The Mena weekly star., 1911-10-05

'~'i"| SHNhieu HIS feet. and looked again at the marshal; he had re ceiyed positive orders about that room, and was fully convinced that Montgomery would not take kindly to eviction. But Hickock's quiet gra, eyes were insistent
 Here, Red" he finally called to the burley porter, hustle up to I5.' an tell that fellow Montgomery he's got to get out: tell him we want the room for lady"
 Hiekock watched the man dlsapuoar up the stairs, helped himself caref.lly 10 a cigar out of the stand. tossing a com to the clerk and then deliber, tely lighting up.
 Think Montgomery will be pieasedg" he asked shortly.
 No; he'll probably throw Red down stairs"
 The marshal smiled. his glance turn Ing expectantly in that direction.
 Then perhaps I had better remain. Tommy" And he strolled nonchalant- " over to the open window, and stood tnere looking quietly out. spiral of Due smoke rising from his cigar.
 They could distinctly hear the pounding on the door above, and oc- casionally the sound of the porter's voice. but the straight. erect figure at the window remained motionless. Finally Red" came down, nursing his knuckles.
 Says he'll be damned if 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 circumstantially to the clerk. He told me to tell you to go plumb to hell, an that if 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 reckoned if he was riled up much more, he might git rambunc- tious; his language was sure fierce"
 Wild Bill' 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 pained and shocked
 q did, sir"
 Tt surprises me to find one in our city with so little regard for the or dinary courtesies of life. Tommy. Per haps I 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.
 Keep away from in front of 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 Montgomery was 15.' be- lieve you said?"
 Whatever occurred above, it was over with very 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 sharp snap. as if a lock had given way. then brief scuffiing mingled with the loud creak- Ing of bed. Scarcely minute later the marshal appeared on the landing above, one hand firmly gripped in the neck-hand of an undershirt, thus se curely holding the writhing. helpless figure of a man, who swore violently every time he could catch his breath. Any other room you could conyen- 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"
 "Givegive him 47.'"
 All right. I'm the bell-boy 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 '4T--he has kind ly consented to give up his old room to a lady-come along. Montgomery" It was possibly five 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 a somewhat nervous disposition. Well, goodnight. Doctor" he lifted his hat. And to you, Miss. pleasant dreams"
 Hope watched him as he stepped outside, pausing 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.
 q wish might see. him. also." she said, as though continuing an inter- rupted conversation.
 See him? Who?"
 sMr. Keith. I--I knew him once. and-and, Doctor, won't you tell him should like to have him come and see mo just-just as soon as he can"
 CHAPTER XXI.
 An interrupted Interview.