Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-02-27

a raw western town loves to lavish
its money. Now they loomed, dark
and silent, landmarks Of vanished am
bition. Robbins, who was man of
parts and education. with fanciful
turn, felt the air Of defeat and desola-
like miasma.
The upper story of the hotel was
dark. and the greater part of the
lower story; but the kitchen was
bright, and yellow light leaked through
every chink and crack In the office
blinds.
Boys have turned out well.
guess" said Robbins.
They better turn OUT" 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
flung his own quilt over the other.
Then they stumbled (for they were
unwieldly with cold) through the yard
to the hotel.
The office 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 a
stout man, but he had lost flesh of late
years. He was wrinkled and flabby.
and the furtive eyeshots that he cast
toward the stove were anxious beyond
his concealing. Amy one, however.
could perceive that matters Of heavy
import were 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 he?" said Orr. in the
same undertone to large man In a
buffalo coat. The large man was the
sheriff OF the county. He jerked his
thumb over his shoulder In the direc.
tion Of the dning-room.
whats he like?"
Little feller 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 is all won
over already; and she's suspecting
something, sure's shooting. guess
she's warned him there's something
In the air"
well, If there Is, | don't know It,"
said the sheriff
You never will know anything
about 1t, either" a gray'haired man
added
That's right Kinney" two or
three 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.
1T would be no earthly use for me
to chip in and try to soften them," he
thought. They're crazy with defeat
and misery and the fool stuff cam
paign orators have crammed down
their throats"
Just then the dining-room door
opened, and Robbins was the only one
of the group to turn his head. The
other men gazed at the fire, and the
Si haQ
The man who came out Of the room
was young, slight Of figure. and he
limped little. Nevertheless, there
was nothing of detection in his bear
ing 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 a candid,
almost artless. look. and when he
smiled the deep dimple in his cheek
made it as merry as child's.
Good evening, gentlemen" said he
cheerfully. No one responded. Rob-
bins made a gurgle in his throat,
which the newcomer generously &C.
cepted for sa!utation, promptly ap-
preaching the fire 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 to Tav-
ell unless they're wanted bad!" said
the gray-haired man on the edge Of
the company. There was thrill Of
some strong feeling In his deep voice.
1T does seem that way" agreed
the young man with undiminished VI
vacity. Il am glad to get to a shell
ter. BY the way, hear this Is dry
town. Will some of you gentlemen
have something with me?" He had
pulled out flask and was flashing
his brilliant smile at Robbins.
mo, thank you, don't drink" said
Robbins; but he felt his throat Itch
ing at the sight
Well drink your Ticker after we've
finished our business with you," the
gray man struck in. He was old
Captain Sparks, who had been very
bitter since his eldest son went crazy
with overwork and sunstroke and
killed himself The other men laugh
ed. They looked at each other; they
looked with goading hate In their dull
eyes at the stranger; and they laughed.
Here, Johnny" said the young
man, taking no notice, run up to
twenty-five and fetch me the bag
there, the black one. II We are to
drink to our business, l want you all