Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1907-12-21
CHAPTER III.

When Fraser had seen his luggage TAX
en- from the van and bestowed in the
small omnibus which met the train he
walked leisurely toward the hotel. guided
bv the gilt sign which cleaned high above
the surrounding village houses.
Ginning suddenly. as he had done. out
OF the golden glory of the evening sun
light into Swallowed chamber, he did
not at first make out the things about
him with any great distinctness. but he
could see that a man and woman sal
at the far end of a table, and he bowed
to them.
"Hillo. Fraser !" said a voice. THAT
you? Are you holiday making over
here?"
Fraser advanced shading his eyes with
his hand.
THAT you, Farley?" he returned. "How
are We? I'm a troyhe short soyted-and |
didn't make y'out at first. How are ye?
Deloyted to meet Mrs. Farley once more.
Are We here for long?"
He bowed and shook hands and waved
royal condescending pardonng sort of
refusal to the chair Farley pushed to-
ward him.
I'VE have been here month";" said the
novelist. land we intend staying on until
the crowd comes Then we run away
Do you stay for any length of time?"
Il can't say how long may stop.v
returned Fraser. with a smile. The man
would like to know my secrets" said the
smile. I'm be having a companion in
day or two," he added. "O'Rourke's COM
ing over
"Ah!" said the other, carelessly, 81
forgot It's getting near the Whitsuntide
recess
The landlady. seeing her new guest in
conversation, had withdrawn. but at this
moment she re-entered, in conversation
with an older visitor. She seemed to have
considerable difficulty in making him I'M
derstand what she had to say, for she said
the same thing three or four times over,
and he looked at her with a puzzled face
and an occasional shake of the head
1T is a pity, monsieur" said the land
lady at last, turning upon Farley, that
there is no one here to talk the language
of monsieur"
The new arrival understood the tenor
of this speech, for a wagged his head at
the novelist and spoke. English not"
he said. French, so leetel-ver leetel.
Gree? All, yes. Deutsch? Yes"
He speaks German. madam" said
Fraser, splendidly ALLOW me to trans
late for you" Then, addressing the new
conner, IF l can serve you shall be
pleased"
The new arrival smiled. and put ques-
ton about the postal arrangements of the
town. Fraser got the required informa-
ton from the landlady, and transferred it.
The other was profuse in thanks, and
ducked ingratiatingly at his magnificent
Interpreter.
1--WE never been able to get to like that
fellow" said Farley as the man sat down
at the dining table, after the manner of
the place, to write his letter. He came
here shortly after our arrival. and we
have been here together ever since He
is always very civil, and he smiles as if
by clock work, but his eyes are a good
deal too close together for my fancy his
forehead slopes back too much for my
liking; he has stealthy way of walking
he is my beau ideal of what spy should
be-"
I'VE do expect a SPY to understand the
language of the land he lives in, don't
YEP" asked Fraser
well, yes" Farley admitted laugh
ingly. II suppose that's needful But
shouldn't be in the least surprised to learn
that he did understand. | shouldn't be
in the least surprised if be understood
what / am saying now"
perhaps he might be-" said Fraser
He'd not be pleased, anyway"
The man at the table went on with his
letter. While Farley and Fraser still
talked about him. standing at the window.
he arose and walked to the end of the