The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-02-05

sAoW Win AeICe, SIrO0S gusts IN t0e1r
moments Of unpreparedness.
Morgan stepped out on the triangle
and stood near 1.-THE Pet" but John.
son gave no indication that he wa.
aware Of his presence. The foreman's
animus was ill-conceled and the other
was representative person. The
hammers Changed ceaselessly and the
skeleton thrilled under the blows.
Johnson was slight, nervous man,
with shifty eyes. Morgan's contemp-
tuous silence irritated him. johnson
moistened his lips and stammered vio-
lently as he moved the men along.
THE Pets" left hand strayed upwards
but when it had reached his pocket it
was suddenly jerked back to his side.
Three times the hand tried to forage
In the pocket, and three times it was
jerked away. Johnson's mind was Ger.
tain that the tin box was lost, but
Johnson's nerves, tautened by the
presence Of the silent foreman, urged
the twitching fingers to continue the
search.
AASSNASAy MIL 61A 40u6AOU anu JOuus
son looked at him inquiringly.
Il was just thinking of those infer
nal watchers down there on the side
walk" explained the foreman. Il never
knew till to-day what keeps 'em
there"
"And what does keep them there?"
asked Johnson.
"why, they're waiting to see one of
us flop," replied the discoverer, "just
hanging round thinking one of US will
lose his nerve and take a header"
Johnson wrinkled his face into a
sickly smile and again moistened his
dry lips. Morgan had timed his visit
well.
Il don't think that is the reason, "
he stammered, they're interested in
the work.
The foreman laughed contemptu.
ously. Il know EN-" he cried, 1--WE
been studying them to-day"
Again the foraging hand crept up.
ward, and again it was jerked swiftly
back. Its owner made an attempt to
change the subject.
Farley sent down a note about that
iron." he spluttered, "he wants you
Look" interrupted Morgan, "just
look how they're lining up down there.
What for, would like to know?
There's nothing particular doing
what are they staring at?"
johnson didn't look. He stared out
across the bay.
Not there" snapped the foreman
Right beneath you, man. Down un.
der your feet. They're cursed ghouls. .
"The Pet" moved back few inches
from the extreme apex Of the triangle.
He turned his face to Morgan and the
gray eyes Of the student of crowds
noted his livid cheeks.
Move along" muttered Johnson
I'm going in"
Morgan didn't move. Crowd un,
nerve you?" he sneered.
NO." snapped "the Pet"
What's up, then?"
Nothing"
Il thought your nerves were going
back on you," grinned the foreman.
Johnson's left hand was foragine
.blindly in his jacket pocket.
you think too much" he STAN
mered. Move little"
Just oblige me by going round the
other way" murmured Morgan. eve
got my eye on batch of hungry buz
yards down there and 1 don't want to
lose sight of them"
Johnson turned towards the apex
and moved few PAGES cautiously.
Il knew man, remarked the fore
man. critically cycling the other
whose nerves went on the blink al
this game. He took to drugs"
"Yes," muttered Johnson, half turn.
ing to look at the speaker.
yes" repeated Morgan, "he took
to opium, or some stuff like it, and
the crowd got a sensation one day. He
forgot his box or lost it or some.
thing"
"The Pet" wheeled swiftly. "You
hound" he snarled. "You-you took
it."
The foreman grinned. Don't upset
yourself" he murmured, "Your nerves
are rocky, sure"
Give it up" shrieked johnson.
Give it up!"
Morgan took the little tin box from
his pocket and tossed it towards the
other. They were but few feet apart
but at that moment q sudden gust of
wind whirled up and the box was
swept to the left of the narrow bridge.
Johnson tried to keep his arm at his
side, but the effort was beyond him.
1t leapt out after the bit of tin. which
flashed in the sunlight. and losing his
balance. he sprawled forward along
the girder. Morgan tried to backstep
quickly. but Johnson's right aim
swung like band of iron around his
ankles and, locked together, they fol.
-