Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-11-30
CHAPTER xxI.-tcontInued.l

anu goes there. where she ID mistaken Tor
CHAPTER xxl.-(contInued.)
He shouldered his way through the
collected crowd. the other following.
Hope endeavored to speak, to explain
to Fairbein who she actually was. real
1zing then. for the first time, that size
had not previously given shin her
name. Amidst the incessant noise
and confusion. the blaring OF brass.
and the jangle of voices. she found It
impos sible to make the man compre-
bend. She pressed closer to him. hold
ing more tightly to his arm. stunned
ana confused by the fierce uproar. The
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 in the.
West yet always found on the side OF
law and. order; 1t was difficult to con-
ceive that this quiet-spoken. mild-eyed.
gently smiling man could indeed be
the most famous gun fighter on the
border. hated. feared. yet thoroughly
respected, by every desperate 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 on"
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 It SO much II ] had
single deputy worth his salt"
What's the matter with Bain?"
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 gun
I'm sorry to hear that: what be-
came of Haggerty ?"
The marshal let his eyes rest ques-
tioningly on the doctors face for an
instant
Well. happened to be Just behind
Med when he went" he said gently.
"and Red will be buried on Boots
Hill tomorrow. I'm afraid don't
give you much chance to show your
skill Doc" with smile.
IF they all shot like you do. my
profession would be useless. What's
the matter with your other deputies ?"
Lack of nerve. principally. reck
on; amt one OF 'em worth the powder
to blow him up. I'd give something just
now for a fellow | had down at Dodge
he was man, Never had to tell
him when to go in; good judgment
, too; wasn't out hunting for trouble.
but always ready enough to take his
share. Old soldier in our army; Cap.
tain. heard. though he never talked
uIuCA 6DOut u1GAOOt1 sluny JIG yOu Knew
him-Jack Keith"
We'll. 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
hasn't even hunted me up vet? That's
like him. all right. but honestly want
to see the boy. Here's your hotel.
cH,oH va, :, s.<ss1 40 ax1y,
Better step in with US. Bill" the
doctor advised. your moral influence
might aid in procuring the lady de-
cent room"
Il reckon It might"
They passed together up the three
rickety steps leading Into the front
hall. which latter opened directly into
the cramped ONCE: to the left was the
wide-open bareroom. clamorous and
throbbing with life. A narrow bench
stood against the wan. with couple
Of half drunken men lounging upon 1t,
The marshal routed them out with a
single. expressive gesture.
Wait herewith the lady, Fairbain, ~
he said shortly. and III arrange for
the room.
They watched him glance IN at the
bar, vigilant and cautious, and then
move directly across to the desk.
Tommy" he said genialiy to the
clerk I've Just escorted q lady here
from the train Miss Maclaire and
want you to give her the best room in
your old shehang.
The other looked at him doabtfully.
Hell. BIN. don't know how I'm
going to do that. hls acknowledged.
She wrote Ia here tb the boss for
room; said shed be along yesterday
Well. she didn't sho& up. an SO to-