The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-05-22
CHAPTER VII.
PASSING SHADOWS

ran TO that ragged individual he had
| seen for moment out of the window,
the man who seemed to worry Ellison
so much, more than anything else that
mad happened during the visit.
why was he SO worried lest the fell
| low should be SEEM" he asked himself
Ion the way back to the town. Can it
be that that person is in any way con-
nected with the tragedy? Well, time
Will tell" 1t was only when he entered
the town that he remembered his brief
interview with the blind man. He felt
50 sure that his fancies had lnisled him
| mat he was delighted to see that wor-
thy seated on the steps of the meeting
house, soliciting in a quavering voice
charity from passers-by.
1t must have been fancy after all
| mat man could not be here" muttered
JOB, as he approached the blind man
again.
The patriarch was seated on the
stone steps of the church, his hat was
on, and he seemed to be trying to get q
breath OF fresh air, modicum Of the
faint breeze that had sprung up just
| then.
Here is a little to help you along
friend" and Hendricks dropped a
dime in the tin cup he wore about his
waist.
The blind man uttered his thanks,
and then, taking off his glasses pro-
ceeded to rub them carefully.
Job turned away, shaking his
head, after looking the beggar over
slowly and carefully.
+. We'll, l am certainly getting fool
lsh IN my old age. There, I fancied
when I first saw the fellow that he
was looking for me. He rubbed his
eyes for moment, and then: "Job
you are getting to be an old food!
How is it possible that he could have
followed you here?"
did not feel wholly at ease as he
made his way to the Bluebell
The landlord was delighted to see
MIN at such an early hour.
Il thought you would not come un-
til night" ventured Mr. Bowersox.
What does it matter to you when
come, as long as I pay for what
get?' said Job, in a moody voice.
though he had 20 intention of Of
Tending the inn keeper.
You would like to see yer room,
perhaps?"
well, yes, and go to it, if it is the
same to you"
AS he spoke, Hendricks pumped
down on a chair in the cafe. He was
plainly in no good-natured mood.
Il wish you would send to the de-
pot for my baggage, as I intend to
spend some days here" he remarked,
after amoment's silence.
Peter, who had already learned
the value Of such a profitable guest,
was at his side in an instant.
You shall have your stuff in ten
minutes, sir" he said. Then, going
to the back of the hotel, he sum
moned up a small darby and instruct
ed him to proceed to the station with
wogon in search Of the gentleman's
luggage.
In the meantime, the landlord,
studying his guest, who was seated
half asleep at a table, wondered what
manner of man he had to deal with.
Certainly the stranger comported
himself in quiet way, and Mr.. Bow
ersox had about decided that, for
all his questioning, he could not be
connected with the police.
His opinions of the stranger who
had paid SO well in the first instance
were rather marred when the guests
luggage appeared from the depot.
1t consisted Of very small valise
that might have contained a doll S
wardrobe.
Il should like to have it taken up
to my room," said Hendricks.
"Ye might manage to carry it up
yerself," was the testy remark of
the landlord as visions Of a default
ing boarder rose before him.
Hendricks snatched the satchel
out of the hands Of the little darby
and turned toward the stairs
You can find your way up, I
hope said BoWersoX, who was be-
ginning to think that he had treated
his guest in a very unfriendly man
ner.
well, I know the number, and
you say that the room is open," re-
torted Hendricks.
Il don't want to take you away
from your business and the one
guest of the house disappeared
Peter returned to his work Of pol
ishing glasses not quite able to make
out whether he had been insulted or
not.
Job Hendricks, when he found him
self alone in the hall, laughed softly
to himself and wagged his gray head
sagely.
"They are all alike the world over"
he muttered. THE sight of my
money ticl1led him, but when the bag
gage arrived he sings another song.
Well, it is rather scant provision for
traveller" looking at the little va
Use as he held it at arms length
But, then, I shall mt have SO much
10 lose Ill case OF DelnS compelled
to make a quick fit I
He found his room without any
trouble, but before he entered it he
walked through the corridor until
he came to another fight of stairs,
which he could see communicated
with the yard.
That's good. may have need of
you, but 1 hope not AT least, it is
well to provide for being in a cor
ner."
He went back to his room, and
then, opening his scanty luggage on
the table, took from the bag a collar
and a couple of gaudy neckties, one
vivid blue and the other a plaid Of
red and green.
1T is so long since I made call on
q young lady as if trying to decide
which one he should wear .tPshaw,
what does it matter! 1t amt likely
she'll notice what I have on. Now,
for little nap. I'd rather see her
in the evening, anyway. Might APP
pear a Strengthening man in broad
daylight, and l need all my wits about
me. anyway He flung the necktie
in the drawer of the little bureau,
saw to the fastening of the door, and
examined a handsome pistol which
he brought out of an inner pocket.
This he placed under the pillow Of
the bed, and then flung himself down
with the air of man who is utterly
exhausted.
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