Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-05-23
Copyright A. c. McClurg & Co., 1907
:: ATALF OF THE PLAINS
DyRAnDALL PARRISH..

Into the one long street just at dusk
rode Keith and Neb, the third horse
trailing behind. Already lights were
beginning to CLEAN in the crowded
saloons, and they were obliged to
proceed slowly. Leaving the negro at
the corral to find some purchaser for
the animals, and such accommoda-
lions for himself as he could achieve,
Keith shouldered his way on foot
through the Heterogeneous mass to-
ward the only hotel, long two-storied
wooden structure, implanted, fronting
the glitter of the Pinoeer Dance Hall
opposite. A noisy band was splitting
the air with discordant notes, loud
voiced barker" yelling through the
uproar but Keith, accustomed to SINH
lar scenes and sounds elsewhere,
strobe through the open door Of the
hotel, and guided by the noisy, contin-
uous clatter Of dishes, easily found his
way to the dining-room. 1t was crowd
ed with men, few women scattered
here and there, most of the former in
shirt-sleeves, all eating silently A
room were distinguished from the 9TH
ers by white coverings in place of oil
cloth, evidently reserved for the more
distinguished guests Disdaining cere-
mony, the new conner wormed his way
through, finally discovering vacant
seat where his back would be to the
wall, thus enabling him to survey the
entire apartment.
1t was not of great interest, save
for Its constant change and the primi-
tive manner in which the majority at
tackled their food supply, which was
piled helter-skelter upon the long
tables, yet he ran his eyes searchingly
over the numerous faces, seeking i'm
partially for either friend or enemy.
No countenance present, as revealed
In the dim light of the few swinging
lamps, appeared familiar, and salts
fled that he remained unknown, Keith
began devoting his attention to the
dishes before him, mentally express
Ing his opinion as to their attractive
ness. CHANGING finally to again lift
his eyes, he met the gaze of a man
sitting directly opposite, man who
somehow did not seem exactly in har-
mony with his surroundings. He was
short and stockily built, with round
rosy face. and perfect shock of wiry
hair brushed back from a broad fore
head; his nose wide but stubby, and
chin massive. Apparently he was be-
tween forty and fifty years of age, ex-
ceedingly we'll dressed. his gray eyes
shrewd and full of a grim humor.
Keith observed all this In a glance,
becoming aware at the same time that
his neighbor was apparently studying
him also. The latter broke silence
with quick, jerky utterance, which
seemed to peculiarly fit his personal
appearance
Damn 1t all-know you, sir-sure
debut for life of me can't tell
where"
Keith stared across at him more
searchingly, and replied rather in
differently:
Probably mistake then, as l have
no recollection of your face"
Never made a mistake, sir-never
forget face the other snapped with
some show of Indignation, his hands
now clasped on the table one stubby
forefinger pointed, as he leaned for
ward Don't tell me-I've seen you
somewhere-no not a word-dont
even tell me your name--I'm going to
think of it."
Keith smiled, not unwilling to humor
the mans eccentricity. and returned to
his neal with only an occasional in
quiring glance across the table. The
other sat and stared at him, his
heavy eyebrows wrinkled as he strug-
gled to awaken memory. The Younger
man had begun on his pie when the
face opposite suddenly cleared.
Damn me, I've got it--hell. yes !;
hospital tent henandoah-bullet i'm
| bedded under third Extraordinary case
that's why forgot-clear as mud
get the name in minute-Cap-
tain-Captain Keith-that's it-shake
hands,"
Puzzled at the unexpected recosni-
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