The Mena weekly star., 1911-10-05

soft voice caused Scott to flame m ,r
 sudden passion
 NO. l didn't! but I called the turn
 just the same-she's Christie Mac iaire.''
 The marshal smiled.
 All right. little boy" he said soher
 iy. Now you trot straight along to
 bed Don't let me catch you on inc
 street again tonight, and I'd advise
 you not to pull another gun-you're
 too slow on the trigger for this town
 Come along, Doctor. and we'll get
 Miss Maclaire 10 her hotel"
 He shouidered his way through the
 collected crowd, the other following
 Hope endeavored to speak. to explain
 to Fairbain who she actually was, real szing then, for the first time. that sln.
 sad not previously given him her
 pame. Amidst the incessant noise
 fnd confusion. the blaring of brass.
 and the jangle of voices, she found it impossible to make the man compre-
 bend. She pressed closer to him. hold. Ing more tightly to his arm, stunned and confused by the fierce uproar Tho stranger steadily pushing ahead of them. and opening path for their passage, fascinated her, and her eyes watched him curiously. His name was an oddly familiar one, associated in vague memory with some of the most desperate deeds ever witnessed fin the West yet always found on the side of law and order; 1t was difficult to con celve that this quiet-spoken, mild-eyed. gently smiling j an could indeed be the most famous gun fighter on the border, hated, feared, yet thoroughly respected, by every desperado be- tween the Platte and the Canadian. Beyond the glare and glitter of the Metropolitan Dance Hall the noisy crowd thinned away somewhat, and the marshal ventured to drop back be side Fairbain, yet vigilantly watched every approaching face.
 Town appears unusually lively to- night, Bill" observed the latter grave ly, and the boys have got an early start"
 West end graders just paid off," was the reply. They have been whoopin' 1t up ever since noon, and are beginning to get ugly Now the rest of the outfit are showing up, and there will probably be something in- teresting happening before morning. Wouldn't mind 1t so much if I had a single deputy worth his salt"
 Whats the matter with Bain7"
 Nothing. while he was on the job, but Red Haggerty got him in Pony | Joe's' shebang two hours ago; shot | him in the back across the bar. Ned never even pulled his gum
 I'm sorry to hear that; what be- came of Haggerty?"
 The marshal let his eyes rest ques- uoningly on the doctors face for an Instant.
 Well, l happened to be just behind Ned when he went" he said gently, land Red will be buried on Boots HilP tomorrow. I'm afraid I don't give you much chance to show your skill. Doc" with a smile.
 If they all shot like you do. my profession would be useless. Whats he matter with your other deputies7"
 Lack of nerve. principally. reck- ,n; ain't one of em worth the powder Q blow him up I'd give something just now for a fellow I had down at Dodge he was a man. Never had to tell lim when to go in; good judgment .co; wasn't out hunting for trouble. put always ready enough to take his 'hare. Old soldier in our army. Cap ain heard. though he never talked much about himself; maybe you knew lim-Jack Keith"
 Well, I reckon" in quick surprise, and what's more to the point, he's here-slept in my room last night"
 Keith here? In Sheridan? And aasn't even hunted me up yet? That's Ike him. all right, but honestly want O see the boy. Here's your hotel. Shnl you need me any longer?"
 Better step fin with us, Bill," the -OCiOi tidfAcCus JOul lhOidt night aid in procuring the lady de- aent room"
 T reckon it might"
 They passed together up the three rickety steps leading into the front hall. which latter opened directly into he cramped office; to the left was the side-open bar-room, clamorous and with life. A narrow bench stood against the wall. with couple of half drunken men lounging upon it. The marshal routed them out with a single, expressive gesture
 Wat here with the lady, Fairbain, he said shortly, "and I'll arrange for the room"
 They watched him glance in at the bar. vigilant and cautious, and then move directly across to the desk.
 sTammy." he said genially to the clerk, I've just escorted iadiiyT here |