Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-05-28

IN THE AFTERNOON HE READ AN
ACCOUNT OF HIS DEATH IN A
DAILY PAPER.
ominously. The fugitives identity
was not suspected, but the proprietor
had heard of the extra plate-cleaning
the day before and wanted to see IL
the insult would be repeated.
It was. not Darrell made half
movement to lake the plate from the
table, but dropped it again after a
quick glance at the man in the door
way.
The food was brought on, Darrell be-
gan to eat and the proprietor went
away with grim smile Breakfast
over, Darrell asked for sheet of paper
and an envelope.
In few moments he had written the
following:
For the Sheriff: If you will call
at the old cabin in the coulee to the
left of the War Eagle trail, not far
from the mine, you will find some
thing that will interest you"
He did not sign the communication,
but put it into the envelope, sealed it
and addressed 1t TO 1.-THE Sheriff, on
his way back to Anaconda" and left
1t with the proprietor for delivery.
When he rode away from the tavern
Darrell was treasured. His new per-
sonality had withstood the test and
he knew that he could trust 1t until
such time as 1t ceased to be service
able.
But one thing made him uneasy.
That was the doubt, now twice ex-
pressed, that giant powder could be
so comprehensive in its destructive
powers.
To settle his question what could be
better than to have the sheriff visit
the hut in the coulee? The body Of
a smooth-faced man would be found,
but evidences would be at hand to
show that a beard had been removed.
Everything would point to a sudden
act of self-destruction. 1t would be
supposed that Nate Darrell, overcome
with the hopelessness of his case, had
done away with himself.
The fact that the fugitive had es-
capped the explosion in some remark
able way would silence the doubters.
Shortly before noon Darrell rode into
Anaconda, turning aside and making
for the livery barn nearest the Black
foot trail The hostler came grinning
out to receive the horse
1.-THE calico carried you all right
eh?" the man inquired.
Very well indeed. How much do
I owe you for him?"
The hostler stared.
why" he answered, you bought
him from the old man. Don't want
to pay for the brute twice, do your"
Darrell was quick TO take care of the
emergency.
II mean for his keep" he answered,
with shade of annoyance. "Will you
keep him here for nothing?"
You'll have to see the old man
about that. He's gone home to dinner
now"
Darrell united the traveling-bag from
the cantle and walked down the street
He passed the "Coloneps Own" silent
and almost deserted, at that hour, and
was soon at the hotel where he had
put up during his brief stay In town
q short time before.
How do you do, Mr.. McCloud," said
the clerk, affably. You're little
ahead of schedule aren't Won ?"
"a little"
81 understood you to say you
wouldn't be back until tomorrow.
Two ladies called to see you, this
morning, and left card"
Darrell took the card as the clerk
handed it over Mrs. Marian Cor
ton" ran the printed text, and rnder-
meath was written, in pencil: "and
Miss Elise Avery"
did they leave any word?" asked
Darrell, quietly.
Said they'd call tomorrow after
noon--I told them you'd be back then"
This dilemma had been anticipated
and Darrell knew it was not to be
shirked. 1t was the one point of weak
ness in his new armor.
We've kept your old room for you."
went on the clerk. "Ill have the boy
take up your satchel."
The boy was called and took pos
session OF the traveling-bag. The clerk
handed him key and then Darrell fol-
lowed him up stairs.