The Huttig news., 1908-02-08

They would if they knew what they'd see. But it's infinitely worse for you drivers"
 Well, reckon the Lord knows his business, an mine, too. I figger all I got to do is to see he don't catch me asleep on the box"
 A sudden admiration for this hero of the desert warmed Alfred's heart.
 "This time I'd hated to let them 5acon-colored critters get me before 1 got to Anthony's. Those tracks are all from Anthony's; and there's more than men and property-theres An thony's little gal, and"
 Alfred shivered at the significant pause.
 "Anthony's had hard luck. He's one of Gods best, if he is set up a m.ue queer"
 Does he live alone? Oh, no; SUD- pose he has helper as they have at other stations, hasn't he?" Alfred hoped the driver would tell him more of the station agent, not because of his own interest in the agent, but that l 5.
 Yes. he has helper Gid Ingram; but he's only boy, if he is big. And Stella, pore little chicken! She"
 Alfred waited discreetly.
 Away back in the fifties Anthony struck it rich oveh Washoe way" Un- cle Billy began again In a steadier tone. Struck it powerful rich; banned
 
 And what did he do but put up the durndest biggest palace this side of 'F'risco-put it up right there where he struck tin. It was a bang-up place fo' sho'; big rooms with fioweh gyar- dens in the carpets, and fioweh gyar dens on the walls; gold chairs, and looking glasses till yod see yo'sef so many times yo'd think yo'd got 'em again"
 That there house." he continued presently, stood in little artificial looking gyarden, just as sassy as jay bird, settiDs there on the bare flank of the Sl-eery Neyaydys. But the whole blamed outfit looked awful lone some in spite of bein' so grand and handsome. It seemed durned out of place. like peafowl in full spread on snowbank.'
 Didn't Mir. Anthony have fam ily?' Alfred questioned. Yes, one little gal; that was all , When he got those domestic cyards dealt out to suit him, he sent back east somewhere for her. She was a rf e,1; ! come oveh from Sacramento in my stage. l used to drive in Gods coun- try those days.
 Anthony put her in as mistress of the mansion an there she'd sit i'll her high-back chair at the head of the table as big as life, the only bit of crinoline present when he'd give grand dinnehs to the Washoe quality. The men. would toast her. and she'd stan up and bow, solemn as a funeral
 What? No woman at all around 1 herr"
 'Oh, he had an old woman to look after her mite, comb and mend, and such; a good old critteh, but no thoroughbred. And except for her the little one neveh saw any but men,"
 How did she learn anything?"
 Anthony himself taught her; he was a teacheh once. She was as peart as chain lightning; and he had oodles of books.
 Anthony went fiat broke a few yeahs back; lost everything, including his grip. Some friend put in word for him with the old man, and he came oveh hyah to hold up this station"
 "ls he going to keep her here al ways?"
 No, that's fretting him. He told me on the quiet he was fixing to take her inside and put her to school this yeah in San Francisco"
 "How old is she?'
 She's young enough. Say, young felleh!" Uncle Billy turned sharply, and his words were stern. Likely she ain't cut ditch the pattern O crinoline yo're used to; but she's fast colnhs all right. And five may see mo- like-like what's back yondeh-I want to stake you right now to stand by Stella Anthony"
 You can count on me-
 The words were curt, but something in their utterance satisfied the driver. "Jiminy! The barns gone," Uncle Billy exclaimed as the stage drew near a square stone house. loop-hoed like battle ship. with tiny points of light shining through.
 heavy bar rattled to the floor in side, the one door opened cautiously. and woman appeared holding a can dle in her upligted hand She was tall and straight her figure youthful in spite of unusual size: but the faring flame. gleaming down over her breezetossed hair. cast aging shad- oWs on her face; and Alfred saw the candlestick shake.
 Tt that you, Uncle Billy?" The voice was steady, yet Alfred caught | its note of terror.
 Yes, honey" Relief and tender ness blended in the answer.
 "The Indians-did you get through without any trouble7''
 9YpS without trouh1o pov, that I