Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-05-21

-AiS%N 4 "
AS Darrell climbed into his blackboard
the man in corduroys rode past on a
calico cayuse. To the saddle cantle
was strapped well-worn travelling
bag.
Darrell caught the stranger survey
ing him coyertiy. a The mans gaze
was quickly ayerted, however, when the
other parted the scrutiny with a keen
look.
There's certainly a heavy load on
that fellows mind" thought Darrell as
he gathered up the lines and fiicked
the whip lash between the bronchos'
ears.
The galloping cayuse was pointed
south and barrels plunging team
swiftly carried him abreast of its rider,
and ahead. Quickly the stranger drew
rein and was still at a halt when the
blackboard and its single passenger
topped rise and vanished on the other
side.
In those days all sorts and condi-
tions Of men were TO be met in that
section, so Darrell scarcely gave the man
in corduroys further thought. You
may be honest, but you cannot be
honorable" were the words that passed
and repassed through his mind.
Rarely, indeed did this freelance al
/ low anything to weigh upon his spir-
its. But there was something in the
lMexicana's statement that struck cru
| ely against desire to be a little differ
ent and little better than he knew
himself to be.
IAN honorable man must be honest"
thought Darrell, "but an honest man is
not necessarily honorable" He smiled
| to himself. "That is what the sonora
would imply and she is not consistent"
| All the way to Sandy Bar he solilo-
quized, coming to himself abruptly
when he sighted the Eponay below
him and made out the huddled build
ings of the camp. With shrug he
dismissed his unpleasant reflections
and gave attention to the work that
confronted, him.
Where will find Murgatroyd?" he
asked of the man who took charge OF
his team at the camp corral.
"That's tellin'," was the answer, as
pair of speculative eyes Travelled
over the newcomer. by ten an after
you can generally find Murg at Hawk
bills. Sometimes durin' the day he's
at his mimi Office"
Where is the Office"
up stairs over Kaliper's place. See
that buildin' with the lamps in front?"
The man pointed down the street as
he put the question.
"Yes." replied Darrell. as that Kali
iper's?"
Nav, that's Hawkbill's. Kaliper's
is the next buildin' north"
Thank you"
Darrell started Immediately, his
slight, graceful figure watched curious
| ly by the man at the corral. "a tin
horn, if I know the brand" the man
muttered, shaking his head foreboding-
! ly as he began unhitching the team;
''he looks it all right, and besides he
asked for Murgatroyd."
| At that hour of the day Sandy Bar
was quiet and orderly. Night brought
the miners out of the hills and the
gambling gentry from their lurking
| places, the games and the excitement
beginning simultaneously.
While passing the cluster of lamps
i that arched above the sidewalk, OAR
rel took note of the temple of chance
behind them. Such establishments al
ways interested him professionally, and
this one, with its deliberately painted
front, its fulsome display of red
globes and its air of prosperity, was
plainly a favorite rendezvous.
| Kaliper's place was restaurant, at
least a sign indicated that ''meels"
were to be had at all hours. A narrow
! stairway led to the second floor and
| at the top of the flight Darrell was con-
fronted by door bearing the words:
II. Murgatroyd. Mines and Mining
! Stocks"
! Without a moments hesitation, OAR
rel opened the door and stepped with
| in. A sallow-faced young man sat at
the table, writing.
The clerk was alone, but off to the
right was door. partly ajar. and
| fIIdIhtu IllfdJG. luC Ol
the clerks pen ceased suddenly when
he saw a stranger in the office--a
stranger with one hand behind him,
under his coat.
| ''Well?" queried the clerk.
II have business with Murgatroyd,"
answered Darrell.
Hes out of town." said the clerk.
A shadow of disappointment crossed
barrels face as the hand was with
drawn from under the coat.
when will he return?"
I'm time for the games sc Hawk
bills"
"If left few lines for him would
he see them If he gets back?"
Reckon he would. He always comes
to the Office after trip into the hills"
Where can I writer"
step right into his private room.
Stranger in campo"
Eyes"