The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-03-21

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Presently He Heard Distant Sound
IA Splash.
sudden turn in the road brought them
to the edge of an extensive clearing.
Close to the road there were several
buildings, but not tree had been
spared to shelter them and they stood
forth starkly, the completing touch to
civilization that was still In It's
youth. unkempt, rather savage, and
ruthlessly unitarian. A sign an
nounced the dingy structure OF logs
nearest the roadside tavern.
From the door Of the tavern the
figure of man emerged. He was
black-haired and bull-necked, and
there was about him a certain shay
giness which a recent toilet performed
at the horse trough had not served to
mitigate.
"Howdy?" he drawled.
"Howdy?" responded Mr. Yancy.
"Shall you stop here?" asked Muir
rell, sinking his voice. Yancy nodded.
Can you put us up?" inquired Muir
rell, turning to the tavern-keeper.
Il reckon that's what I'm here for. -
said Slosson. Murrell glanced about
the empty yard. "Slack," observed
Slosson languidly. "Yes, sir, slack's
the only name for It," 1t was under
stood he referred to the state of trade.
He looked from one to the other OF
the two men. AS his eyes rested on
Murrell, that gentleman raised the
first three fingers of his right hand.
The gesture was ever so little, yet it
seemed to have a tonic effect on Mr..
Slosson. What might have developed
into a smile had he not Immediately
suppressed it, twisted his bearded
lips as he made an answering move
ment. "Eph, come here, you!" Slos-
son raised his voice. This call
brought half-grown black boy from
about corner of the tavern, to whom
Murrell relinquished his horse.
Lets liquor" said the captain over
his shoulder, moving of in the direc'
ton of the bar.
Come on, Nevvy!" said Yancy fol-
lowing, and they al entered the tav-
ern.
well, here's to the best OF good
luck!" said Murrell, as he raised his
glass to his lips.
Same here" responded Yancy.
Murrell pulled out roll OF bills, one
of which he tossed on the bar. Then
after a moments hesitation he de-
tached a second bill from the roll and
turned to Hannibal.
Here, youngster-a present for
you,' he said good-naturedly. Hanni-
bal, embarrassed by the unexpected
gift, edged to his Uncle Bob's side.
Thank you, sir" said the boy.
Lets have another drink" sug-
gested Murrell.
Presently Hannibal stole out into
the yard. He still held the bill in his
hand, for he did not quite know how
to dispose of his great wealth. After
debating this matter for moment he
knotted it carefully in one corner OF
his handkerchief.
In the tavern the three men were
drinking-Murrell with the idea that
the more Yancy came under the in
fiuence of SlossoH's corn whisky the
easier his speculation would be man
aged. Mr.. Yancy on his part believed
that il Murrell went to bed reason
ably drunk he would sleep late and
give him the opportunity he coveted,
to quit the tavern unobserved at
break of day.
when yo' get to feelin' like sleep,
young. boss, Mas'r Slosson he says /
show yo' to yo' chamber" 1t was
Slosson's boy Eph.
Eyes, you can show me my cham
her," Hannibal said.
Eph secured tin candle-stick with
half-burnt candle in it and led the
way into the passage back of the bar.
They mounted a flight Of stairs and
passed down a narrow hall. This
brought them to the back of the
building, and Eph pushed open the
door on his right. ...-.
"This heah's yo' chamber" he
said, and preceding his companion in
to- the room. placed the candle on :
chair. s u "; 3s5s35