The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-08-12


dim shadows. All by this time were
fatigued into silence, and several we're
asleep, finding such small comfort AZ
was possible on the cramped seats.
Hope glanced toward the heretofore
noisy group at the rear-the girl near
est her rested with unconscious head
pillowed upon the shoulder OF her
man friend, and both were sleeping.
How haggard and ghastly the wom-
ans powdered face looked. with the
light Just above 1t, and all semblance
OF Joy gone. 1t was as though a mask
had been taken off, Out in the dark.
nets tne engine whistled Sharply ana
tnen came to Dumping stop at some
desert station Through the black
window q few lanterns could be seen
aickering about. and there arose the
sound Of gruff voices speaking. The
sleepers inside, aroused by the sharp
stop, rolled over and swore, seeking
easier poStures. Then the front door
opened, and slammed shut, and q new
passenger entered. He came down
the aisle. glancing carelessly at the
upturned faces, and finally sank into
the seat directly opposite Hope. He
was a broad shouldered man, his coat
buttoned to the throat. with strong
face showing clearly beneath the
broad hat brim and lighted up with a
pair of shrewd. kindly eyeJ. The con-
uuc1or came through. nodded at him.
and passed on. Hope thought hs
must be some Official Of the road, and
ventured to break the prolonged 81
lence with q question:
Gould you tell me how long II will
be before We reach Sheridan"
She had partially pushed aside her
veil IN order to speak more clearly.
and the man. turning at sound of her
voice. took OF his hat, his searching
eyes quizzical.
Well, no. I can't, madam" the
words coming with q jerk. For I'm
not at all sure we'll keep the track.
Ought to make II In an hour, however,
II everything goes right. Live in Sheri.
dam"
She shook her head. uncertain how
frankly to answer.
mo loss to you-worst place to live
IN on earth-no exceptions-I know
been there myself three months-got
friends there likely!"
Il hardly know" she acknowledged
doubtfully. IL think 60. but I shall
have to hunt some place In which to
stay tonight Can you tell me of some
some respectable hotel, or boarding
house?"
The man wheeled about, until hs
could look at her more clearly.
That's a pretty hard commission,
Miss. he returned uneasily. There
may be such q place In Sheridan. but
l have never found It Old Mother
Shattuck keeps roomers, but she
won't have q woman In the house. I
reckon you'll have TO try 1t at the
hotsl|1l get you in there II / have
to mesmerize the olerk-youn fnd It
. bit noisy thoush."
"Oh. l thank you 20 much. I don't
mind tho noise. % It u respecta able" I"
He laughed. good humoredly.
We'll. I don't propose to vouch for
that-the proprietor amt out there
for his heaith-but, reckon, you
won't have no serious trouble-ths
boys mostly know q good woman
when they see one-which isn't often
anyhow. they're liable TO be decent
enough as long as vouch for you"
"But you know nothing of me-"
Don't need to-your face Is enough
I'll get you the room all right"
She hesitated. then asked:
Are you-are you connected with
the railroad?"
I'm way, yes-I'm the contract
surgeon-had TO dig a bullet out of q
water-tank tender back yonder-fel.
low hOwled as though l was killing
him-no nerve-mighty poor stuff
most of the rifi-raff out here-ball
wasn't In much below the skin-In.
dian must have plugged him from the
top Of the bluff-blame good shot too
ragged looking slug-like to see it?"
She shook her head energetically.
Don't blame you-nothing very un
common-get a dozen cases like IT q
day someumes-stay In Sheridan,
show you something worth while
very pretty surgical operation tomor
row-come round and get you II you
care to see it-got to open the stom.
ach-dont know what I'll find-nks to
go."
"Ok. no! I'm sure you mean It all
kindly. but-but ! would rather not
Hardly supposed you would-only
knew one woman who cared for that
sort OF thing much-she was nursing
for me during the war-had a hair
lip and an eye like q dagger-good
nurse though--rather have your kind
round me-ever nurse any? Could
get you dozen Jobs In Sheridan
new prospects every night-flfty dol
lars q week-what DO you say"
But I'm not seeking work, Doctor
smiling In gnito of her hewtlderment