Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1907-11-20

lnI0rmallOu eXCenQS. In strict cOn0-
dence propose now to impart to you
what has hitherto remained a pro-
found secret. Upon special request of
a number of influential citizens of
Placer, including the city marshal and
other officials. expressed in mass
meeting, I have decided upon desert
ing that sagebrush metropolis to its
just fate. and plan to add the infiu-
ence of my presence to the future de-
velopment of Glencaid. l learn that
the climate there is more .salubrious.
more conducive to long living. the citi-
zens of Placer being peculiarly excit-
able and careless with their FIRE
arms"
The sergeant had been listening
with open mouth. The hell you say"
he finally calculated.
THE undefled truth. every word of
it. No wonder you are shocked.
fine state of affairs, isn't it, when a
plain-spoken. pleasant-mannered gen
tleman, such as l surely ana uni
versity graduate, by all the gods, the
nephew of a United States senator.
and acknowledged to be the greatest
exponent of scientific poker in this ter
ritory,-should be obliged to hastily
change his chosen place of abode be-
cause of the threat of an ignorant and
depraved mob. Ever have rope dan
gled in front of your eyes, sergeant,
and gun-barrel biting into your cheek
at the same time? Accept my word
for it, the experience is -trying on the
nerves. Ran perfectly square game.
too. and those ducks knew it; but
there's no true sporting spirit left in
this territory any more. However,
spilled milk is never worth sobbing
over. and Fate always contrives to
Play the final hand in any game, and
stocks the cards to win
"a breath of good, honest prayer
would serve better than anything
else,' groaned the sergeant, soberly.
The gray eyes resting thoughtfully
on the old soldiers haggard face be-
came instantly grave and earnest
Sincerely l wish l might aid you
with one" the man admitted, "but |
fear, old felloW. any prayer coming
from my lips would never ascend very
far. However, l might try the COM
fort of hymn, and you will remember
this one, which. no doubt, you have
helped to sing back in Gods country"
There was moments hushed
pause, during which a rifle cracked
sharply out in the ravine; then the
reckless fellow, his~head partially sup
ported against the protecting bowlder
lifted up full, rich barytone in rendi
ton of that hymn of Christian faith
Nearer. my God. to Thee.
Nearer to Thee!
Fen though 1T be a cross
That raiseth me,
Stu all my song shall be.
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee
Glazed and wearied eyes glanced
cautiously toward the singer around
the edges of protecting rocks; fingers
loosened their grasp upon the rifle bar
rels; smoke-begrimed cheeks became
moist; while lips, a moment before
profaned by oaths, grew silent and
trembling. Out in front a revengeful
brave sent his bullet swirling just
above the singers head, the sharp
fragments of rock dislodged falling in
a shower upon his upturned face; but
the fearless rascal sang serenely on
to the end, without quaver.
Mistake it for death song likely"
he remarked dryly, while the last
clear, lingering note, reechoed by the
cliff, died reluctantly away in softened
cadence. beautiful old song, SER
geant. and l trust hearing it again has
done you good. Sang it once in a
church way back in New England
But what is the trouble? Did you call
me for some special reason?"
Yes" came the almost gruff re-
spouse; for Wyman, the fever steal
ing back upon him, felt half ashamed
of his unshed tears. THAT is, pro-
vided you retain sufficient sense to
listen. Old Gillis was shot over an
hour ago, yonder behind that big
bowldc-. and his girl sits there still
holding his head in her lap. She'll get
hit also unless somebody pulls her out
Of there, and she's doing no good to
Gillis-he's dead"
Hampton's clear-cut, expressive face
became graver. all trace of reckless
ness gone from 1t. He lifted his head
cautiously. peering over his rock cover
toward where he remembered earlier
in the fight ellis had sought refuge.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
A Sure Cure.
F. Marion Crawford at dfnuor IN