The Huttig news., 1908-06-13

ana ne was nOdal0gs tautlouSty she approached and looked over the pas senger list that lay open on the coun- ter Gideon had not booked
 Though half stunned by dread and fear she yet could not face Sally B. again and the busy kitchen. She paced restlessly, stopped to reread her letter and add penciled word. and want into the hall to listen for Uncle Billy. Silence. No one was stirring in the house outside of the cooks domain
 Back she turned to her nervous tread. counting her steps mechanical ly Her mind was painfully alert, representative The half-hour struck.
 The clock is surely wrongi" Stella whispered. But the dining-ropm clock quickly rang confirming chime; and the doomful tick tick, went slowly on.
 She crept out again to the stage of fee, where the clerk no longer co- 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 Gideon's name was not therei
 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 reeol- lection of Alfreds promised telegram. He would surely keep his word.
 Ten minutes of twoi Ten minutes past-fifteen
 A light step came down the stair, and Stella flew into the hall.
 Uncle Billy.H 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 seoffed 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 a 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 downeast; yet when he lifted it again, he was calm, his voice steady. 1 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 it is deeded to you, child. l haven any kin of my own. that is, none that. as neah to me as you are, honey. fixed the papehs in Auburn yesteh day"
 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 a young hearts dread of death came into her eyes. Uncle Billy deadi 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 Stella s-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 ''and all ready" Before she could turn back from the stairs and enter he 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 privileged few coming on the train would go with Uncle Billy.
 Stella, rose In her hand, stood with others near the stage office door. 'Is Mir Ingram going with Uncle Billy or in the other ccach?" 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 nags wind bed pay any figure Ball"
 Stella did not wait to hear him through, Book me for Virginia City!" she cried. Tn Uncle Billys 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.
 deep rumble shook the town The Governor Stanford" raced into the station. Flying figures caught up mail and treasure and ran with them to the waiting coach. Passengers, their linen dusters floating back on the night breeze hurried after eulring Sally