The Prescott daily news., 1908-07-25

uCt, MHtIe Iut Cicih nO iOu6Ci SO- quetted with duty in his chair but lay full length on the counter, frankly seduced by Morpheus The passenger list still lay open, and Stella looked. Gideons name was not there!
 She wondered why, since his looks even more than his words told her that he would seek Alfred at once. As she walked back new fears beset her Why was Gideon not going on the stage? Could Alfred be already on his way to Colfax? Near? Coming now, and Gideon had learned it? A terrify ing vision of their meeting shook her; yet quick comfort came with the recol- lection of Alfreds promised telegram. He would surely keep his word.
 Ten minutes of two, Ten minutes past-fifteen,
 A light step came down the stair, and Stella flew into the hall.
 Uncle Billy" she called softly, and drew him into the parlor. She put her letter in his hand, told him of Gideon, breathlessly describing Alfred's dan ger, though concealing it's cause She did not dream that Uncle Billy guessed it well.
 He promised to mount guard over Alfred, though he scoffed at her fear, and declared that Gideon son of the night was doubtless alone somewhere fighting out his anger
 "Oh, Uncle Billy, you're such dear, good father to me" she cried impetu- ously; and, needless, did not see the light die in his eyes, rocked not of a missed heartbeat.
 His back was toward the lamp, his face downcast; yet when he lifted it again, he was calm, his voice steady, though Stella caught a vibrant sad ness in it she could not understand.
 Honey, there's something I've been wishing to speak to you about for a month O Sundays, but I couldn't raise the pluck" He stopped and Stella. so overwrought, grew suddenly ap- prehensive, though she did not speak "Yo' Uncle Billy's stake in Nam mons mighty small; but such as it is,
 
 any kin of my own, that is, none that's as neah to me as you are, honey. l fixed the papehs in Auburn yestehday." For an instant Stella did not com prehend. She looked questioningly into his face and he smiled back at her, waiting for her to speak. Then it broke suddenly-a will All young hearts dread of death came into her eyes. Uncle Billy dead! And she profiting by it? It could not be. He surely would live long years still. She could not spare him!
 The precipient sorrow, the generous deed. broke down Stellas defenses, and tears flowed uncontrolled while she haltingly told her gratitude. Uncle Billy had barely dried her eyes when Sally B.'s step sounded in the hall. I'm in heah. Sally B." he called, | back from the stairs and enter he | drew Stella to him and kissed her. Don't forget my luck posy, honey" he | whispered, as Sally B. opened the | door, And in that instant Stella's eyes were opened.
 Ten minutes later the coaches, Uncle Billy's leading lined up beside | the thronged sidewalk. Some passen- gers stood near the second coach. Only a privileged few coming on the train would go with Uncle Billy. l Stella, rose in her hand, stood with others near the stage office | door. 'Is MT. Ingram going with Uncle Billy or in the other coach" she asked the clerk, as he returned to his post from some errand.
 Ingram? He left town hours ago. Took Balls best horse, Mig. Told Ball if he broke the nag's wind he'd pay any figure Ball"
 Stella did not wait to hear him through. Book me for Virginia City!" she cried. Tn Uncle Billy's | coach"
 You can't" he began
 A whistle shrilled through the dark ness.
 Yes! yes! I'll make him let mel" she panted, and was gone CTO BE CONTINUED = - Hu Al