Rocky Ford enterprise., 1893-12-28
Jewel and doing so with deliberation
that they might well believe would ward
off oil on spipiou

jewel and doing so with deliberation
that they might well believe would ward
off all suspicion.
Manson sat down for brief talk with
the landlord before retiring for the
night. He apparently bestowed little
attention on the fellows in the corner,
but he wanted the chance to study them,
to make q preliminary survey Of the
ground, as may be said.
On their part they seemed to feel no
interest in him, but every time he stole
q glance at the dusky countenances, with
their rcd felt skull caps, from which gilt
tassels dangled, he encountered those
snaky eyes which instantly fitted their
looks in another direction.
suspect me-" was his conclusion, .any
more than they may suspect all stran-
gers. I am suro they are fully armed, and
the couple will be dangerous. to attack"
They continued conversing with con-
siderable animation. being free with their
gestures and apparently deeply interested
in what each was saying.
"If only understood Hindoostani,"
thought Manson, II might be able to
pick up valuable pointer or two, for
they must feel free to talk their lingo
before my people besides their own"
Suddenly they rose, and one of them
said to the landlord in fair English:
"We go to bed, please"
"All right" he replied, with yawn,
glad to find that he was about to gain
the sleep for which he was yearning.
"I'll be back with you in minute" he
added, addressing Manson, who nodded
and said he was ready also to retire.
At the time of writing his name on
the well thumbed book Of the hotel
Manson noticed the two signatures
of the natives, which were simply
"Wichman" and "Lugro," SO that it
may be said their identification was
cor :. lete.
Nothing was to be gained by question
ing the host, who not only was sleepy,
but was stupid. So he followed him up
stairs behind his tallow candle and along
the uncarpeted hall.
"Your room is next to them chaps"
said the landlord as he turned about to
leave, "but guess they amt dangerous. :"
81 have no fears" replied Manson,
closing the door, locking and bolting it.
Now that he was alone, however, he
naturally asked himself whether it was
possible to make any use of what, under
other circumstances, would clearly have
been an advantage.
"If they would only talk in English"
he muttered as he heard the hum of their
voices, 81 could catch something possi-
bly, worth knowing, but as it is might
as well be q mile away from them"
The professional. instinct led him soft
ly to unfasten his door and to thrust out
his head, with his ear close to the next
door.
As he did so thrill passed through
him. Wichman and Lugro were con-
versing in English.
"He watchme-hew watch you-he after
u.s." was the astonishing remark of one
of them.
II see dat" replied his companion.
"Tomorrer he bring anoder officer-he
take us to jail-he hunt our pockets-our
bundles-our everyt'ing-he t'ink he
find it-den what we dor
"Mebbe won't find it." suggested tbs
other.
"Why he no find it?"
"Mebbe we hide it."
"Where2 In woods2"
ssNo, he watch us tomorrer. He sec
us-we hide 1t here in dis room, for he
no look here"
Dunno, dunno" commented the 9TH
er in voice which showed nevertheless
that he was impressed by the proposal Of
his companion.
sDis best place. He no look here.
Leave it here two, free days-mebbe two,
free weeks-den come back, stay ono
night, get 1t 'ginr'
This amazing conversation now ceased.
For several minutes only word or two
was uttered, and then it was in their ma
tive tongue.
But the listening Max Manson had al
ready caught q new sound. It was such
as would have been made by man cut
ting an opening in the wooden surbase
of his room with q keen edged knife.
He was confident he knew what the