The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1910-08-26

born, miserable wretches he had help
ed. In their midst was the n man
in the world who could throw a true
light on the events of the past, enable
him to-
Behind him some one followed, some
n who drew ever nearer. with soft,
skulking steps which now he heard
"Mr. Steele!!' Even as he wheeled
his name was called out.
Before the sudden fierce passion
cleaning on John Steele's face, the
bright flame of his look. the person
who had accosted him shrank back.
His pinched and pale face showed sur
prise, fear. Almost incoherently he
began to stammer.
Steele looked about. They two, as
far as he could see. were alone.
II ask your pardon" The fellow
found his voice. I'm not be troubling
you further. Mr.. Steele"
You were about to beg-of me?'
John Steele smiled.
Dandy Joe began to shuttle off in a
spiritless way when
You are hungry?" said John Steele.
"A little. sir"
"a modest answer in view of the
actual truth. l suspect" observed the
other. But, although his words were
brusque, he felt In his pocket. A SOW
ereign-it was all lie mad left about
him. When he had departed post
hast. for Strathorn House he had
neglected to furnish himself with
funds for an indefinite period. A con-
tingency he should have foreseen had
risen. For the present he could not
appear at the bank to draw against
the balance he always maintained
there. John Steele fingered that last
sovereign, started to turn. when he
caught the look in the others eyes.
Did it recall to him his own plight
but a short twenty-four hours be-
fore?
"very well!" he said, and was about
to give the coin to the man and walk
away when another thought held him.
This fellow had been a link in a
certain chain of events. The tempta-
ton grew to linger with him, the
single. tangible. though paltry and
useless figure in the drama he could
lay hands on. John Steele looked
around. In a byway he saw the light
ed window of a cheap oyster buffet.
Motioning to the man. he wheeled
abruptly and started for it.
A few minutes later found them
seated in the shabby back room. A
number of faded sporting pictures
adorned the wall. One-how John
Steele started!-showed the Frisco Pet
in a favorite attitude.
Steele spoke now. His dark eyes
sL.one strangely. A sardonic expires.
sion lurked there. The proprietor
could bring his companion a steak if
he had one. Large or small? Large
with an enigmatical smile.
The proprietor hustled out.
A voice, hoarse. that of a man. was
heard:
THE blarsted fog is coming dowr
fast"
The smaller man drew back. A
SILVER seemed to run over him. They
are a long while about the steak" he
murmured.
''Your testimony helped to send hin
over the water. | believer" said Steele
pointing out the picture of the Frisco
Pet to Dandy Joe.
How do you l amt on the stand
now, Mr.. Steele" A spark of defiance
~momentarily came into Dandy joe
eyes.
!, mo, no" John Steele leaned bach
1.-THE harms been done so far as 20
? are concerned. You as a factor hav
, disappeared from the case"
Glad to hear you say so. Mr.. Steele
: l mean." the others voice was uncel
. tain. cautious. that's u matter Ion
!. since dead and done with. But as 70
my testimony helping to send hir
> over the water'-
"Or UNDER" soto voce.
: Joe swallowed. st was true. ever
word of it,"
, Good" John Steele spoke almos
listlessly. always stick by any on
who sticks to you. whether a friend Q
: a pal or a patron"
: "A patron" From the others lip
fell an oath.
But even If there had been som,
thing not quite-strictly In accord
: which there wasn't"-quickly-'a ma
u couldn't gainsay what had been said,
Dandy Joe began.
= lie could" indifferently.
8 But that would be-
i "Confessing to perjury? Yes"
Hold on. MIR. Steele" The man
e eyes began to shine with alarm. ri
D not on the
Il know. And it wouldn't do an
Z good IL you were"
lyon mean"-in spite of himself til
Y fellows tones wavered-"because he
o under the water?
= mo; | had in mind that ever if b
u hadn't been drowned. your
"Wot! Hadn't"
6 That" said John Steele. 'doesn
q matter. The principal subject of an
, consequence relating to you is til
y steak. which is now coming" AS b