The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-10-30
Milfar& Rhoads
BILL

Ian Dowd glanced apprehendveiy
at Bill Ranslow's untidy figure. at Ills
unkempt beard. his bioodshot eyes
peering from under his hat brim, and
he answered hastily.
Thank you--I'm so glad" breathe
I'D the little woman. Now IL you'll
direct me to the best hotel Will be
more grateful"
There was an instant's hesitation
before Bill Ransiow answered her.
Now. ma'am, there's not much choice
of hotels" he said earnestly, ''and
I'm thinking II you WAS to sit here
with Ian for awhile I'd go on down
street and send Mr. Ranslow up after
you and let him judge what you'd
better do
You are more than kind" smiled
the little woman gratefully Il SUP
pose you're friend Of Mr., Rams
lows she added graciousiy.
NO, ma'am. he said sharply.
I'm his worst enemy and he went
away.
Bill Ranslow dashed into the BAR
room of the Mesa Hotel and con-
fronted a dozen men--leading citizens
of Sunrise-Eis friends.
Boys" he said abruptly. Il got
something to say; came here three
years ago to look into the old sur
rise mine with a view to buying it.
/ had plenty OF money In my pocket.
and I've got a good lot Of IL yet
but l got into your slouching. lazy.
easygoing ways and I've fallen step
by step until ! ain what | am! What
am I ?" he suddenly demanded of tie
biggest and toughest of his interest,"
ed listeners.
You're a loafer, Bill--you're the
only one that amt in business of
some kind here in Sunrise"
That's right I'm Ioafer. and
more, too. | was engaged to a pretty
little schoolma' am back in the East
there. and ! just stopped writing and
let everything go SOS 1 could loaf
and drink and gamble out here.
Boys, his voice dropped earnestly.
she just came in on the express and
She didn't know me, and she asked
me where Mr.. William Poole Rams
low waS-you wouldn't hardly believe
it, but that used to be me.
Il told her Id go after him and
| bring him to her--boys. She's wear
ing a dove gray dress and a hat with
n pink wing in that she picked out
for a wedding dress before ! came
West His voice broke for an in
start, and then he recovered himself
by a strong effort. and he threw out
his hands appeaiingIy. Boys, she's
waiting up there for Mr.. William
Poole Ranslow, and he's going up
there as fast as the barber and the
clotheHnan can fix him up. He's got
the price. boys; all you got to do 10
hustle. He's got to he dressed like
a bridegroom, and VIXEN he goes up
to that there station after his bride
you'll all remember tina, q shiItless.
drunken fellow named Bill Ranslow
died this afternoon"
That's right
I'VE WHIT"
I'm go rout out the sky pilot"
Willing hands and feet volunteered
in his service. and presently there
emerged from the Mesa Hotel fine
looking middle-aged man OF manly
bearing. CARRIED in cool gray err
mems. with proper accessories so far
as the Sunrise emporium could con-
tribute. hts face clean-shaven and
hopefully turned toward the little
figure at the station. which was to
him the good angel who would lead
him back to his Eastern home and
the old familiar. quiet ways.
Murray for Mr.. William Poole
Ranslow.' yelled the barber. excited
ly waving his hat after the departing
bridegroom.
Mr.. RansIow turned and saluted
them joyously.
Them as wants to mourn for old
Bill Ranslow can do So" remarked
Big Stephen as he led the way back
to the hotel. AS for me- amt got
no time--Fve got to slick up for this
here wedding"