Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-10-28

money In his pocket, fancy was dls-
posed to spend 1t. He could not con-
ceive that It had any other possible
use. II
Suddenly out Of the silence came the
regular beat Of hoofs. These grew
nearer and nearer, and at last when
they were quite close, Yancy faced
about. He instantly recognized Muir
rell and dropped his rifle into the
crook Of his arm. The act was in
stinctive, since there was no reason
to believe that the captain had the
least interest in the boy. Smilingly
Murrell refined in his horse.
"Why-Bob Yancy!" he cried In ap-
parent establishment.
Eyes, sir-Bob Yancy. Does 1t hap
pen that you are looking for him, Cap
tain?" inquired Yancy.
Mono. Bob. I'm on my way west.
Shake hands. His manner was frank
and winning, and Yancy met 1t with
equal frankness.
s"Well, sir me and my nevvy are
glad to meet some one we've knowed
afore. The world are lonesome place
once you get shut OF yo'r own door
yard" he said. Murrell slipped from
his saddle and fell into step At Yancy's
side as they moved forward.
"They were nightly stirred up at
the Cross Roads when / left, wonder
ing what had become Of YOU" he OBJ
served.
when did you quit there?" asked
Yancy.
About fortnight ago. raid Muir.
rell. Every one approves of your &C
ton in this matter. Yancy,", he went
on.
That's kind of them. responded
Yancy, a little dryly. There was no
reason for It, but he was becoming
distrustful Of Murrell, and uneasy
"Bladen's hurt himself by the stand
he's taken in this matter" Murrell
added.
They went forward in silence. Yancy
brooding and suspicious. For the last
an unbroken forest, but sudden turn
in the road brought them to the edge
of an extensive clearing. Close to the
road were several buildings, but not
a tree had been spared to shelter them
and they stood forth starkly, the com.
plotting touch to civilization that was
still in its youth, llnkempt, rather
savage. and ruthlessly utilitarian. A
sign. the work of inexpert hands, an
nounced the somewhat dingy structure
of hewn logs that stood nearest the
roadside tavern. There was horse
rack in front of it and trampled
space. It was flanked by its several
sheds and barns on one hand and a
woodpile on the other. Beyond the
woodpile rail fence Enclosed q corn
field. and beyond the barns and sheds
similar fence defined the bounds OF
a stumpy pasture lot.
From the door of the tavern the
figure of man emerged. Pausing by
the horse rack he surveyed the two
men and 10y, if not with Indifference,
at least with apathy Just above his
head swung the sign with it's legends,
..Slosson-E Entertainment" but II he
were Slosson, one could take the last
half Of the sign either as a poetic ri ap-
sod, on the part of the painter, or the
Welding to some meaningless cow en-
ton, for in his person. Mr.. Slosson
suggested none of those qualities OF
brain or heart that tren ched upon the
lighter amenities OF life. He was black
haired and bull-necked. and there was
about him a certain shagginess which
Il recent toilet performed at the horse
trough had not service TO mitigate.
.''Howdv?" he drawled.
= "Hcwdy?' responded MIR. Yancy.
"Shall YOU stop here?" asked Muir
:ell, sinking his voice. Yancy nodded.
"CaD yo1 put us up?" incurred Muir
re,l turning 70 the tavern-keeper.
II reckon that's what I'm here for,
said S,oeeon. MurreH glanced about
the empty ward. slack observed
slosson languidlv. eyes. sir, clack's
The only name for it,. IT was under
etood he referred to the state of trade.
He looked from one to the other or
the two iren. AS his eyes rested on
M,lrre,l. that gentleman raised the
first three FINGERS of his right hand.
The gesture was ever SO little, yet IL
seemed to have topic effert on Mr..
Slosson. What might have developed
into p smile had he not Immediately
surnressed it. twisted his bearded lips
&c he mo de an answering movement.
"EDh. come here, yo,l! SlOsson raised
his vnirn This call broueht a half
crown HACK hoy from about the cor
ner OF the tavern. to whom Murrell
relinrrished his horse.
let's licuor." said the captain over
lis shoulder. moving off in the direc-
tior of the bar.
Come on. Nevvy,'' said Yancy, fol-
lowing. and they all entered the
tavern
well. here's to the best of good
l,ck!'' said Murrell as he raised his
glass to his lips.
"Same here responded Yancy.
Murrell pulled out roll Of bills. one
Of which he tossed on the bar. Then
after a moments hesitation he de-
tached a second bill from the roll and
turrAd to Hannibal.
Here. yonngster- present ior
yon," he said good naturedly Hanni-
hal. embarrassed by the unexpected
gift edged to his Uncle Bob's side.
"Ain't you-all got nothing to say to
the eentleman?" asked Yancy.
Thank you, sir" said the boy.
That sounds heap better. Let's
see-whv, if it amt ten dollars-think
of that" said Yancy, in surprise.
Lets have another drink sug-
gested Murrell.