The Huttig news., 1908-06-20
CHAPTER XXI. A Heart for a Life.

In the depressing loneliness of strange hotel Stella's fears returned, multiplied by the hours they had rested. Impatiently she paced the small room. She had no watch to count the minutes But that the sun still shone on the mountain above her, she would have declared 1t already night
 Where was Uncle Billy? Why hadn't he come to take her to dinner?
 Innocent Stella, She knew nothing of Mrs. Grundy's code; suspected no whit of the reason for Uncle Billys aloofness. In Colfax, under Sally B's powerful wing, where Uncle Billy was known and approved, no one would have dared breath against her. But it was very different in this feverish city Good women were few. Honest men, toiling for loved ones away, jostled the blackleg the gambler, the man of many aliases; and petticoated vice preyed upon its authors, and sorely beset clean hearts as well. A beautiful friendless girl must indeed be hedged by angels if she were to run safely the gantlet of this "wickedest city in the world"
 She left her room and wandered about In search of the parlor; came upon it at last-small, stutfy and possessed by several overdressed, be- diamonded women, who stared at her brazenly and openly commented on her. As from a pestilence, she fled to her own corridor again, hesitating be. fore her door But vanquished by thought of the desolation within, she dropped the key in her pocket and began walking the narrow hall, darker, emptier than Ter room, but open at either end to human approach. Here the hall boy found her, bringing a message from Uncle Billy to meet him in the parlor
 Stella thought of it little resentful- ly as she hurried on, recalling the in- hospitable occupants. But they were cheery face she forgot they had ever been.
 He came to her with outstretched hands As I told you, honey, Vim cents O. K He's"
 'Here?' she interrupted impetu- ously.
 No; he didn't come through, honey. Blodgett, the driver, said he got of at Carson. Cadwalladeh met him. they seemed to have business togetheh."
 "Oh!" The long-drawn exclamation was all of Stella's reply; and he hoped she would ask no questions.
 You must shut those sweet peepehs of yo's sharp ditch suppeh; get right smart of sleep tonight, fo' you must start home early in the mawning"
 Gideon where do you suppose he Is, Uncle Billy?"
 He had dreaded the words Honey, why do you pesteh yo'self about Gid con? If Vincent's doing, business with anotheh man, both of them C. P fel- lows, how can Gideon get in any devil try"
 Stella was not treasured. But, Uncle Billy, Phineas Cadwallader's no protection; he hates Alfred And why QiQH | we SCC 1sdCOn Oit tuc way I1C must have come in ahead Of us-must be here now, and If could only get word from Alfredl'
 Shall I telegraph for your"
 She shrank back "Oh, no. He wouldn't wish me to send him mes sages over the wires"
 'Tn fix that He won't know yo're heah."
 That will be good; thank you. I'm such trouble to you, Uncle Billy And my trip has been quite useless, she added wearily.
 Not useless. honey You brought me luck-won the race for US"
 She smiled. T hope I'll bring you more luck. I'll go home with you to. morrow"
 That's right, child. Goodbye till mawning. Have sweet dreams"