Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1892-05-21

It was past midnight when Dan Riggs
by reached Fort Scott and walked up
the deserted street.
II must find some place to obtain
lodging for the night" he unused, glanc-
ing about him as he paused beneath
street lamp. Drawing his pocketbook
from his pocket, he counted the little
change it contained.
Seventy five cents" he muttered. 81
wonder if can get lodgings for that"
AS he replaced the money in his
pocketbook and returned it to his pocket
he suddenly remembered the two envel-
opes the paymaster had given him. TAX
ing them from his coat pocket he saw
that one was addressed to himself. He
opened it, cry of astonishment escap-
ing his lips. 1t contained fifty dollar
billl
He could hardly believe the evidences
Of his senses as he gazed at the crisp new
bill. 1t seemed almost fortune to the
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 I'll
have to accept it now-and it may be
that I'll need it before | get through
with my business here"
The other envelope was addressed to
Captain II. e. Parker, U. s. A. Mill
tary Barracks, Fort Scott, Kansas"
Then beneath. introducing Dan Riggs
by"
IL shall call on Captain Parker"
unused Dan, placing the envelope in his
pocket, land it may be that he will
assist me in the business | have on
hand"
He walked hastily up the street for
two OF three blocks, then glancing ahead
he saw by the light of the street lamp
the sign, Occidental Hotel"
II guess I'd better stop here for the
night" he muttered. as he reached the
front of the hotel. A dim light was
burning in the Office as he entered, and
doing in his seat behind the counter sat
the night clerk. sharp nosed, sallow
faced youth of about Dams own age.
He rose from the chair with start as
Dan entered, but on glancing at the new
conner he uttered dismal yawn and
leaned listlessly upon the counter.
Can | get lodging for the nighty" Dan
asked.
"Yes, stree" replied the clerk. What
do you suppose we are running this house
for?"
mot for the purpose of affronting peo-
pie who ask civil questions. / hope" re-
sponded Dan.
mo: we are running it for the money
we get out of it,"
"Then you can accommodate me?"
"Got any money! asked the clerk,
glancing at Dams rather shabby attire.
"lf | hadn't shouldn't be here" re-
piled Dan. But as you won't answer
me in a civil manner I'll find other lodg-
ings," and he turned to go out.
"Hold on!" cried the clerk. II was
only joking, am ready to show you to
room if you wish to stay"
very WELL" answered Dan, How
muchY' and he drew forth his pocket
book
"For bed and breakfast"
mo; just a bed may not remain
for breakfast"
"Seventy-tve cents"
Dan handed him the money.
THAT breaks you," said the clerk,
glancing 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"
well, we won't dispute over it," said
the clerk, leading the way up the narrow
stairway.
Dan was shown into a rather poorly
furnished room on the second floor. The
clerk then lit candle and retired from
the room, and hastily undressing Dan
threw himself upon the bed and was
soon fast asleep.
1t was nearly eight o'clock when he
woke the next morning. Hastily dress
ing, he descended the stairs and walked
out upon the piazza.