The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1895-07-06
But Fred erred, and that erave1v

young lau'y me- llm WITH q look OF
blank dismay She had received an.
other letter from Mr.. Witham and
OF a character vastly dissimilar to
those of earlier date. Moreover, a
small package accompanied the let
ter. Within reposed a ring, whose
glistening stone was worthy to grace
even Dolly's taper fingers, and the
sender was following the ring.
"Hcre!" the young girl calculated
almost tearfully. He's coming
here!"
Fred knit his brow. Manifestly he
was disconnected, and he took the
letter from her hand. But there was
no loophole for misconstruction.
The writer was nc longer an appeal
ing swain suing for favor. He had
met with an accident-had narrow
ly escaped death-and by it was
warned that delay frequently meant
disaster. AT the closing statement,
however, Fred exhibited some
slight relief. Mr.. Witham did not
intend 'roping a wife" as he would
a steor-unannounced He would
await Miss Weldon's pleasure at the
Palace hotel.
And we'll have to meet him
there" Fred declared in a tone of
desperation. "We?" the young girl
exclaimed. I'm not Miss Weldon"
well, l will, then," Fred return
ed. But what will l tell him-that
you're sick, dead or left the city,"
Miss Halsted shook her head.
THAT would only mean procras-
tination, with an explanation still
to be made" she said obviously.
mo; if you + going to meet him
if you dare to meet him-tell him
tho truth"
Fred WINGED. 1t had not previous
ly occurred to him that an encoun-
ter with MI. Witham might entail
bodily discomfort.
"Do-do you suppose he'll fight?"
he queried half absently.
II hope so. You deserve it," was
the young girls reply. Then she
paused, and her eyes sparkled mis-
chievously as she noted her compan-
ions detection. mo, l don't mean
that, Fred" she added. II would
not like you to get hurt But you
must see him."
And l will, Dolly" was Fred's
earnest re.joinder, his love for her
sex fast tending toward centraliza-
ton. For you I'd interview that
gentleman who buys his shoes at the
fa~rrier's."
But words are not actions. The
following day was nearly at an end
when Fred entered the Palace hotel
and glanced over the register. In
wardly he was praying hat the
name of Witham should not appear
upon its pages; that it's owner might
be reposing beneath q wrecked train,
shot by express robbers, intoxicated
by the wayside - anything, But
there it was, and at sight of it he re-
paired to the barroom.
That courage, however, which is
attributed to Holland appeared to
have lost its potency, and he soon
returned to the Office. His hand
trembled as he drew a card from his
pocket, but it had to be done, and
he rendered it to the clerk.
"Mr. Witham," he said tersely.
Five minutes later a speaking tube
wheezed, and he watched the clerk.
But the suspense was of brief dura-
ton. Yes, Mr.. Witham was in and
would be pleased to see Mr.. Weldon
at once.
Fred drew a long breath, then
Strengthened up and walked toward
the elevator. Hitherto he had never
entered one of those elevators at tho
Palace without specializing on their
safety, but now he wished it would
fall. He even contemplated mental
ly his own bruised and mangled re-
mains and the consequent press no.
tees. But it reached the third floor
without mishap.
The bellboy, too, seemed as if
bent on fastening the calamitous
work, for he at once conducted him
to the door of Mr.. Williams room
and tapped loudly on the panel.
Come, was the CHEEKY response
that foated through the transom,
and Fred sbuddered. Then he pulled
himself together and turned the
knob.
But on the threshold he paused.
Mr.. Witham, the Cowboy" was
seated within, and of exterior he
was not at all formidable, His fea-
lures, albeit bearded, We're boyish,
pleasant and rather handsome, and
his attire was that affected by a man
of the world. But it was not with
him that Fred was now concerned.
Dorothy ,Halsted was seated on his
knee.
Fred was like a man dazed by
some sudden revelation. He seemed
almost to stagger. But the Cow
boy" smiled.
Then, lifting Dolly, he deposited
her in his own seat and advanced,
with extended hand.
MY wife, Mr.. Weldon" he OBJ
served lightly. I'VE have had her
fathers blessing. l trust we have