Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1912-09-13
CHAPTER xx.-(contlnued.)

1t was growing dark, the outside
world, now consisting Of level plains,
fading into darkness, with few great
stars burning overhead. Trainmen lit
the few smoking oil lamps screwed
against the sides of the car, and It's
occupants became little more than
Sim shadows All by this time were
fatigued into silence, and several were
asleep, finding such small comfort as
was possible on the cramped seats.
Hope glanced toward the heretofore
noisy group at the rear-the girl near
est her rested with unconscious head
pilloWed upon the shoulder of her
man friend, and both were sleeping
How taggard and CHASTITY the wom-
ans powdered face looked, with the
tight just above it, and all semblance
Of joy gone. 1t was as though a mask
had been taken off. Out In the dark
ness the engine whistled sharply and
then came to humping stop at some
desert station. Through the black
window a few lanterns could be seen
dickering about, and there arose the
sound of gruff voices speaking. The
sleepers inside, aroused by the sharp
stop, rolled over and swore, seeking
easier postures. Then the front door
opened, and slammed shut, and a new
passenger entered. He came down
the aisle, glancing carelessly at the
apturned faces, and finally sank into
the seat directly opposite Hope, He
was a broad shouldered man, his coat
buttoned to the throat, with strong
face showing clearly beneath the
broad hat brim and lighted up with a
pair of shrewd. kindly eyes. The con-
auctor came through, nodded at him,
and passed on. Hope thought he
must be some official of the road, and
Ventured to break the prolonged ST.
fence Ndth a question:
Gould you tell me how long it will
be before we reach Sheridan?"
She had partially pushed aside her
veil in order to speak more clearly,
and the man, turning at sound of her
voice, took off his hat his searching
eyes quizzical.
'WeA, no, can't, madam" the
words coming with a jerk. For I'm
not at all sure we'll keep the track
Ought to make it in an hour, however
If everything goes right. Live in Sheri
dam"
She shook her head, uncertain how
frankly to answer.
No loss to you-worst place to live
In on earth-no exceptions-I know
been there myself three months-got
friends there likely?"
Il hardly know" she acknowledged
doubtfully. 81 think so, but | shall
have to hunt some place in which tt
stay tonight. Can you tell me of some
some respectable hotel, or boarding
house?"
The man wheeled about, until hs
could look at her more clearly.
That's q pretty hard commission
Miss" he returned uneasily. There
may be such place In Sheridan, bu
have never found 1t. Old Mothe
Shattuck keeps roomers, but sh,
won't have a woman in the house.
reckon you'll have to try 1t at tn,
hotel-I'll get you in there If | hay,
to mesmerize the clerk-youll find
a bit noisy though
oh thank you so much. | DON
mind the noise, so 1t is respectable
He laughed, good humoredly.
well. | don't propose to vouch TO
that-the proprietor amt out Their
for his health-bul, | reckon, 20,
won't have no serious trouble--th
boys mostly know good woman
when they see one--which isn't oftel
anyhow. they're liable to be decen
enough as long as vouch for you"
But you know nothing of me-"
Don't need to--your face Is enoug
III get you the room all right"
She hesitated, then asked:
"Are you-are you connected wit
the railroad?"
I'm way. yes-Im the contrac
surgeon--had to dig bullet out of
watertank tender back yonder-fe
low howlpd as though ! was KILN