The Forrest City times., 1908-07-24
CHAPTER X.-Continued.

dtNHlly lO our y. Say, You know everything: maybe you can figure it out. And say, Mum's the word. I ain't supposed to let any one see what goes over the wire, you know. So long" He handed her bulky envelope and turned
 ''Is it all this?" Stella began, when Alvin broke in:
 Oh my works in there, too. Say, Miss Stella. you're a bully teacher, My brains are growing so fast my skull aches. must skip or my chief'll call me before I get back, and that'll mean He drew his finger across his throat, laughed merrly and almost closed the door when he turned back sheepish face and in voice to match said: There's a note to Vi in there; would you-would you-'
 Stella laughed "Oh, yes, l will but I'll tell her mother, too
 "Y@s. l s'pose that goes. o. K, too Good bye. In gone
 Stella heard him stumping off down the street, watched him through the dim light climb the muddy hill to the little box where he was jailed with the .clicker" 24 hours day, save the three-sometimes only two-short res pites the chief operator in Sacra- mento gave him for meals. Stella thought of the eerie nights, thought of Alvin's social nature and sighed No wonder his predecessor had been dis charged for drunkenness. But Alvin was made of better stuff.
 Tonight the budget went unopened. Stella extracted the note addressed to Vialo, carried the rest to her home made desk in grandma ans room and went to supper.
 But Tic Wah's best efforts were un- appreciated. She toyed with her food, listening tensely for herald of the stage and was gladdened at last by the shout that announced its coming
 Doors were flung open and anxious eyes peered into darkness. watching black object embody itself from the night and labor up to the lamp-lit ex- press office. Stella saw rigid form on the box and ran down the sidewalk to learn for herself if it was really Uncle Billy. He did not move; only feehle voice testified to life.
 Some one take the lines. I-I cain open-my fingehs," he said. as kind hands held hot whisky 10 his lips Don't mind me yet" The words came thickly between swallows. Take the DO fellehs out from where they stand won't you? Boys. you all take hold those hosses played a lone hand-don't make em pull the ole-wagon up that Erddy hill-to-night Pc Snorteh. It's good bye for him-I reckon He's
 His words dwindled to a whisper and the huddled figure. relaxed from the long strain, dropped lower and lower
 Boys. he'll fall, Some O you lift him down." called Sally E. sharply Be keerful, Don't straighten his fin. gers too quick"
 And soW.s of you bear me also to my downy couch, won't you? too am frozen wayfarer, Sany B" Phineas climbed cut of the coach and stepped up to Sally E. with preferred hand
 "Oh. you git" she said. half vexed. though sh. laughed Why didn't you get on the box an spell Uncle Billy with the lines, you skunk? You are younger'n him
 T ain't driving Charley Crocker's stage I'm his passenger"
 Sally B. hustled him aside and cleared the way for the men who car ried Uncle Billy, protesting feebly. to her best chamber. where the two women took him in charge
 But their minis,rations and the sight of Stellas plying faae, reused him for minute only: he was soon in the yision-iaden spaces where trick sies make jest of human travail For long hours. under a wearyiug eonglom- eration of angles and cm fes that grandma am called a dream of the night" poor Uncle Billy tossed and moaned. fought over again hI lonely battle with the storm.