Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-10-11

began to look to him a good deal as if
he would ask Julia Bentley TO marry
him some day, when she got tired OF
playing all the others off against him.
and he could make up his mind to sur
render his freedom to any woman.
lie bought a paper and settled him.
self comfortably in the parlor car. but
his interest was not in the paper. His
strange commission engaged all his
thoughts. He ooh out the envelope
containing instructions and went over
the matter. looking curiously at the CT
pher message and it's translation.
which. however, told him nothing. 1t
was the old chiefs way to keep the
business himself until sue time as he
chose to explain. Doubtless it was
that he did not know the full import
OF what he was undertaking.
Gordon carefully noted down every
thing that his chief had told him.
comparing it with the written instruc-
lions in the envelope; arranged in his
he cached New York: tried to think
out 81 good plan for recovering the sto-
len message out could not, and so de-
ciacd to trust the inspiration of the
Gordon walked nervously up and
down the grass at the side OF the track.
looking a~nxiously each way for sign OF
the wrccking rain. The thought Of
julia did occur to him.. but he put it inn
patiently away. for he knew just how
journey even in his company. He had
been with her one when the engine
got off the track on a short trip down
to a Virginia h~ouse-party. and she was
the most impatient creature alive, AL
though 1t mattered not one whit to
of the rest OF the party whether they
mad merry on the train OF at their
friends house. And yet, IL Julia We're
anything at all to him. would not he
like the thought Of her companionship
now"
A great white dog hobbled up to him
go back to the train. and he laid his
hand kindly upon the animals head.
and noted the wistful eyes upon his
face. He was IL noble dog. and Gordon
stood for a moment fondling him. Then
he turned impatiently and tramped
back TO the car again. Blu when he
reached the steps he found that the dog
had followed him..
Gordon frowned, half IN annoyance.
half In amusement, and sitting down on
II log. by the wayside he took the dogs
pink nozzle into his hands. caressing
the white fur above 1t gently.
The dog whined happily. and Gordon
meditated. How long would the train
wait? Would he miss getting to New
York in time for the dinner? Would he
miss the chance to rise in his chiefs
good graces? The chief wou!d expect
him to get to New York some other way
if the train wore delayed. How long
he to wait on possibilities?
All at once he saw the conductor and
tr:lnnl"n coming back hu1'riedly. Evid-
entity the train was about to start. With
IA final kindly stroke of the white head.
he called a rkm nearby, landed
him half a dollar to hold the dog, and
prang or board.
He had scarcely settled himself into
his chair. however. before the dog came
rushing up the aisle from the other
enc. Of the car, and precipitated himself
muddy and noisily upon him.
With haste and perturbation Gordan
hurried tie dog to the door and tried to
fling him off. but the poor creature
pulled back ana chung to the platform
yelplng piteously.
Just then the conductor came from
ously.
No dogs allowed in these cars he
Well. if you know how to enforce
that rule l wish you would" said Cor
don. I'm sure L don know what to
do with him."
Where a he been since you left
Washington"' asked the grim conduc-
tor with suspicion in his eyes.
~ certainly haven't had him Sc
creted about me. a dog of that size -
remarked the young man dryly. Be
him before till he followed me at the
station. I'm as anxious to be rid OF
him as he is to stay"
The conductor eyed the young man
keenly, and then allowed a grim sense
of humor to appear in one corner of
his mouth.
Got a chain or a rope for him. he
asked moro sympathetically.
Well. no." remarked the unhappy
attache OF the dog. Not having had
an appointment with the dog didn't
provide myself with a leash for him.
Take him into tho baggage car
said the conductor briefly. and
slammed his way into the next ear.
There seemed nothing else to be
done. but 1t was most annoying to be
thus forced on the notice OF his fellow
Travellers when his commission re-
CURED that he be as i~nconspicuons as
possible.
At Jersey City he hoped to escape
and leave the dog to the tender mercies
OF the baggage man.. but that official
was craftily waiting for him and hand
ed the animal over to his unwilling
master with a satisfaction iii proper
toned to the fee he had received fol
curing for him.
Then began a series of misfortunes
disappointment and suspicion stalked
Oesl0e MIN, And DenlnO him a voice
continually whispered his chiefs las,
injunction: Don't let anything hinder
you"
Frantically he tried first one place
n then another. but all to no effect
Nobody apparently wanted to care FOL
a stray white dog. mt his very haste
aroused suspicion. Onc he came neal
being arrested as a dog thief. He couIt
not get rid Of that dog! Yet he mus,
not let him follow him! Would h,
have to nave the animal sent home t,