The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-03-19


Of the distance they might have been
at the end Of the world, SO rarely did
they encounter a human being. So
far there had been no signs ofaany
place where they could obtain 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 on Dalebrook." he
said. trying to speak hopefully.
Unless we've lost our way-we
have only that yokers word for II that
we're In the right road or anywhere
near it," responded Montague, with
determined gloom. And by the time
we ultimately. II 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 Dalebrcok.
Chatterton was a well known name
In the lesser walks of the profession;
he was the proprietor Of 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. APP
plying for engagements. Almost be-
yond expectation. Chatterton had wir.
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.
II only they had taken the wrong
road. What IL they were going miles
out OF their way from Dalebrook /?
Montague's gloomy suggestion filed
| Grisson with sudden awful misgiving.
That would be a tragedy indeed,
Hang II. Monty, wish you
wouldn't suggest such things-we
can't he 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 a long
time. and We haven't come TO II yet
| SAYS that signpost? Cad. | be
liese 1t is. That1l tell us"
Some distance ahead OF them the
road forked. and there. sure enough
a sign-post extended three weather,
beaten arms. The two dusty, foot,
sore mummers walked towards it with
hore renewed.
II almost seemed as though fate
had positive spite against them. Be
fore they reached II their hopes were
nipped. Wind and weather had lone
ago done their worst. The lettering
on the post was utterly nndecipher
able.
| Well, I'm jisgercd-it's like adding
injury TO INSULT muttered the com
edian. disgustedly. This prett,
fix. II We take the wrong road VIC
may find ourselves landed miles out OF
our way; and no sign of a soul ever
TO ask question OF! And they cal
this Christian country"
Joe Grisson glared maleyoIently al
a horse rlacidly cropping the grass IL
neighboring field. He apostrophiz
ed the unconscious animal savagely
as though he held 1t partly response
BILE.
You're lucky beggar II you knew
1t. You awake and find your break
fast table already laid: no worry O.
enx:ety: Mother Nature looks afte
you. confound you! Wish was
horse-I've only been an ass. a silly
dunder-headed ass, to enter this awfu
profesh. that's going to the dogs
Monty, had chance once of goin,
into the undertaking line with M
uncle and making money. Did jum
at the chance? Not me-too mucl
of an ass! Dreamed of fame. an,
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
, iographs and writing for my auto
| graph. oh. the chance chucke
: away. Monty: think Of 1t now-nov
, when you and have got just one-ant
!, threepence-half-penny between us
8 FIT undertaking business: Was tiieI
ever such an ass? Folks must di
3 and have collins. even IL they don
E want to come and see us num-"
r But which way is IT TO be-" sal
, the man In the fur coat. looking p:
4 thetically helpless. Montague Away
S looked TO Grisson in a crisis.
{ We'll toss up. Heads. We go TO tn
e right; tails. to the left. I'm begil
!. ming to feel desperate. All l care fc
now Is to come across some sign Z
$ human habitation where one can r,
d Flemish the inner man-if it's only
a casual word.' cried Grisson. "Yo
I toss. Monty"
L The taller man pulled out a shillin,