River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1911-11-23
CHAPTER xxI.-(continued.)


CHAPTER xxl.-(continued.)
He shouldered his way through the
collected crowd, the other following.
Hope endeavored to speak, to explain
to Fairbain who she actually was, real
izing then, for the first time, that she
had not previously given him her
name Amidst the incessant noise
and confusion, the blaring of brass,
and the jangle of voices, she found it
! impossible to make the man compre-
bend. She pressed closer to him, hold
ing more tightly to his arm, stunned
and confused by the fierce uproar. The
stranger steadily pushing ahead of
them, and opening a 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 of"
was the reply. "They have been
whoopin' it 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 if l had a
single deputy worth his salt
whats 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.
We'll, happened to be just behind
Ned when he went" he said gently,
land Red will be buried on Boots
Hill tomorrow. I'm afraid l 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 fellow had down at Dodge
he was a 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
much about himself; maybe 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 yet? That's
like him. all right, but I honestly want
to see the boy. Here's your hotel
Shall you need me any longer?"
Better step in with us, BILL" the
doctor advised, your moral influence
might aid in procuring the lady a de
cent room"
81 reckon it might"
They passed together up the three
rickety steps leading into the front
hall, which latter opened directly into
the cramped office; to the left was the
wide-open bar-room, clamorous and
throbbing with life. A narrow bench
stood against the wall. with couple
of half drunken men lounging upon 1t
The marshal routed them out with {
single. expressive gesture.
Wait here with the lady, Fairbain.
he said shortly, land I'll arrange fol
the room"
They watched him glance in at the
bar, vigilant and cautious, and theI
move directly across to the desk.
Tommy" he said genially to tn,
clerk. i've just escorted lady here
from the train-Miss Maclaire-ant
want you to give her the best room IL
your old shebang."
The other looked at him doubtfully
Hell, Bill, don't know how Tn
going to do that he acknowledged
She wrote in here to the boss for ;
room; said she'd De along yesterday
Well. she didn't show up an so to