The Holbrook news., 1912-01-05
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ScoD5TiGhs isI. by Associated IiteFaTy Press,

ArlZ., was a LOW WOOQeQ DullQluSs SuH- bnstered 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.
 It was a scorching 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 tion 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 a post and then leaned heav- fly on it. 'Rain!" he sneered. Tell me when we've had any rain! Not more'n once or twice since I 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. and, overcome by the somnolence of the desert town, had succumbed to its influence, and now had become one of her shiftless. idle population.
 I've 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 forcoEan hOIo0D dapoondod pfn gressiveIN
 T don't know" said the other slow ly. What do you expect, Bill Rams low?"
 Don't ask me-" returned the other with reckless laugh. T 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 sIouched of to lean against the wall of the building, his broad-brimmed hat pulled well 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 ss 1t struck the platform. and then, wonder of wonders, the express snorted to 8 standstill at Sunrise.
 The station agent ran excitedly looking for his seldom used baggage truck, for a trunk had been hurtled from the baggage car and a passenger had alighted from the train. There was a creaking of wheels, the con- ductor Tapped a hand and the express thundered away into the west, leaving a small, slender little woman on the platform.
 She was dressed all in gray, a soft, dusty-looking gray, with a little gray hat with a perky pink wing stuck on one side of the crown. A soft gray veil was half draped over the hat and partly concealed a pale, delicate face, which would have been pretty if 1t had not worn 8 scared, sorrowfuI look The newcomer was about thirty-five years old, though under happier con- ditions she might have appeared younger. She looked helplessly from the station master to Bill RansIow, and to his sudden terror-a terror that glued his feet to the platform and prevented his fleeing from her gentle presence as his heart prompted him to do-she came forward and paused in front of him.
 Excuse me-" she said timidly, 'I am stranger here-I came expect ing to see a-a-friend of mine. Per haps you know MT. William Poole Ranslow?" She waited for BilI's an- swer
 The station master, who had drawn near, darted a quick glance at Bill and made as if to speak, but the movement of Bills hand toward his hip pocket frustrated his intention.
 Who did you say, ma'am?" asked Bill hoarsely.
 MT. William Poole RansIow- doesn't he live in Sunrise? You see, his friends have been anxious to hear from him and-so I've come out to look for him." Her voice faltered.
 Bill shook himself vigorously and shot a defiant glance at the gaping station master. MT. Ranslow's all right" he treasured her, "only he's been pretty busy lately-ain't he, Lan3"
 Ian Dowd glanced apprehensiveIy at Bill Ranslow's untidy figure, at his unkempt beard, his bloodshot eyes peering from under his hat brim, and he answered hastily:
 "Oh, yes. ma'am. Bill mean MT. Ranslow's real weIl-only as Bill here says, he's been awfully busyI"
 Thank you-I'm so gIad," breathed the little woman. Now if you'll di- rect me to the best hotel I will be more grateful"
 There was an instant's hesitation