The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1903-05-22
CHAPTER VII.


ful mood. He had much to rulninate
on. 1t was strange how his thoughts
ran to that ragged individual he had
seen for a moment out Of the window,
the man who seemed to worry Ellison
so much, more than anything else that
had happened during the visit.
Why was he SO worried lest the fell
low SHOULD be SEEM" he asked himsel!
on h way back to the town. Can it
be that that person is in my way con-
nected with the tragedy? Well, time
Will tell" It was only when he entered
the town that he remembered his brief
Interview with the blind man. He felt
so sure that his fancies had misled him
that he was delighted to see tina wor-
thy seated on the steps of the meeting
house. soliciting in a %quavering voice
char1ty from paSsers-by.
1t must have been a fancy after all
that 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
OFF, and he seemed to be trying to get a
breath of fresh air, a modicum of the
faint breeze nat 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 mar 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.
Well, I am certainly getting fool
when I first saw the fellow that he
was looking for me. He rubbed his
eyes for a moment, and then: ..Job,
you are getting to be an old food!
How is it possible that he could have
followed you here?"
He resumed his road, and yet he
did not feel wholly sat east as he
made his way to the Bluebell.
The landlord was delighted to see
him at such an early hour.
Il thought you would not come un-
I'll night" ventured Mr.. Bowersox.
What does it matter to you when
l come. as long as I pay for what I
get?" said Job, In a moody voice,
though he had no intention Of Of
tending the inn keeper.
You would like to see yer room,
perhaps?"
We'll, yes, and go to it, If 1t is the
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 1 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
o wogon in search Of the gentleman's
luggage.
In the meantime, the landlord,
studying his guest, who was seated
manner Of man he had to deal with.
Certainly the stranger comported
himself in a 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.
It consisted of a very small valise
that might have contained a dolls
wardrobe.
II 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
h landlord, as visions of a default
Ing bcarder rose before him.
Hendricks snatched the satchel
out of the hands Of the little darby
and turned toward the stairs.
You a find your way up, ]
hope" said Bowersox, who was be-
ginning to think that he had treated
his guest in q very unfriendly man
neS.
well I know the number, and
you a that the room is OPEN" re-
torted Hendricks.
But let me show YOU
II 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 OF
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 tickled him, but when the bag
gage arrived he sings another song.
Well, it is rather scant provision for
q traveller" looking at the little va
Use as he held it at arms length.
But, then, I shall mt have SO much
to lose in s of being compelled
to make a quick fit"
He found his room without any
trouble, but before he entered it he
walked through the corridor until
he came to another flight of stairs
which lie could see communicated
with the yard.
That's good. ! may have need OF
you, but I hope not. At least, it is
we'll 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 8. collar
and a couple Of gaudy neckties, one
a vivid blue and the other a plaid OF
red and green.
1T is so long since I made a call on
O young lady" as If trying to decide
which one he should wear. "Pshaw.
what does it matter! It amt likely
she'll notice what I have on. Now,
for q little nap. I'd rather see her
In the evening, anyway. Might ap-
pear a ~strange-acting mar in broad
daylight. and need all my wits about
me, anyway" He flung the necktie