Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-30

l to himself. That is what the sonora l would imply and she is not consistent !"
 All the way to Sandy Bar he so1ilo- Quized, coming to himself abruptly when he sighted the Eponay below him and made out the huddled build l ings of the camp. With a shrug he dismissed his unpleasant reflections and gave attention to the work that confronted him.
 Where will I 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 l you can generally find Murg at Hawk i bills. Sometimes durin' the day he's at his minin office"
 Where is the officer"
 Up stairs over Kaliper's place. See that buildin' with the lamps in front?' he put the question.
 "Yes," replied Darrel. "Is that Kai- iper's?"
 Nav. that's Hawkb1ll's. Kaliper's is the next buildin' north"
 Thank you"
 Darrel 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 l that arched above the sidewalk, Dar- rel took note of the temple of chance behind them. Such establishments al- ways interested him professionally, and this one, with it's elaborately painted l front, its fulsome display of red l globes and it's air of prosperity, was plainly favorite rendezvous
 Kaliper's place was restaurant, at least 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 Darrel was con- fronted by door bearing the words: 'L. Murgatroyd, Mines and Mining Stocks"
 Without moments hesitation, Dar- 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 a door, partly ajar, and marked Private" The scratching oi the clerks pen ceased suddenly when he saw stranger in the ofice--a stranger with one hand behind him under his coat.
 "Well?" Queried the clerk. T have business with Murgatroyd,' ? answered Darrel.
 "He's out of town" said the clerk. A shadow of disappointment crossed Darrels face as the hand was with drawn from under the coat.
 When will he return?"
 "In time for the games at IawE- bill's."
 "If left few lines for him would he see them if he gets back?''
 Reckon he would. He always comes to the office after a trip into the hills
 Where can I writer"
 "Step right into his private room Stranger in camp?"
 "Yes."
 Know Murgatroyd?" ''I've known him for good many years"
 Darrel was ushered into the othel apartment and the clerk placed paper pens and envelopes at Darrels dis posal. As be seated himself, Darre saw revolver lying on the desk b. the inkwell.
 The weapon had an ebony stock carved with deaths head. It wa, Murgatroyd's, as Darrel well knew, anc by what chance had it's owner gon, into the hills without 1t?
 The clerk noticed Darrels curiou: glance at the firearm.
 That's the old mans" he vouch safed; first timeI ever knew him to gt away and forget it. Make yourself a home. What name did you say?"
 Nathan"
 "All right, MT. Nathan. Nothing II this layout is too good for the olc mans friends. If you don't see wha  you want, ask for it."
 Much obliged
 The clerk withdrew and resumed his penwork in the outer office. Picking up the pen, Darrel wrote as follows
 MT. Darrel presents his compliments I to MT. Murgatroyd and desires to state that he Is now in town awaiting MT Murgatroyds pleasure. MT. Darrel alst wishes 1t known that he can be fount this evening at MT Hawkbill Tender sons. He trusts Mir Murgatroyd will embrace his opportunity"
 Darrel knew his arrival in camI would be noised abroad and reach his enemys ears. Murgatroyd's absence from Sandy Bar, therefore, made sudden and unexpected meeting i'm possible.
 Darrel therefore desired the notifl- cation to come through himself, in his own way. Having addressed the en- velope, he inclosed the folded sheet laid the communication on the desk