The Spectator., 1915-11-05

shelter from the burning sun. He held before him a newspaper, a cer- tain paragraph of which he was eager ly devouring. In the distance the mail boy was already disappearing in a cloud of dust.
 FAMOUS cRIMlNoLoGIsT IN ALL
 GUEZ.
 Sanford Quest and his assistants, ac- companied by Prof. Lord AshIeigh, ar look for John Craig, formerly servant to the scientist. Craig has not been seen since the accident to the limited, fortnight ago, and by many is sup posed to have perished in the wreck. He was In the charge of Inspector French, and was on his way to New York to stand his trial for homicide. French was taken to the hospital, suf- fering from concussion of the brain, but is now convalescent.
 The man read the paragraph twice. Then he set down the paper and looked steadily across the rolling prairie land. There was queer, bit ter little smile upon his lips.
 50 it begins again." he muttered.
 There was cloud ot dust in the distance. The man rose to his feet, shaded his eyes with his hand and shambled round to the back of the wagon, where long table was set out with knives and forks, lunches of bread and tincups. He walked little farther away to the fire, and slowly stirred a pot of stew. The little party of cowboys came laundering up. There was a chorus of shouts and exclama- tions. whistlines and good-natured chaff, as they threw themselves from their horses. Long Jim stood slowly cracking his whip and looking down the table
 Say, boys, think he's fixed things up all right he remarked. Come on with the grub, cookie
 Silently the man filled each dish with the stew and laid it in its place. Then he retired to the background and the cowboys commenced their meal. Long Jim winked at the others as he picked up biscuit.
 Cookie. you're no good" he called out. The stew's rotten. Here. take this,"
 He licked the biscuit, which caught the cook on the side of the head. For a moment the man started With his hand upon his temple he flashed a look of hatred towards his assailant. Long Jim laughed carelessly.
 Say, cookie" the latter went on, where did you get them eyes? Guess we'll have to tame you bit"
 The meal was soon over, and Jtm strolled across to where the others were saddling up. He passed his left arm through the reins of his horse and turned once more to look at Craig
 Say. you mind you do better to- night young fellow. Eh!"
 He stopped short with cry of pain. The horse had suddenly started wrenching at the reins. Jim's arm hung helplessly down from the shoul- der
 Gee. boys. he's broken it!" he groaned Say. this is hell."
 The cook suddenly pushed his way through the little crowd. He took Jim's shoulder firmly in one hand and his arm fin the other The cowboy howled with pain.
 Let go my armi" he shouted. XIII him. boys! My God. I'll make holes in you for this,"
 He snatched at his gun with his other hand and the cowboys scattered a little. The cook stepped back. the gun flashed out. only to be suddenly lowered Jim looked incredulously to wards his left arm. which hung nc longer helplessly by his side. He swung it backwards and forwards, and a broad grin slowly lit up his lean brown face He thrust the gun in his holster and held out his hand
 Cookie, you're all right" he ex claimed. "You've done the trick this time. Say. you're a miracle!"
 The cook smiled
 "Your arm was just out of joint, he remarked. Tt was rather a hard pull. but it's all right now
 Jim looked around at the others.
 And to think that I might have killed him!" he exclaimed. Cookie you're a white boy You'll do. We're going to like you here" .
 Craig watched them ride off The bitterness had passed from his face
 Evening came and with 1t repetf ton of his labors. When everything was ready to serve. he stepped from behird the wagon and looked across the rolling stretch of open country