The Irish standard., 1905-07-22

and ahead. Quickly the stranger drew
rein and was still at halt when tho
blackboard and it's single passenger
topped a 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
Mexicana's statement that struck cru
ely against desire to be little differ
cnt and a little better than he knew
himself to be.
can honorable man must be honest"
thought Darrell, "but an honest man is
not necessarily honorable" He smiled
to himself. THAT is what the selora
would imply and she is not consistent"
Ali the way to Sandy Bar he solilo-
qtszed, 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 minin' 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. "Is that Kali
iper's?"
Nav, that's Hawkbill's. Kaliper's
is the next buildin' north"
''Thanl YOU"
Darrell started Immediately, his
slight graceful figure watched curious
7, ,ly by the man at the corral "a tin
horn, if know the brand" the mau
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
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 its elaborately painted
'front.' its fulsome display of red
globes and it's air of prosperity, was
plainly favorite rendezvous.
Kaliper's place was restaurant, at
least sign indicated that "meels''
were to he 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:
IL. Murgatroyd, Mines and Mining
| Stocks"
Without a moments hesitation, Dar-
rel opened the door and stepped with
in. y 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 of
the clerks pen ceased suddenly when
he saw stranger in the Office-a
stranger with one hand behind him
under his coat
"Well?" qleried the derk
II have business with Murgatroyd."
answered Darrell.
He's out of town." said the clerk
A shadow of disappointment crossed
Darrel'S face as the hand was with
drawn from under the coat
when will he return?"
I'm time for the games at Hawk
bilrs."
IF l 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 | write?"
Step right into his private room.
Stranger in camp?"
"Yes"
Know Murgatroyd?"
"Ive known him for a good many
years."
Darrell was ushered into the other
apartment and the clerk placed paper,
pens and envelopes at Darrels dis
posal AS he seated himself, Darra
saw revolver lying on the desk by
the inkwell.
The weapon had an ebony stock,
carved with a deaths head. 1t was
Murgatroyd's, as Darrell we'll knew, and
by what chance had its owner gone
into the hills without it?
The clerk noticed barrels curious
glance at the firearm.
That's the old man's," lie vouch-
safed; first timeI ever knew him to go
away and forget it. Make yourself at
home. What name did you say?"
Nathan"
Cali right, Mr.. Nathan. Nothing III
this layout is too good for the old
mans friends. If you don't see whal
you want, ask for it,
"Much obliged"
The clerk withdrew and resumed his
penWOrk in the outer office. Picking
up the pen, Darrell wrote as follows.
to Mr.. MurgatrOyd and desires to state
wall