The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-03-19

at intervals, but for the greater part
of the distance they might have been
at the end of the world, SO rarely did
they encounter human being. So
far there had been no signs of any
place where they could obtain a meal
and they were growing hungrier and
hungrier with every weary step they
took. Even Grisson's habitual cheer
fulness needed an increasing effort.
"Well, at least we can't be more
than twenty miles off Dalebrook," he
said, trying to speak hopefully.
Unless we've lost our wayne
have only that yokel's word for it that
we're in the right road or anywhere
near it," responded Montague, with
determined gloom. "And by the time
we ultimately, If ever, do get to Dale.
brook we shall find Chatterton's filled
up the vacancies!"
Their hopes, the one CLEAN reliev-
ing the gloom, centered in their reach
ing Dalebrook.
Chatterton was we'll known name
in the lesser walks of the profession;
he was the proprietor of a. portable"
theater, with which he had toured for
years. Both Grisson and Montague
had been in his company in the past,
and knowing, that he was about to
start a new tour shortly from York
shire town, they had wired to Chat
terton on the previous day, after hear
ing of Mr.. Lewisham Vere's flight, ap-
plying for engagements. Almost be-
yond expectation, Chatterton had wir.
ed back that they were to present
themselves at Dalebrook forthwith.
The salaries Chatterton paid were ex-
ceedingly low, but-good business or
bad-they were always sure. The
news had lifted the two mummers
out of despair.
If only they had taken the wrong
road! What if they were going miles
out of their way from Dalebrook?
Montague's gloomy suggestion filled
Grisscn with sudden awful misgiving.
That would be tragedy indeed!
Hang it, Monty, l wish you
wouldn't suggest such things-we
can't be wrong!" he protested THE
yokel said this was the road and that
we were to keep on through Westham
village"
We'll, we've been keeping on long
time, and we haven't come to it vet.
| SAYS that signpost? Cad, I be-
lieTe it is. That'll tell u.s."
Some distance ahead of them the
road forked, and there. sure enough,
a s1gn-post extended three weather
beaten arms. Tie two dusty, foot
sore mummers walked towards it with
hope renewed.
1t almost seemed as though fate
had positive spite against them. Be-
fore they reached it their hopes were
nipped. Wind and weather had long
ago done their worst. The lettering
on the post was utterly undecipher-
able.
We'll, I'm jiegered-it's like adding
injury to INSULT" muttered the com.
edian, disgustedly. This a pretty
fix If we take the wrong road we
may find ourselves landed miles out of
our way; and no sign of a soul even
to ask question of! And they call
this Christian country"
Joe Grisson glared malevolentlv at
horse placidly cropping the grass in
neighboring field. He apostrophiz-
ed the unconscious animal savagely.
as though he held it partly responsi.
BILE.
You're lucky beggar If you knew
it! You awake and find your break.
fast table already laid; no worry or
enxiety; Mother Nature looks after
you, confound you! Wish I was a
horse-rve only been an ass, a silly
dunder-headed ass, to enter this awful
profesh, that's going to the dogs!
Monty, I had chance once of goine
into the undertaking line with m,
uncle and making money. Did 1 jumr
at the chance? Not me-too much
of an ass! Dreamed of fame. an6
turned up my silly nose at an homes,
business, and went on the stage
looked forward to the time when
should be actor-manager in the West
end, with pretty girls buying my pho
tographs and writing for my auto
graph. Oh, the chance chucke,
away, Monty: think Of it now-now
when you and l have got Just one.and
threepence-half-penny between us,
fat undertaking business! Was Their,
ever such an ass? Folks must di
and have collins, even If they don
want to come and see us num-"
But which way is it to be?" sal
the man in the fur coat, looking De
thetically helpless. Montague Away
looked to Grisson in a crisis.
; well toss up. Heads, we 20 to tn
right; tails, to the left. I'm beei1
ming to feel desperate. All care 70
now is to come across some sign {
human habitation where one can r,
| plenish the inner man-if it's only
casual word!' cried Grisson. "Yo
[ toss, Monty"
[ The taller man pulled out a shfllin