Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-11-23
CHAPTER xx.-(contInued.)

Z.
CHAPTER xx.-(contlnued.)
II was growing dark. the outside
world, now consisting Of level plains,
fading into darkness, with few great
stars burning overhead Trainmen lit
the few smoking oil lamps screwed
against the sides OF the car. and Its
occupants became little more than
dim shadows. All by this time were
fatigued into silence, and several were
asleep, finding such small comfort as
was possible on the cramped seats.
4 Hope glanced toward the heretofore
noisy group at the rear-the girl near
n est her rested with unconscious head
81 pillowed upon the shoulder of her
man friend, and both were sleeping
How kaggard and CHASTITY the wom
L ans powdered face looked, with the
h light just above it. and all semblance
Of Joy gone. It was as though mask
had been taken of. Out In the dark
ness the engine whistled sharply and
then came to humping stop at some
desert station. Through the black
window few lanterns could be seen
pickering about, and there arose the
sound of gruff voices speaking The
u sleepers inside, aroused by the sharp
Il stop, rolled over and swore, seeking
4 easier postures. Then the front door
opened. aAd slammed shut, and 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 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 eyes The con-
dpctor came through, nodded at him.
and passed on. Hope thought he
must be some official of the road, and
ventured to break the prolonged ST.
( lence with a question:
Gould you tell me how long 1t 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
N eyes duizzical.
We'll. no. can't, madam" the
words coming with jerk For I'm
not at all sure we'll keep the track
Ought to make 1t In an hour, however,
Il everything goes right. Live In sheri-
dam"
She shook her head, uncertain how
frankly to answer.
mo loss to worst place to live
In on earth-no EXCEPTIONS know
been there myself three months-got
friends there likely?''
n. Il hardly know. she acknowledged
doubtfully. 4 think SO. but II 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 he
could look at her more clearly.
That's a pretty hard commission.
Miss he returned uneasily There
may be such place In Sheridan, but
have never found It Old Mother
Shattuck keeps roomers, but she
won't have woman in the house.
reckon you'll have to try 1t at the
hote1-IM get you in there IL have
bit noisy though.
"Oh. thank you so much. don't
mind the noise. SO 1t is respectable
He laughed, good humoredly.
We'll. 4 don't propose to vouch for
that-the proprietor amt out there
for his health-but, ! reckon. you
won't have no serious trouble the
boys mostly know 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
LII get you the room all right"
she hesitated. then asked:
Are you-are you connected with
the railroad?'
In 4 way. yes--I'm the contract
surgeon had to dig 4 bullet out Of Q
Water-tank tender back yunder -fel
low huWled 40 though was killing
HIM no nerve mighty poor stun
most of the rif.raf out here bal
wasn't In much below the skin-In
dian must have plugged him from the
top Of the blum blame good shot toe
ragged looking slug Ike to see it?'
She shook her head enereetically.
Don't blame you nothing very I'M
common get dozen cases like It :
dry sometimes stay IN Sheridan
show you snmethihg worth while
very pretty surgical operation to-mor
row come round and get you II you
care Is see it-got TO open the stom