The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1913-04-11

opposite, ana Hy-Specheu MIRROR
hung over a tin basin and pitcher. The
floor sagged fearfuily and the side
walls lacked several inches Of reach
ing the ceiling. Even in the dim
candle light of the evening before, the
bed coverings had looked so forbid
ding that Molly had compromised. ly'
ing down, half-dressed on the outside;
now, in tAe garish glare OF returning
day they appeared positively filthy.
And this was the best to be had;
she realized that her courage falling
at the thought of remaining alone
amid such surroundings. AS she
washed, using a towel of her own after
a single glance at the hotel article.
and did up her rebellious hair, she
came to a prompt decision. She would
go directly on-would take the hrst
stage Perhaps her father, or whom
ever he sent, would be met with along
the route. The coaches had regular
meeting stations. so there was small
danger of their missing each other
The question of possible danger was
dismissed almost without serious
thought She had seen no papers
since leaving st. Louis, and the news
before that contained nothing more
definite than rumors Of uneasiness
among the Plains Indians. Army Off
GERS interviewed rather made light OF
the affair, as being merely the regular
outbreak of young warriors, easily
suppressed. On the train she had met
with no one who treated the situation
as really serious, and, if 1t was, then
surely her father would send some
message of restraint. Satisfied upon
this point, and fully determined upon
departing at the earliest opportunity
she ventured down the narrow, creak-
ing stairs in search of breakfast
The dining-room was discovered at
the foot of the steps a square box OF
a place. the two narrow windows look
ing forth on the desolate prairie
There were three tables, but only one
was in use. and with no waiter to
guide her, the girl advanced hesitating
ly and took a seat Opposite the two
men already present. They glanced
up, curiously interested, staring at her
a moment, and then resumed their in
terrupted meal. Miss McDonald's crit
ical eyes surveyed the unsavory-look
ing food, her lips slightly curved, and
then glanced .nquiringly toward the
men. The one directly opposite was
large and buTiy, with iron-gray hair
and beard, about sixty years Of age,
but with red checks and bright. eyes,
and a face expressive of hearty good
nature. His clothing was roughly
serviceable, but he looked clean and
wholesome. The other was an army
lieutenant. but Molly promptly
uuelched her first inclination to ad-
dress him, AS she noted his red, in
famed face and dissipated appearance.
AS she nibbled, half-heartedly, at the
miserable food brought by slovenly
waiter, the two men exchanged barely
a dozen words, the lieutenant growing
out monosyllablc answers, finally push
ing back his chair and striding out.
Again the girl glanced across at the
older man, mastering courage to ad-
dress him. At the same moment he
looked up, with eyes full OF good hui
NOR and kindly interest.
Looks rather tough, | reckon,
miss waving a big hand over the
table. Put you'll have ter git used
to 1t in this kentry."
"Ch. do not believe | ever could"
discopsolately. 81 can scarcely choke
down a mouthful."
so was noticin'; from the East,
reckon"
yes; II came last night, and
and really ! am afraid | am actually
homesick already. lit is even
more-more primitive than supposed.
Do-do you live here-at Ripley?"
Good Lord, no." heartily, though
| reckon yer might not think my home
wuz much better I'm the post-trader
down at Fort Marcy. jist out O. Santa
Fe. I'll be blame glad ter git back
thar too, I'm tellin yer"
"That-that is what wished to ask
Won about" she stammered. THE
Santa Fe stage; when does it leave
here9 and-and where do | arrange
for passage?"
He dropped knife and fork, staring
at her across the table
| CTO BE CONTINUED)