The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1910-02-25

a barely pcrccptihle nod when they
Glanced to meet II was with good
deal uf surprise. therefore, that Hart.
ford, CHANGING NJ from his rather di.
lapidated desk MS he heard the door
open, perceived harrington entering
his office one had not to look at Bar.
rington twice to be convinced that he
was badly frightened. His eyes. which
ordinarily regarded those about him
with an air of easy liberation. were
wide with terror. and his well chisel.
ed features, customarily wearing an
air OF placid conceit, were now white
and drawn. His manner toward Hart
ford was no longer supercilious. All
his carefully constructed attitude OF
dignity had vanished.
you've been In this part of the
country longer than have, Hartford"
said he. IL want your advice as "a
a friend. you know"
Hartford nodded and withdrew his
pipe from his lips.
Sure said he succinctly. whats
the row."
"Why, you see" said harrington, ut
seems that in filing the papers for Jim
Busby on that last mining claim OF
his made n slight error. have been
doing II large business, you know.
Hartford-a very large business-and
it was inevitable that | should make
mistake occasionally. 1t seems that
some INSCRIPTIONS persons have taken
advantage of this purely technical slip
and have jumped Busby's claim, and
he is very much exercised about It,"
II should think he might be-" Hart
ford observed
Yes" repeated harrington, "he is
much exercised and quite unreason-
able about it, lie came into my
office few moments ago and demand
ed an explanation. or course couldn't
tell him anything except that II was
just mistake such as any man might
make, and he said l was lying to him
He said | was too smart to make a
fool break like that and that l was in
with the gang that were trying to do
him out of claim that would have
made him rich. l argued with him
the best ! could, but 1t didn't bulge
him. He said he didn't see that It
made much difference, anyhow wheth-
er ! was fool or knave, because
either way | hadn't any right to live,
and he wound up by saying that he'd
just go down to the Jolly Dog and get
a few drinks TO put him in the right
frame of mind and then he'd come
back and reduce the membership OF
the Gilt Gulch bar by one
1t is significant OF Hartford's broad
and tolerant temperament that he did
not remind harrington that he had
previously predicted such catastro-
phe as had now befallen. Neverthe-
less slight Glimmer of amusement
stole across his face.
80 you want my advice, do you?"
he asked.
81 should appreciate it very much" "
said harrington.
well, you shall have it," said Hart
ford laconicaly, rapping the bowl OF
his pipe against the heel of his shoe
IF Jim Busby were out cunning for
than you can, and | had a comfortable
little sum saved. as you have, and
there were Il pretty girl in New Eng
land who didn't know any better than
TO love me, as she does you, ia go east
on the half past . train. and | wouldn't
hurry back"
But the trouble is" harrington ex
planned. "Susie-Miss Cutler, that is
will be here on the train that gets in
ut 2:5O. The trains pass on the first
siding out. you know. The fact is We
are to be married day after tomorrow
at noon. You'll pardon my emitting
to send you an invitation, won't you
1t was quite unintentional. I've been
so busy
"Oh," Hartford broke in, with a dep
recatory wave of his arm, you need
not apologize. It's just one of those
little mistakes Il busy man is bound to
make every now and then. | haven't
Busby's disposition. I'll forgive you"
Then Hartford looked at his watch
and found that it was twenty minutes
past =.
Youth have to move lively, my
boy" he said. keep an eye open for
jim, and If the coast is clear take the
2:3O. If it isn't, walk over to Sand
City and take the next one there"
But about SUSIE" Darlington re,
monstrated
"Pshaw!" growled Hartford. That's
easy enough. Leave note for her
with the station master, telling her to
go back to Colorado Springs and you'll
meet her there. If you don't have time
to write note. have the station mas
ter tell her you've been called away on
a life and death matter and that she's
to go to the hotel and wait until you
send her word. Don't you worry about
the girl. She'll prefer a slightly de-
layed wedding to an expedited funeral
Hurry up now. You've just about time
to make it,"
AS he slipped down the main street
Of Gilt Gulch on his way to the sta
ton harrington caught Il glimpse OF
Jim Busby's gaunt profile as he stood
at the bar of the Jolly Dog, his back
toward the entrance. Barrington's in
dolent heart rejoiced as he reflected
that the ten mile walk to Sand City
NJ .