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

lighting up.
Think Montgomery will b.
pleased?" he asked shortly.
No; he'll probably throw RED
down stairs"
The marshal smiled. his glance turn.
Ing eXpectantly in that direction.
Then perhaps l had better remain,
Tommy" And he strolled nonchalant-
~ over to the open window, and stood
there looking quietly out, a spiral of
blue smoke rising from his cigar.
They could distinctly hear the
pounding on the door above, and oc-
casionally the sound Of the porters
voice, but the straight, erect figure
at the window remained motionless.
Finally Red" came down, nursing his
knuckles.
Says he'll be damned II he will
says he's gone to bed, an that there
amt cussed female in this blasted
country he'd git up for" he reported
clrcumstantially 10 the clerk. He
told me to tell you to go plumb to
hell, an that II any one else come
poundin' round thar tonight. he'd
take pot shot at 'em through the
door Fifteen seemed a bit peevish,
sir, an l reckoned If he was riled p
much more, he might git rambunc-
tious; his language was sure fierce"
wild BIZ turned slowly around,
still calmly smoking, his eyes exhibit
Ing mild amusement.
Did you clearly inform Mr.-ah-
Montgomery that We desired the room
for the use Of LADY," he questioned
gently. apparently both panied and
shocked
"I did, sir"
1T surprises me to find one In our
city with SO little regard for the or.
dinary courtesies of life, Tommy. Per
haps / can persuade the gentleman"
He disappeared up the stairs, taking
them deliberately step by step, the
cigar still smoking between his lips.
Red" called after him.
Keen away from In front oe the
door. Bill; he'll shoot sure, for he
cooked his gun when was up there"
Hickock glanced back, waved his
hand
Don't worry--the room occupied by
Mr-ah-Montgomsry was 15,' BE-
lieve you said?"
Whatever occurred above, II was
over with vscy shortly. Those listen
Ing at the foot Of the stairs heard the
first gentle rap ON the door. an out
burst OF profanity, followed almost
instantly BY q sharp snap, as II q
lock had given way, then brief
scuflfng mingled with the load creak-
ing Of bed. Scarcely q minute later
the marshal appeared ON the landing
above. one hand firmly gripped In the
neck-band OF an undershirt, thus se-
curely holding the writhing. helpless
figure OF a man, who swore violently
every time he could catch his breath.
Amy other room you could conven-
veniently assign, Mr.-ah-Montgom-
cry to, Tommy?"he asked pleasantly.
IF he doesn't like it in the morning.
he could be changed, you know"
"Give--gtve him AZ"
"All right I'm the bellboy tenn
porarily, Montgomery; easy now, my
man. easy. or I'll be compelled to
use both hands. Red carry the gen.
tleman's luggage to '47'-he has kind
ly consented to give up his old room
to a lady-come along. Montgomery"
1t was possibly Ave minutes later
when he came down, still smoking, his
face not even flushed.
Montgomery is feeling so badly
we were obliged to lock him in," he
reported to the clerk Seems to be
Of somewhat nervous disposition.
Well, goodnight, Doctor" he lifted his
hat. And to you. Miss, pleasant
dreams"
Hope watched him as be stepped
outside. pausing a moment In the
shadows to glance keenly up and
down the long street before venturing
down the steps. This quiet man had
enemies. hundreds Of them. desperate
and reckless; ceaseless vigilance
alone protected him Yet her eyes
only. and not her thoughts. were riv-
eted on the disappearing marshal. She
turned to Fairbain. who had risen to
his feet
II wish might sec. him, Also" she
said, as though continuing an inter
rupted conversation.
See him? Who?"
"Mr. Keith. II knew him once,
and-and. Doctor, won't you tell him
l should like to have him come and
see me just-just as soon as he can"
CHAPTER XXI.