The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-15


b. noticed that he was the only we'll
dressed man in the dingy car. Later,
when. for lack OF anything better to oc-
cupy his mind. ne walked through the
three cars which composed the train. he
further observed that the same condi-
ton held good all along the line II is
quite possible that any one OF a dozen
OF his fellow travellers might have been
fully able 10 buy him mp ten times ever.
bus there was nothing in their appear
ance to indicate il. There was a una
nimity OF wide brimmcd soft hats
coarse boots and flannel shirts and as
he picked his way through the cars
Bangs could not help observing that
there was also a decided unanimity OF
tobacco-chew
He returned to his car and TO his
seat. half OF which as he found with
some little annoyance. was now occupied
by big. raw-boncd individual. iutcutIy
occupied in whiting spIinters from The
already much mutilated window ledge.
Bangs sat beside the stranger. who took
no notice whatever OF him. but went on
whiting for fully a minute. Then. ap-
parentiy firing OF the diversion. the
man shut his big clasp knife. slipped
II into his pocket. extended one booted
leg over the other. turned toward Bangs
and-stared az him
Bangs returned the stare. seriously at
first, and then. as people often do under
similar circumstances. he smiled for no
particular reason.
This yore OUTFIT asked the man.
with unreIsxed gravity. pointing IN
Bangs umbrella and valjse.
1t is replied Bangs.
Whereabouts are you FROM
New York"
HIN" observed the man Which di-
rection you go n -
South. believe" returned Bangs.
who mildly resented this catechizing.
I knew that darned we'll" retorted
his companion tartly What town YOU
strikin' ror?"
= A rather significant CLEAN in the big
mans eyes had its full effect on Bangs
who was not anxious to begin his West
ern experiences with row So he re-
piled quite meekly. "ConeyviHe'
Well. ! don't mind telling you" re-
piled Bangs, good naturedly. that IN
prospecting about a bit. l might buy q
ranch and try cattle raising for a few
years. I have an idea I should like tn,
experience"
And how did you come TO strike Cot
feyville.' asked the stranger. with som,
show OF interest.
We'll. the town is on the border o
the Indian Territory. for one thing and
I understand that you can get along b.
buying just a quarter section on tn.
border line. and leasing grazing land
in the Territory from a squaw man
so ye understand that, hey said th'
big man: and thrusting both hands int,
his trousers pockets. he added, We'll
stranger. I'm a squaw man. as you cal
'em-though let me tell you plain, ",
fellers amt stuck on that name. and L,
advise We not TO spring IL promiscuous-
and mebbe / can sell We one OF my quar-
ter sections and lease ye track o. Ian,
in the nation. I mought sell ye SOM
cattle. II ye want EN-. Anyhow. let M
show ye my land. and don't go nea
Parsons"
Who is Parsons2"
Real estate man at ConeyviIle. He
skin ye II ye deal with him. Skint IN
once"
-'Indeed7" said Bangs.
Yes. But 1 got my money back"
How did you manager"
Offered to bore him full o. holes. an,
he weakened and give up This was no
said in a Boosting manner. 1t wa
merely a plain statement Of fact.
The strangers manner toward hi
companion rapidly become more cordial
He volunteered the Information that b
was Jim CurIey. that he lived nine mile
south Of the State line, on the BARLEY
VILE trail, and that he made CoffeyvilI
his base of supplies. Then he vouch
safed some advice.
ITS Just as good for you that We ru
up agin me-" he said, "for COffeyvill
Amt exactly used TO tenderfoots as yit
and while the boys is hospitable. the
Amt caIkilated 10 study out tenderfoots
peculiarities. They's apt 10 shoot frs
and inquire after which isn't health
10 any tenderfoot whose peculiaritie
needs explainin'."
Bangs thanked Curley and said h
would try 10 be careful.
piled shirts and dicers amt appreci
ated over much" continued CurIey
glancing az Bangs polished shirt from
and stif hat. They're kinder calldlate
TO make the boys think the man insii
O EN- is stuck up. and stuckupness is
fatal disease. sometimes. In these hya
parts
Il haven't anything else at present.
said Bangs. who began 60 feel "A mil
sense Of alarm. Surely ] won't b
shot down between the hotel and IN
depot because my clothes aren't liked
The boys'H give We time TO ri
yourself suitable said CurIcy. IN
couragingly. and I'll explain TO 'er
how yore hxcd, SOS they won't hold n
notions"
Thank you replied Bangs.
The train stopped at COfeyvill
shortly alter Clark.
Fey. Bill" roared Mr. Curlcy, a
he descended with Bangs. to an ind
wfItfaf With 1arTorr c,ra- "a