Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1901-09-01


on large scale in the way of trade.
II was toward the close OF a fine
spring day that / rode up to the great
barn-like tavern of one of those spread
out. pine board towns of the far West,
which grow up so rapidly in the path of
emigration. A large group of rude
looking men stood on the steps, and
seemed to be carefully critieising me
and comparing notes as l dismounted.
was conscious of nothing peculiar
about me, except the generally smart
and "natty" appearance of myself and
animal The latter was splendid
roadster that | had purchased in st.
Louis. in fine condition, and with an
action that would excite the admira-
ton of any horse fancer. was
habited in new suit, surmounted by a
slouehed hat, and completed by great
top boots. My saddle and bride were
half military In their shape and trim
mings. and | had vallse and blanket
roll strapped on behind. On the whole,
| think almost any observer would
have set me down for something more
than a mere private citizen travelling
on his own business.
/ left my horse in care OF the first
man whom found willing to take him,
and ordering my supper. walked about
the uninviting barroom, and finally
took a seat and began to read a pam
phlet that | had in my pocket While
was thus engaged great burly fellow
came and stood in the doorway, and
deliberately stared at me.
Good evening, sir, l said. Il should
like TO make few inquiries, if you
please, about the people here and
through the country, and"
Not Of me, you WON'T" was his rude
rejoinder, and he was gone before
could ask an explanation.
/ was little nettled at such boorish-
ness, still rather amused than annoyed.
I should probably have thought no
more of it but for more of the same
kind of treatment that shortly expert
enced. A shock-headed girl called me
out to supper, and finding a table
abundantly spread with the substan-
| tials of life, was appeasing my hunger
vigorously, when a wild wolfish face
was thrust inside the doot, and two
staring eyes surveyed me closely.
Whats wanted?" | asked rather
| irrbtated by the repetition of such "a
! attention. There was no answer; the
head was withdrawn, and within the
same minute | had the pleasure of
seeing two more faces looking in upon
me through one of the windows.
What do these people mean?" |
asked of the girl who waited on me.
She shook her head, but there was
an expression on her face that in
formed me that she did know, and that
| she pitied me. | was beginning to feel
decidedly uncomfortable; my appetite
was spoiled before it was half appeased,
4
and | resolved on the spot to continue
my journey that night, rather than
remain in such an inhospitable place.
I rose from my chair and laid down
three silver dollars on the table.
That's for my supper and the horses
feed said TO the girl; "and you may
keep the rest yourself. Now, please
tell them to bring the horse around
right off for must be gone"
! | shall never forget the look OF pain
and pity that was shown at that mo-
ment by the face of that rude, homely
girl.
They won't give you the horse" she
said. shortly.
Wont give me my own horse?"
| echoed. And why not, pray?"
| Hush" she said, laying her hand
! firmly on my mouth. Don't be max
ing a noise If they should think you
suspected It, they would do it now"
| Now, although ! had no idea of the
full import of her startling words. yet
there was hideous suggestion in them
| that fairly made my flesh creep.
J For heavens sake tell me what you
meant" l said family. 81 can't account
! for the actions of these people. What
| do they mean, and what am to do?"
| 81 hoped / should see no more blood
| shed,'' the girl said, looking sadly and
| YEARLY into my face. Then she put her
| hand on my shoulder and continued
fiercely: Its all your own fault. Why
did you come here? Any fool in Jeffer-
son could have told you what they'd dc
if you came here"
! What do they take me for?" asked
a suspicion of the truth breaking upon
me.
For Just what you are. Of course.
she said, coldly. THE marshal come &c
serve writs OF arrest"
.They are mistaken; you are all mis-