Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-01-17
Mechancswnt Frederick County, Maryland Thursday January H. 1885,

look Of surprise changed 10 ono OF rec
ognition his hand relaxed IT'S hold on
the pistol, and he said heartily, "Well
III be burned | Lieutenant, is that you !:
Why. what's come Of Jim?'
"He was taken sick down at Shot
gun Creek and had to lay off at the
milk ranch," said the man addressed,
taking off his hat and beating out the
dust against his leg.
He was u tall and b. DAD shouldersd,
but slender, and was dressed in The
same manner as the station. keeper, ev.
en- to the revolver which hung about
his hips. His voice ard bearing, how
ever, the only characteristics unaffected
by the dust, betrayed difference be.
tween them.
"sick, nothing!" exclaimed tho host.
Ter, in tone OF disgust. taking out the
straw which he held between his teeth
and throwing it energetically on the
ground. THAT fellows al'ays sick T.
I'm burned if I don't b'lieve he's weak
ened sence Whistling Dick jumped bis
stage last month. He's heard that the
paymaster's sending his money up by
express this trip to pay off the boys at
the fort, and he's sfeard he'll git jump.
agiu. Durn him! That's what's the
matter. 1t leayes me in a purity fix n
he continued. Franks out after stock
and there's no one yerc but me. Who's
goin' to take the stage on?'
"I'll take it on as tar as Pack City,
if you like said the lieutenant. 'The
old man will find some one there to take
Jim's place easy enough
The stltion-keeper, without replying
mechanically resumed his duties Of tax
ing out the horses, and watched them
meditatively as they walked slowly of
to the stables. Then finally turning to
the lieutenant, with an air of one whose
mind is made up, be said "By thun-
der, guess that's the only thing we
kin do. l cant leave yere. l woulc
not have head of stock left by the
time got back. Them damned Injun!
is gittin worse, not to mention the hos,
thieves and road agents thot's gittin
thicker'u deas on dogs back. It's
sort o'crowdin you, though, lieutenan
and I don't know what the old mani
say.'
"He wont aay thank you, at an,
rate said the lieutenant.
"You kin gamble on that" said the
hostler, approvingly. "Who's this
Johnny come. .laely'' he added, as q
passenger from the inside of the stage
strolled toward them.
Jim said he was q stockman, said
the lieutenant, he's billed for Pack
City
Jim growled the hostler contempt.
uously. 'Jims a stranger himself IN
these parts. How should he know !?
And when the traveller, an elderly
man, joined them with a sociable re-
mark that lit was purity tol able warm,
the hostler vented his scorn for Jim by
ignoring him altogether and continu-
ing his talk with the lieutenant about
way-bills, express, mail and other stage
matters. But the passenger appearing
in nowise affected b. this lack of GER.
diality, held his ground, and If he did
not join the. conversation, listened to II
so persistently that the hostler finally
turned to him and said rather sartas-
tically, Stranger, is there anything
can do for you?'
Well, no, pard,' replied the traveller
good .humoredly, there's nothin' you
kin do fer me, but I reckon you dc
somethin' for thet lady inside; shes
petered plumb out, and the kids yell
ing like all possessed
At this the amateur dryer opened
the stage door and looked in. There
was the usual litter of mail. bags and
small bundles, and smell Of dust and
leather. Addressing the woman, who
in long linen duster and with veil
over her face, reclined Imply In one
corner, half holding crying baby, the
lieutenant said, Supper station, mad
am"
This announcement producing no re.
ply, he repeated it in louder tone.
The only result was an added force to
the baby's cries.
II reckon she's tainted" said the
other passenger, appearing at his elbow
with a cup of water try this yere.
The lieutenant got inside, followed
by the old man, to whom he uncere-
moniously handed the baby. Taking
out his pocket.hask he mixed little
wh,skey and water, and pushing the
veil up from the unconscious mouth, he