Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-13

with an amused grin on his shaggy face Peloo
nodded complacently, saying:
!" guess Gov ment II find you have got pull,
Red" he indicated the Somber framed check.
There's goin' to be election in the spring.
Shouldn't wonder if the Gov ment candidate
want to buy that check, Red
From that day on the innocent looking slip of
paper behind Peloo's bar grew in Importance.
1t waxed into power that dwarfed large ques-
tons of political economy. What about
Meekins' check?" was a question suddenly shot
at a political speaker sufficient to offset an
hours harangue.
"Meelsins amt got no pull, eh?' Peloo
would observe ironically from time to time.
ONE night, two months after the receipt Of
Reds check, stranger arrived at Trout S
Hotel Peloo, who was behind the counter
noted with grim interest that as the man raised
his eyes from signing the register they tell on
the framed check and fingered there long
enough to read its attached history.
The guest asked quietly, Is this Mr.. Meek
ms in Silver City now"
That's him, an he's one of the mos infiu-
entail citizens of this town" Peloo answered
indicating Red. who was sitting by the stove.
AS Peloo turned the register he gave a gasp
and looked at the check behind him. 1t carried
the same signature as that written in the book
Peter Moody.
Moody had crossed over to Red He held out
his hand, saying. Il owe you debt Of graft
tude. sir for saving my sons life. l am Mr.
Moody"
"Oh, jus happened along" Red replied in
\ Moodys ' Did he close lose all his t toesa" ~
Hes crippled physically; but in other ways
he's better than he ever was. As you saved his
life | can hardly regret the experience
Moody drew from pocket small leather
case, and added, Il brought with me little
token of my gratitude and appreciation, hop
ing might find you here He opened the case,
lifted out massive gold watch and chain, and
passed it to Meekins with the back of the case
open, saying, "When you've read what is in
scribed there l hope you will accept this too
meager gift from me-.
On the case Meekins read, E" Presented to
James Meekins for his heroic conduct in saving
the life of my son. PETER MOODY.
81 want to speak of that check on the wall. /"
Moody said presently. Il have been away and
know nothing of that matter. The check was
signed by my deputy. 1t was only on my re-
turn that had the story from my sons lips. :
Meekins had sat reading over and over the
inscription in the watch. There was bur IN
his voice as he said ANY of the felers would We
done all that l done, mister; but it's mighty
nice of you to give me that watch an what S
writ in it. You mus tell your son when you
60 back hope he's gettin' on all right.
I'D like to take that check back to the de-
partment," Moody said. I'D take the matter
up myself"
" 1t you ii excuse me minute, mister; got
to say word to Peloo." and Red, stepping over
to the counter. said. Jus hand me down that
check. Peloo."
Trout complied saying, Il knowed he'd
want to buy it: but don't take no promises
get the cash. Stick him for all he'll stand !"
Meekins returned to his seat, saying Il got
kinder tired seem that thing up there"
Moody hastily put hand. crying, why.
you are tearing it, Mr.. Meekins!"
Guess l am" Red answered quietly,
"'cause me an you an the Comment is all
quits now"