The Huttig news., 1908-02-22
CHAPTER V,
The Cominu Of Uncle Billy.

or leSS WOllld not nave been noticed |, but this one carried crutch; one foot was turned backward and hung high above the ground. Yet one forgot to be sorry for the cripple, so quick was he, so shining with good nature Every one called him boy though he was 20.
 Hello, Al! Whats yo' hurry? asked bystander You can do mo with stick an foot than most folks with two good laigs."
 "Aw, spare my bushes, MT. Ben. nett! Say, is the old man in the hotel?"
 Yes. Cant yo' let him swalleh his dinneh in peace? He don't need but five minutes; an it ain't often he gifts lick at Sally B.'s chicken fixin's. He wouldn't today if that thar ornery train want two hours late"
 Well, this dispatch Il help his di. gestion.'
 Thought .yo' all want lowed to read the yalleh lightnin"
 T didn't read it. And--I ain't giving it away. Sabe?'
 The boy barely halted and was at the dining room door when Gregory came out.
 Whats the racket, Al?" he said. "A message for me-" He spoke a little thickly, his mouth full of a fast dis. appearing apple.
 The message was brief; and his
  Yet the boy grinned. It was glad pro fanity.
 Do you know what's in this, Al?"
 Yes, sir; I couldn't help it.''
 Flows that?"
 I've learned the telegraph since I've been messenger"
 The dickens you say! Whats youl speed?"
 q get most of the press dispatches sir"
 How about sending? Not so good, sir; but I'll soon catch ND if--" He stopped abruptly.
 ''If what?''
 '1d rather not say, sir"
 'On account of the operator?"
 Hes an O. K. friend to me, sir
 'H'm." The superintendent mounted and was in full gallop toward the sta tion before he was quite seated q shan't forget you, boy" he called back over his shoulder.
 Jake Bennett and Alvin Carter walked. to the station together. They arrived at the station just as the train pulled in.
 The first passenger through the car door was Uncle Billy
 Why. durn my eyes, What re yo' all doin hyah, Bill Dodge?" asked Ben nett as Uncle Billy stepped to the platform
 The two shook hands. but Bennett turned away with hurried word and disappeared within the station.
 Uncle Billy gazed blankly toward the office, his face clouding with dis appointment that did not lift while he attended to his scant baggage.
 The superintendent came out short ly, giving nasty orders to Bennett as the two walked toward the big roan known as the Boss Lightning Striker" They passed Uncle Billy; but Bennett's face was mask till the roan clattered out of sight, when he turned back, another soul looking from his eyes.
 How air yo' pegs fo walkin', you ole bronco buster?" Bennett questioned in hearty voice, skipping his heavy hand on Uncle Billy's shoulder.
 They set off briskly and in single file up the steep cutoff that made in one mile the elevation of five miles of grading.
 What kin do for yo' all, you rotary eyed ole coon?" Bennett asked with another bear cuff as they came abreast
 T want job on Charley Crockeh's S Dutch Flat stage line. Can I get it?" You bet yo' bottom dollah! They need men like you. Just chuck yo' application to Crockeh, and-no. Go right to Spalding; he's boss of the company's new stage line. But what's yO' all's grouch agin the old man?"
 Haven't any in particular. There's a little gal oveh hyah. Bill Anthonys daughter"
 Shore We tuck her in fur yo' sake; kep' her fo' her own. The ole woman's dead stuck on her; wanted her to stay right along, but she wouldn't"
 That's her, all right. You remem- Der Bill Anthony"
 Reckon I do. He's that gold-plated ole cuss that built sort O suburb to the Golden City over thar in Wasnoe, aint he?''
 Same. But tha tniuns got him; an the girl has no relations that she knows of: so sent her oveh hyah to you. l want to he neah her, and"
 Bennetts nudge sent Uncle Billy off tAe Vail. You ole Mormon! Amt