West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1899-04-06
CHAPTER XIV.
LISTENERS NEVER HEAR ANYTHING
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Before L had ceased chuckling over
the sheriE's indignant declaration OF
the Cnons Of otiQUet;c / heard Mr. Cul-
lens voice demanding 10 know whct
the trouble was. twas quickly explain
cd TO hiIa that had escaped. He at
once gave them permission 10 search his
c2r and went in with the sheriff and
the cowboys. Apparently RIade-e went
in, 800, for in II moment heard Camp
say in II low voice:
1.-Two of you fellows get down below
the car and crawl in under the truck
where you can { De seen. Evidently that
cuss isn't here, bat he's likely 20 come
by and by. If so, nab him if You can.
and If you can't fire two shots. Mosely.
are yOu heeled?"
DO l chaw terbaccy?" asked Mosely
ironically. clearly insulted at the sug-
gostiOn that he would travel without "A
gun.
Then keep sharp lookout and listen
TO everything you hear, especially the
whereabouts of some letters. If you can
spot their lay, crawl out and get word
20 me at once. Now, under you go be
fore they come out. D."
close alongside of where lay and then
crawl under the truck Of 2IS. They
weren't a moment too soon, for the next
instant L heard two or three people
jump on to the platform and Albert
Cullen's voice drawl, law, by Jove,
what's the rowy" Camp not onlighten-
ing them, Lord Rallies suggested that
they get on the car to find out, and the
three did 80. A moment later the sheriff
came to the door and told Camp that /
was not TO be found.
Il told you this was the last place TO
look for the cuss, Mr.. Camp" he said.
We've just discomfortcd the lady for
nothin."
Then we must search elsewhere, 4"
said Camp. Come on, boys"
The sheriff turned and made another
elaborate apology for having had to
trouble the lady
heard MadGe tell him that he hadn't
troubled her at all, and then, as the
cowboys and Camp walked off, she add
ed, And, Mr.. Gunton, 1 want TO thank
you for reproving Mr.. Camps swear
ing"
Thank you, miss, " said tho sheriff.
I'VE fellors are a little rough at times,
but we know what's due TO lady"
Papa" said Madge as soon as he
was out Of hearing, "the sheriff Is the
most beautiful swcarer / ever heard. "
For awhile there was silence round
the station. / suppose the party in 2I8
We're comparing notes, while the two
cowboys and i had the best reasons for
being quiet. Presently, however. the
mo gr.fg gF
the platform. Madge evidently follow
ed them 70 the door, for she called,
'Please let me know the moment any
thing happens or you learn something. 3"
Better go TO bed, Madgy," Albert
called. You'll only worry, and it's
after g."
II couldn't sleep if 1 tried, " she an
| swered.
Their footsteps died away in mo-
ment, and heard her close the door OF
21S. In few moments she opened it
again, and, stepping down to the sta
| ton platform, began TO pace up and
down IL. If I had only dared, I could
have put my finger through the crack
Of the planlIs and touched her foot rs
she walked over my head, but / was
afraid 10 might startle her into a shrek,
and there was no explaining to her
what IL meant without telling the COW
boys how close they were 70 their quarry.
Madge hadn't walked from one end
Of the platform to the other more than
three or four times when / heard some
one coming. She evidently heard it al.
so, for she said:
''I began TO be afraid you hadn't un-
derstOod me. "
Il thought you told mo TO see first If
/ We're needed, said voice chat even
the distance and the planks did not pre-
vent me from recognizing as that OF
Lord Rallies.
Eyes, said she. ''You are sure you
can be sparedY'
II couldn't be Of the slightest use, "
said Rallies getting on TO the platform
and joining Msdge IT'S az black as
ink everywhere, and / don't think
there's anything 10 be done TIL day
light "
Then I'm glad you came back, for
really want TO say somcthing-to ask
Tie greatest favor Of you"
''YOu only have TO tell mo what IL
is " said his lordship.
''Evcu that is very hard, " said Wadqe
"If-if- Oh, I'm afraid haven't tho
courage after all.
"I'll be glad to do anything 7 can. "
''It's--wcll-oh, doar, can't. Let's
walk a little, while / think how to put
it,"
They began 60 walk, which took q
weight or my mind, as I had been
forced TO hear every word said thus far
and was drcading what might follow
since ] was perfectly holplcss to warn
them. The platform was built around
the station and In q moment they were
out Of hearing
Before many seconds were ovcr, how
ever they had walked round tho build
ing, and heard Lord Rallies say:
You really don't moan that hos in-
suited you?"
That is just what do mean, " cried
M0dge indignantly. IT'S been almost
past endurance. haven't dared to tell
any one, bat lac had tho cruelty. the
mcanncss ON Hanco's trail TO threaten
that
At that point the walkers turned tho
corner again, and I could not hear tho
rest Of the sentence. But 1 had heard
more than enough 90 mako me grow hot
with modification, even while could