The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1904-05-06
A WARNING
IOrlginal.l

4 was trafellus OUT "oS'
n place 10 settle. One evening rea.h-
cd n small town and inquired the price
of land in the neighborhood. Every
person l met had "leetie more 'auu
than be had means to work anu wouiu
be willing to dispose Of some or IL. put
Ill seemed to regard 1t a hardsh'p 10
be obliged to do so. While talking IN
the store with number of citizens
who were cxpatiating OH the desiraDii-
i.y OF the location, the richness OF 'he
land. the sterling integrity OF the peo-
ple | noticed a cadaverous looking man
seated on cracker box who SAID hoth-
ing. When left the store he got up
and followed me.
"rhink of settling here, stranger: nc
asked.
Yes"
know anything about the placer
No"
well, he said in low voice and
looking furtively about him, Inc
quicker you light out the better
At the same moment he noticed two
men come out Of the store, ut whom
he cas-, hurried glance and, before
could ask him to explain, turned and
walked away.
was not especially attracted 10 the
place and made up my mind from the
mans words to go on the next morn
ing. would have left that night. but
no train stopped at the station till the
next morning, so was obliged to stay
all night. went to small tavern
the only one in the settlement, and
called for q room. 1t was AS unln-
yiting hosiery as / ever stopped AT.
The landlord looked as il he had left
the field Of robbery to become tavern
keeper, or he might run the two to-
gether
After supper | sat in the Office and
barroom. which were together, waiting
| for bedtime. Several ill favored look
ing men came in and ordered drinks.
Then the man who had given me the
mysterious warning entered. l spoke
| to him and invited him to sit down be-
side me and have cigar. He cast un-
easy gIances ut the men at the bar, as
| il he preferred not to be seen in my
company. but the cigar overcame his
preferences, and he Joined me.
You were saying this afternoon" l
| began, when he interrupted me,
Il was a-sayin'," he said. that this
yere country Is the finest In the terri
tory. The land is first rate, the people
| bang UP and the climate salubr'us."
1t was evident that any information
he might have as to the true state OF
affairs could not safely be delivered
before his fellow townsmen. took the
hint and turned the subject, hoping
when We were alone he would tell me
the truth. was disappointed. He
kept casting glances ut the men in the
room and after every glance trembled,
apparently. fearful of some revenge
they would take if they knew he had
warned me. Watching his chance when
all backs were turned, he whispered
Light out. Don't stop here. You'll
quake in yer boots before mornin'"'
With this he arose and went out.
] | was so fearful OF being murdered
In bed that l went out on 10 small
porch ed sat down, wondering what
In the world to do. While there. my
cadayerous friend walked by and, see
ing me alone. came close TO me and
whispered: Don't sit there il you
value your life. Go upstairs and shet
yourself up" And he hurried away
trembling as he went.
The situation was growing horrible
According TO the mans warning l
would be murdered where l was, and
If went to my room could be more
easily murdered CT at lens would have
less chance to defend myself or es-
cape. determined TO sit it out where
was. When the landlord came 70
lock the door said to HIM
Il think I'll stay here for awhile
In lock the door when come in
He looked surprised. Indeed, my sit
ting there was evidently not to his
taste.
ANY danger in my sitting here:" !
asked.
Danger? oh, no, there amt no dan
ger. What danger could there bef''
Though his words implied safety. his
tone and his manner implied the re
verse. l told him to 60 to bed, and
would come in when got ready. HI
did as suggested. and l sat on thu
porch all night with drawn revolver
expecting every minute to have to fiGh
for my life. Daylight came at last.
was thoroughly chilled with the nigh
air. Indeed was shaking like leaf
though fancied fear might have hat
something to do with it. In time break
fast was announced, and after break
fast ! went to the station to wait fol
my train. l had not been there Ion.
before the man who had warned m,
came down with lean wife and thre,
lean children, besides boxes and bun
| dies.
Please tell me-" said, '.what was
she danger you warned me OF Iast