Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1912-09-26
CHAPTER xx.-(contInued.)

# was growing dark. the outside
world. now consisting Of level plains.
fading into darkness. with few great
stars burning overhead. Trainmen III
the few smoking oil lamps screwed
against the sides OF the car. and Its
occupan's became little more than /
dim shadows. All by this time we're |
fatigied into silence. and several were /
aseep. finding such small comfort as |
was possible on the cramped seats
Hone glanced toward the heretofore
noisy group at tho rear-the girl near
est her rested with unconscious head
plllowed upon the shoulder OF her
man friend. and both were sleeping
How haegard and CHASTITY the wom-
ans powdered face looked. with the
light lust above il. and all semblance
Of joy gore II was as though a mask
had been taken OF Out In the dark
ness the engine whistied sharply and
then came to humping stop at some
desert station. Through the black
window a few lanterns could be seen
Pickering about. and there arose the
sound OF grun voices speaking The
sleepers inside. aroused by the sharp
stop rolled over and swore. seeking
easier rostures Then the front door
opened and slammed shut. and new
Passenger entered. He came down
the aisle. glancing carelessly at the
up,urned faces. and finally sank into
the seat directly opposite Hope. lie
was a broad shouldered man. his coat
buttoned to the throat. with strong
face showing clearly beneath the
broad hat hrim and lighted up with a
pair Of shrewd. kindly eyes. The con
ductor came through. nodded at him
and passed on. Hope though, h'
must be some Official OF the road, anC
yentured to break the prolonged 81
lence with a question:
Could you tell me how long It vii
be before we reach Sherldan?"
She had partially pushed aside he
veil IN order to speak more clearly
and the man. turning at sound OF he
voice took or his hat. his searchin
eyes Quizzical
Well. no. can't. madam" tn
NRAhAhtf WIN Itl n lOi
rot at all sure wen keep the tract
Ough; to make It I'm an hour. howeve
everything goes right Live In Sher
dam"
She shook her head. uncertain no
frankly 10 answer.
No loss to you-worst place 10 liz
IN on earth-no EXCEPTIONS know
been there myself three months-g'
friends there likely?"
Il hardly know" she aclSnowledg,
douhtiully. Il think so. but | sha
nave TO hunt some place in which
stay tonight. Can you tell me OF son
some respectable hotel. or boardiI
house,"
The man wheeled about. until
could look at her more clearly.
That's a pretty hard commlssic
MISS he returned uneasily. THE
may be such place I'm Sheridan. :
have never found Il. Old Moth
shatiuck keeps roomers, but s
won't have a woman In the house.
reckon you'll have to try 1t at
hotel-rll get you In there II ha
"Noih'liHe tue ClcTk-you II hhu
DIT noisy though"
oh, thank you 80 much. ! do
MUD the noise. so II is respectabl
lie laughed. good humoredly.
We'll. don't propose to vouch
mat the proprietor amt out tn
Tor nis hcalth-but. reckon.
won't have no serious trouble
uoys mostly know good won
When they see one-which isn't OF
AN fhow. they're liable to be dec
enough as long as | vouch for you.
But you know nothing OF me.
DON'T need to-your face Is eno'
Ill get you the room all right"
She hesitated. then asked:
Arr you--are you connected "
the ra'lrcad?"
I'm way. yes-I'm the cont
snrgeo had to dig n bullet out
wa,er-,onk tender back yondor-
low hCw'cd as though was XII