Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-04-25

enlng knife on a milestone, prepare
tory to carving thin slices from a veal
loaf that stood near by. when she was
accosted by some one appearing in
the doorway
is this the Red House?" 1t was
cool. sharp voice. sounding even more
outlandish than Mr.. Hands Sallie
turned deliberately toward the door
and surveyed the newcomer.
We'll. yes: guess so. But you
don't need to scare the daylights outer
me, that way"
The stranger entered the kitchen
and pulled out chair from the table.
Give me something to eat and drink
the best you have. and be quick
about it, too
Sallie paused, carving knife in hand.
looking at him with frank curiosity.
well, l snum! You amt the new
minister either. now. are you?"
The stranger made no answer. He
had thrown himself into the chair. as
II tired. Suddenly he sat up and look
ed around alertly. then at Sallie. who
was returning his gaze with interest.
Where are you from. anyway"
she inquired. I'VE don't see people
Ike you around these parts very oft
en-"
/ dare say" he snarled. Are you
going to get me a meal, or must |
tramp over these confounded hills all
day before l can eat?"
| On, I'll get you up a bite, II that's
| k,,r a ,Ixv
away hungry from this door yet. and
We've had many a worse looking
tramp than you. l guess Miss Red
mond won't mind"
| Miss Redmond" The stranger
started to his feet. glowering on Sal
lie Look here! Is this place ho-
tel. or isn't it?"
| We'll. anybody'd think 1t was, the
way I've been driven from pillar to
post for the last ten days! But you
can stay; I'll get you meal. and a
good one, too"
Sallies good nature was rewarded
by convulsion of anger on the part
OF the guest. FOOL Idiot" he
screamed. You trick me in here!
You lie to mel
Oh, set down, set DOWN." inter
rupted Sallie. You don't need to get
SO het up as all that! I'll get you
something to eat. There amt any ho-
tel within five miles of here-and a
poor one at that!" Thus protesting
and attempting to soothe. Sallie saw
the stranger make grab for his hat
and start for the door, only to find
1t suddenly shut and locked in his
face. Mr.. Chamberlain. moreover, was
on the inside. facing the foreigner.
IF you will step through the house
and go out the other way" Mr. Cham.
beTlain remarked coolly. sit will oblige
me. My horse is loose in the yard
and I'm afraid you'll scare him OFF
He's shy with strangers"
The two men measured glances.
| Il thought you travelled afoot when
pursuing your real estate business.
sneered the stranger
Il do. when 1t suits my purposes. ;
replied Chamberlain.
What game are you up to, anyway
in this disgusting country?" inquired
the other.
Kidding 1t of rascals. This way
/
fore him toward the door leading in
to the hall. As the stranger turned
his glance fell on Sallic, still carving
her veal loaf. Idiot" he said dis
| gustedly.
We'll. | haven't been caught yet
anyhow" said Sallie grimly.
Chamberlain's voice interrupted her
This way, and then the first door on
the right Make haste. II you please
Monsieur Chatelard'
At the name, the stranger turned
standing at bay. but Chamberlain was
at his heels. You see, / know your
name. 1t was supplied me at the
reading room. Here-on the right
quickly!"
The hall was dim, almost dark, the
only light coming from the open door.
way on the right. Whether he wished
or no, Monsieur Chatelard was forced
to advance into the range of the door
way: and once there. he found him.
self pushed unceremoniously Into the
room.
1t was large. cool room, lined with
bookcases. Near the middle stood an
oblong table covered with green felt
and supporting an old brass lamp.
Four people were in the room. besides
the two newcomers. Aleck Van Camp
was on low step-ladder. Just in the
act Of handing down a book from the
top shelf. Near the step-ladder two
women were standing. with their
backs toward the door Both were in
white, both were tall. and both had
abundant dark hair. One OF the
/ Erepcb ufpdowu lon dino out nm tr tb 4,