Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1912-01-06

The railroad station at Sunrise,
Ariz., was a low wooden building, sun
blistered and weather-warped. The
shining tracks skirted the battered
platform and darted out into the des-
ert again, throwing back glittering
sparks OF light from their polished
steel.
1t was a scorcbing day, with deep
mauve tint close to the broken ranges
In the distance, and Bill Ranslow
argued that it denoted a storm.
Maybe wind-maybe sand-maybe
rain" he said didactically to the sta
ton agent who was sweeping the
platform in anticipation of the pos
sible stopping of the daily train from
the east
Ian Dowd whacked' his broom
against post and then leaned heav-
lily on It, RAIN" he sneered. Tell
me when we've had any rain Not
more'n once or twice since | came to
Sunrise"
when was that?" Bill asked the
question. not from idleness, but be-
cause he really wanted to know
There were many things he had for
gotten since he had drifted into Sun
rise one morning three years ago,
the desert town, had succumbed to its
influence, and now had become one
Of her shiftless, idle population.
1--WE been here seven months" said
Ian in an injured tone, and in all
that time not a drop Of rain"
What do you expect in this god
forsaken hole?" demanded Bill ag
gressively.
Il don't know" said the other slow
ly. What do you expect. Bill Rams
low ?"
Don't ask me-" returned the other
with a reckless laugh 81 don't want
to remember, and so I try to forget
Nothing the matter with Sunrisel"
The agent resumed his sweeping
Nothing the matter with Sunrise ex-
cept there's eight saloons and only
one church," he said bitterly.
Here she comes" remarked Bill
Ranslow, and he slouched off to lean
against the wall of the building, his
broad-brimmed hat pulled we'll over
his eyes.
A whistle sounded from the high
way crossing a mile away, and in a
few minutes there was a drift OF
black smoke in the air, the thunder
of the approaching train, the thump
of slender mail. bag as 1t struck
the platform. and then, wonder OF
wonders, the express snorted to a
standstill at Sunrise
The station agent ran excitedly
looking for his seldom used baggage
truck. for trunk had been hurtled
from the baggage car and passenger
had alighted from the train. There
was a creaking of wheels. the con-
ductor tapped haHd and the express
Numbered away into the west, leaving
small. slender little woman on the
platform.
She was dressed gil in gray, a soft,
dusty-looking gray, with a little gray
hat with a perky pink wing stuck on
one side of the crown. soft gray
veil was half draped0over the hat and
partly concealed pale, delicate face,
which would have been pretty II It
had not worn a scared. sorrowful look
The newcomer was, about thirty-tive
years old, though under happier con.
ditions she might" have appeared
younger. She looked helplessly from
the station master no Bill Ranslow
and to his sudden terror-a terror that
/ 81. 10 81
prevented his fleeing from her gentle
presence as his heart, prompted hin
to do-she came forward and paused
In front of him.
Excuse me-" she said timidly, e.
am a stranger hereZt came expect
ing to see a-a-friend of mine. Per
haps you know Mr. William Pool,
Ranslow?" She waited for Bits an
swer.
The station master, who has
drawn near. darted quick glance a
Bill and made as II to speak, but tn,
movement of Bits hand toward hi
hip pocket frustrated his intention.
who did you say. ma'am?" asket
Bill hoarsely.
MI. w iAlldlu IOpA hduSlOW-
doesn't he live in SuIhSse? You see
his friends have been anxious to hea
from him and-so Eye come out I,
look for him" Her v6ss faltered.
Bill shook himself vigorously an,
shot defiant glance Ut the gaping
, station master Mr. Ranslow's al
right" he treasured her, only hef
} been pretty busy lately-ain't he
LAM"
Ian Dowd glanced apprehensively a
. Bill Ranslow's untidy figure, at hi
unkempt beard. his bloodshot eye
, peering from under his hat brim, an,
he answered hastily:
"Oh, yes. ma'am. BILL mean MI
: Ranslow's real well-only as Bill her
says, he's been awfully busy!"
Thank you-Im so glad" breathe,
, the little woman. Now in you'll d.
rect me to the best hotel will b.
more grateful"
1.