Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-03-17
rcpose.

longing ZOE tpo IlSiit, lie III uScu. pldOC-
ing about HIM as he paused beneath
street lamp. Drawing his pocketbook
from his pocket. he counted the little
change it contained.
"Seventy-iiye cents" he muttered. 81
wonder il | can get lodgings for that!'
AS he replaced the money in his
poc.,ctbooh and returned it to his pocket
he suddenly renemb ered the two envel-
opes the paynnster had given him. TAX
ing them from his coat pocket he saw
that one was addressed to himself. He
opened it. II cry of astoni5hment escap-
ing his lips. 1t contained u fifty dollar
bill!
He could hardly believe the evidences
of his senses as he gazcd ut the crisp new
bill. 1t seemed almost fortune to tie
astonished youth. Never in all his life
had he possessed so much money before.
"Why, told them wanted no re-
ward" he muttered, but | suppose III
have to accept it now-and it may be
that III need it before | get through
with my business here"
The other envelope was addressed to
Captain Ii. Z. Parker, U. S. A., Mill
tary Barracks, Fort Scott. Kansas"
Then beneath. Introducing Dan Riggs
by"
al shall call on Captain Parker"
unused Dan, placing the envelope in his
assist me in the business | have on
hand"
He walked hastily up the street for
two or three blocks. then CHANGING ahead
he saw by the light of the street lamp
the sign. Occidental Hotel"
81 guess I'd better stop here for the
night" he lnuttered. as he reached the
front of the hotel. A dim light was
burning in The office as he entered. and
doing in has seat behind the counter sat
the night clerk. IA sharp nosed. sallow
faced youth of about Dams own age.
He rose from the chair with a start as
Dan entered. but on CHANGING at the new
conner he uttered dismal yawn and
leaned listlessly upon the counter.
"Can get lodging for the night!" Dan
asked
Yes. stree replied the clerk. what
doyou suppose we are running this house
fox"
"Not for the purpose of affronting peo-
pie who ash civil questions. hope, re.
sponde'i Daa.
no: we are running it for the money
we yet ont Of it.
"Ihrn yOl can accommodate mc?'
scot any money! asAtd the clerk,
glaneing at Dams rather shabby attire.
IF hadn'tl shouldn't he here" re-.
piled Dan. BAT rs you won't answer
me in IA civil mariner iii find other lodg-
inga. dlI he turned to go ont.
"Ioi.!un," cried the clerk. Il was
only joking, am ready to snow you to
room If you wish to stay
Every we'll" answer Dan, How
mHcA:" and ne crew foluh his pocket
book.
For bed and breakfast"
mo; Just bed may not remain
for breakfas..
"Seventy five cents"
Dan handed hiin The money.
THAT breaks You, said the clerk,
glaucing at the empty pocketbook with
grin
Maybe it does, and maybe it don't"
replied Dan.
Then I've missed my guess"
That's not surprising"
"Wel. We wont dispute over it, )" said
the clerk. leading the way up the narrow
stairway.
Dan was shown into rather poorly
furnished room on the second floor. The
clerk then lit a candle and retired from
tho room, and hastily undressing Dan
threw himself upon the bed and was
soon fast il,lee,D.
II WAS nearly eight o'clock when he
woke the next morning. Hastily dress
ing, he descended the stairs and walked
out upon the piazza.
There were few people astir upon the
street. Looking northward, up the
slope, he cunld see the flag floating over
the old fort, and Lere and there the
glimpse of blue uniform ~ the sol
derS moved hilher and thither about
the plaza
Il won't stay hero for breakfast" Dan
unused. IN go to some place where peo-
pie are treated with respect. Then III
call on Captain Parker. haven'tmuch
time to lose. for there is no telling what
may happen"
He started at brisk walk up the
street. AS he did so Mortimer Dill
came to the door and gave great start
of surprise as he recognized the youth.
1.-The jig is up with u.s." muttered the
lawyer with an oath. Then, as he saw
Dan enter restaurant, he turned hur-
riedly and assembled the stairs. and was
soon in Aaron Suggs' room.
what is it?" asked Suggs. glancing
at the others excited countenance.
1.-The devils to pay" cried Dill. "The
boy is here in town.
A fierce oath came from Suggs' lips.
"What is to be done?" he asked.
"We must get him in oar power be-
fore he has chance TO spoil our plans"