of masculine traps which stamped it as a
gcntleman's smoking-roon, and there made
his explanation. Lyman Childcr treated
the matter lightly.
Il am not looking for any valuable COM
modify" he said. I'm fact, l haven't the
faintest idea what the package could con-
tain. 1t strikes ne that my counterfeit is
a little off his base. Got the notion proba-
bly, that the thing is worth more than is at
all likely to prove the case should it ever
turn up.'
'.Do you propose, then, to take no steps
toward its recovery"
Il don't know about that. Of courserv
my own curiosity. What would you advise
me to do about itr'
Trace out the sender in the first in
stance. The package came from Round
Rock. Tex. That may be q cite to you re-
gard!ng its nature"
Don't know soul there" declared Ly-
man Childer. still lightly. upon my word,
believe You have as much interest in the
matter as have"
Norris Bergman colored. and felt abashed.
Il don't know why it should take so
strong hold on me- The mere fact that the
thief should single it from so many others
that on their fuce would seem more Of y
prize may have something to Go with it.
Let me advise you to see the agent about it
at once"
Lyman Childer turned somewhat quiz
zical though searching glance upon the
''Does the company pay you for taking
sides against it.'' he asked. ''Wouldn't
the agent think that advice little oticious,
not TO say uncalled for, from you! It's
good in it's way, though, and I'm likely to
follow it. Have cigar to smoke on your
way"
Norris took it and his departure, leaving
Childer at the door where ne had mount
cred him, but the latter evidently had
changed his mind about going out that
night
CHAPTER II.
DISCHARGED
"a word with you, Mr. Bergman"