The Dolores star., 1913-06-13

lower story: but the kitchen was
bright. and yellow light leaked through
every chink and crack In the once
blinds.
Boys have turned out we'll, I
guess" said Robbins.
They better turn QUIT" said Orr.
No word was spoken by either while
they unhitched their horses, led them
within the sheds. and tied them
among the sorry company already
housed. Robbins noted that after Orr
had laid the blanket which had served
them for robe on one thin back, he
dung his own quilt over the other.
Then they stumbled flor they were
unwieldly with cold) through the yard
to the hotel
The once was full Of men. gathered
about the stove. talking to each other.
The innkeeper sat behind his counter.
affecting to busy himself with blot.
ted ledger. Originally he had been q
stout man. but he had lost flesh Of late
years. He was wrinkled and fabby.
toward the stove we're anxious beyond
his concealing. Any one, however.
could perceive that matters Of heavy
import we're being discussed. The
miserably clad men about the stove
all looked sullen. There was none Of
the easy going badinage SO habitual
with westerners. They exchanged
glances rather than words; what
words were spoken were uttered In
low tones.
"Where Is hep said Orr, In tho
same undertone to a large man in q
buffalo coat. The large man was the
sheriff Of the county. He jerked his
Thumb over his shoulder in the direc-
ton Of the dining room.
Whats he like?"
Little Teller with a game leg"
Orr frowned. Robbins felt uncom.
Portable. A gaunt man ON the out
skirts Of the circle added: Hes
powerful slick. though: you can bet
your life. That girl Susy il all won
over already; and she's suspecting
something. sure's shooting. guess
she's warned him there's somethins
In the air"
well. II there 10. I don't know II"
said the sheriff.
You never win know anything
tabout It, either" . sray-hairsd man
added.
"Tb"t's right. Kinney" two or
thsee spoke at once. But immediate
ly silence fell ON them. Robbins.
who felt himself an outsider, could
see that the others drew closer to
gether. Once or twice he caught sin.
lister murmurs. He began to wish
that he had not come.
O-it would be no earthly use for me
sss e6'p in and try to soften them" he
thought. They're crazy with defeat
and misery and the fool stun cam
paign orators have crammed down
their throats."
Just then the diningroom door
opened. and Robbins was the only one
Of the group to turn his head. The
other men gazed at the IRE. and the
heavy silence grew heavier.
The man who came out OF the room
limped q little. Nevertheless. there
was nothing of detection In his bear.
Gig or his face. He WAS freckled to
. degree. smooth-shaven. and his
teeth were beautiful. He had fine
eyes also. . deep blue. flashing like
steel As they moved from one object
TO another. The eyes were keen. al
ert, and determined: but being set
rather wide apart under his light
brows. they gave the face . candid.
almost artless. look. and when he
smiled the deep dimpls In his cheek
made II a. merry as q child's.
Good evening. gentlemen" said he
cheerfuily. No one responded. Rob
bins made . Eurgle In his throat.
which the newcomer generously &C.
cepted for salutation. promptly ap
preaching the IRE At Robbins' elbow.
Gold weather." said he. Two or
three Of the company lifted their
heads and eyed the speaker.
TOO cold weather for folks 10 trav.
81 unless they're wanted bsd!" said
the ErAy-haired man on the edge Of
the company. There was . thrill of
some strong feeling In his deep voice.
It does seem that way. agreed
the young man with undiminishsd VI
vscity. Il am glad TO get To . shell
ter by tho way. hear this 10 dry
town. VIII some Of you gentlemen
have something with met" He had
pulled out . flask and was flashing
his brilliant smile At Robbins.
mo. thank you. don't drink" said
Robbins: but hs felt his throat itch.
Ing at the sight
We'll drink your ticker after we've
Anishsd our business With you." the
gray man struck In. He was old
!. Captain SPARKS. who had been very
hitter since his eldest son went crssy
With overwork and sunstroke and
killed himself. The other men laugh.
%. Thsy looked at each other: they