The Newark journal. (Newark, Ark.) 1901-1959, 1905-01-20

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 a restaurant, at
least a sign indicated that ''meels"
we're 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 a door bearing the words:
L. Murgatroyd, Mines and Mining
Stocks"
Without 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 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?" queried the clerk.
Il 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 at Hawk
bills"
- left few lines for him would
he see them if he gets baek?"
RECKON he would He always comes
to the Office after a trip into the hills"
Where can l writer"
step right into his private room.
Stranger in camp"
Yes"
Know Murgatroyd?"
I've known him for good many
years"
Darrell was ushered into the other
apartment and the clerk placed paper,
| pens and envelopes at barrels dis
posal. As he seated himself, Darrell
saw a revolver lying on the desk by
the inkwell.
The weapon had an ebony stock.
]
Murgatroyd's, as Darrell well 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 MANS he vouch-
safed; first time ever knew him to go
away and forget It. Make yourself at
home. What name did you say?'
Nathan"
"All right, Mr.. Nathan. Nothing Ia
this layout rs too good for the old
mans friends. II you don't see what
| 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:
mfr. Darrell presents his compliments
! to Mr.. Murgatroyd and desires TO state
that ne Is now in town awaiting Mr.
Murgatroyds pleasure. Mr.. Darrell also
wishes II known that he can be found
this evening at Mr.. Hawkbili Hender-
sons. He trusts Mr.. Murgatroyd will
embrace his opportunity
Darrell knew his arrival In camp
would be noised abroad and reach his
enemys ears. Murgatroyd's absence
from Sandy Bar, therefore. made a
sudden and unexpected meeting i'm
possible.
Darrell therefore desired the notif-
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
and placed the revolver on 1t for a
paperweight.
Then, lightin a cigar. he leaned
back in the chair. wondering why fate
couldn't be kind and send Murgatroyd
to him as he was then-in his enemy's
own room with his enemy's own re-
yolver within easy reach. Presently
the artfufness OF Murgatroyd's charac-
ter suggested something and the re-
yolver suggested something else.
Picking up the weapon. Darrell
pressed spring and turned the barrel
down, revealing the cylinder. Six
cartridges nestled murderously under
his eyes.
He listened intently. The scratch.
scratch of the clerks pen came to him
/ monotonously.
One by one he extracted the car
tridges and then, by means of sharp
pointed steel letter opener he embed
ded deeply in each leaden slug the mi
tial I'M" To replace the cartridges
and return the revolver to its original
place by the inkwell took but mo-
ment.
Next, Darrell recovered the pen and
continued his writing.