Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1892-10-08

to ask for a lay-Of.r
Dick slowly lifted his head, and with
an effort steadied his voice. I've well
enough if / am left alone. You will
have your hands full il you keep your
fire going without so much talk"
After that a silence fell upon the
men and swiftly their train went on its
way, first in. then out of the light, as
they would pass towns and villages,
uutil the midnight hour shrouded ev-
erything in darkness. Often Dick
would lay his hand upon his side
pocket and trace the outline Of the re-
volyer inside. then a grim light would
flash into his eyes as his gaze woul
rest O his handsome young fire.
man. while he pondered upon the most
convenient place for the deed. There
was the rocky ravine over Deer creek
and the trestle at Camden. either
would do to rid himself Of the body.
Camden was only a half hours run
from their destination, and II would be
best 10 keep his fireman as long as 1t
was safe TO do So.
Dick, We are almost home and l
have a confession 10 make YOU Har-
nv said. his voice mingling with the
noise Of the engine, but readily reach
ing Dicks ear.
And the minute YOU confess, YOU
are a dead man. | am ready to hear
what Won have got TO say replied
Dick in clear distinct tones. for he be-
lieved that Harry wanted to confess an
intimacy with his wife.
Dick. | can't make Won out, this
run, il you amt taking the grip; they
say one gets wild in no time with it.
There is something I've wanted 10 tell
you for a good while, old boy Harry
replied, half dazed at the engineers
strange words.
Very well. tell IT," and Dick drew
the revolver from his pocket and
pointed it at Harry.
MY God, Dick, you wouldn't kill
your wife's brother?:7 Harry eXclaim-
ed, as he sprang TO his side and grasped
the uplifted hand.
~Brother!.' gasped Dick.
"Yes. that was what ! wanted 10 tell
you, and / waited until | thought you
had some respect for me, for fear it
would make you think less of Kate;
but here we are AT Camden-I CUES
there will be be 4 little surprise here
for you, as it is your birthday"
Dick grew weak as q child; the lights
at Camden grew indiStincter, and for
the first time in his life he tainted, and
fell 90 the floor Of the cab.
Harry's first duty was TO the passen-
gers, and taking charge of the engine,
he drew it up before the station, just
as a pretty bright-faced woman came
close to the track and looked into the
engine.
"Give me your hand. Kate Harry
said hastily; Dick has fainted-don't
be worried. the sight of you viii make
him all right
The young wife bent over her hus-
band and called his name. Slowly
Dicks eyes opened, and rested upon
the face above him.
Kate, YOU here! What has hap
pened?' he asked vaguely.
1T is your birthday. Dick, and l
came TO Camden TO ride home with
you she said, her voice trem-
bling with alarm. Are YOU sick?'
No, dear, I'm a fool.' and Dick strug-
gled to his feet and Harry started the
the engine. Il saw You and Harry at
the station, and thought | had lost my
wife you see / didn't know be was
your brother"
"Oh, Dick" 4 world Of distress
was in Hates voice As she compre-
hended what he had suffered. Harry
had a pass for me TO Camden, and /
had TO meet him at the station TO get
it. wanted 10 tell you about my
brother al first, but he begged me 10
wait. Poor Harry, he vas afraid you
would not want TO claim him for your
wife's brother
Harry. forgive me" said Dick
grasping his fireman's hand. You
came within an inch of losing your
life-don't every try q secret on me
again"
The sun set its first rays over a dis
tant hilltop, meadow larks made musi-
cal the morning air. and grateful re-
joicing made glad the occupants Of the
old engine,