The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-04-02
CHAPTER XVII.
A Dinner for Two.

A little knot of rustics loafing idly
about the blacksmith's forge gaped
bpen-mouthed at the two actors as
they passed with that half-resentful
stare that the sight of stranger
seems frequently to provoke in remote
country districts, and bucolic With
Cism that had distinct reference to
the fur-coat ruffled Monty's dignity a
little as it floated to them on a guf-
faw of laughter.
Joe marched boldly into the open
door of the Wheatsheaf inn, through
the low-ceiled passage into the sand
ed bar parior, where they found the
landlord sitting smoking in his shirt
sleeves-a burly, red-faced man, with
a countenance that could not be truth
fully called pleasant. Monty made a
Nental note Of his inches and shiv-
cred. He wished the man had not
been quite so big, for it was quite con-
ceivable that the landlord might hold
other views than Joe's hopeful maxim
about credit being one of the most
valuable props of trade.
Apparently no misgiyings troubled
Joe.
The comedian marched into the bar
parlour with the coolest air of assur-
ance, nodded pleasantly to the land
lord, and dropped into one of the
spindly arm-chairs.
well, here we are, landlord. UP
to time, too. Hope you've followed
instructions and got the meal ready
to dish straight from the oven. We're
Just about famished. Nice cosy little
place you have here, Glad Mr.. Gabbi
tas recommended us to come to YOU"
The landlord stared at the speaker
In stolid amazement. He slowly re-
moved his pipe from his mouth as il
about to speak; then apparently
thought better Of it and replaced his
pipe, still staring at Joe in silence
Don't know what you're talking
about" he said at last, slowly, as
though words were precious things
only to be expended sparingly.
Joe's face changed to an expression
Of apparent dawning CONSERVATION.
"You-you don't mean to say you
didn't get my telegram-my wire from
Slaton this morning. landlord?" he
gasped, half rising in his chair.
Monty stared at his friend, com
pletely mystified. For a moment
doubts of Joe's sanity floated through
his mind. Joe's eye met his for q
second, warningly; he remembered
that his friend had said he was tc
leave it all to him, Joe.
The landlord shook his head.
Don't know nothing of no tele
grams" he said uninterestedly, in his
broad Yorkshire lingo.
"Oh, but you must be joking, land
ford!" Joe appeared to be utterly
taken aback by the statement. INC
telegram telling you that two gentle
mem on walking tour would arrive
about one o'clock, hungry and dusty
you can't say we arn't dusty, and yo,
take my word for it that we shall
do Justice to your viands!-and tina
you were to have ready the best no
dinner you could manage? You didn'
get the telegram"
The landlord shook his head in ,
surly way. Monty felt uncomfortabl,
conscious that the man was regarding
his boots with cold eye that wa.
Photographic in its observation. On.
boot was minus heel. The heel hat
worked loose during the last half mile
and Monty had been compelled t,
I wrench 1t of.
Know nothing Of no kilograms
the publican said again. "You didn'
address, It here"
t'Not address 1t here? But this Il
the Wheatsheaf, Needingworth!" erie,
Joe. #
''Wsll. !. wasn't aware on It myself