Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-02-07

tho express car signing for the regis
tered package containing Rhinelander
right-of-way contracts. She took also
the Christmas mail addressed 10 the
camp
Returning to the office. she saw the
disturbance at the steps OF the 6bserva-
tlon car. where Spike, vehemently pro-
testing, was again about to be hustled
off the right-of-way. Helen reached the
group az the very crisis. for spikes SUR
liness, enhanced by his condition. had
made him an ugly customer 90 handle.
The special agent. In point OF fact. was
about to knock him down and DRAG him
out when Helen interviewed 20 esk mercy
for the wretched tramp.
Where does he want 10 go?" asked
Helen quickly OF the conductor.
When he answered. up the road" ana
the circumstances were explained to her.
she made plea; Let him stay on" she
urged. Il will pay his fare 10 Baird"
She insisted on giving the conductor
Spikes fare. Left momentarily out OF the
controversy, Spike stared az the turn
affairs had taken. Things were getting
too complicated when Helen Holmes could
come 20 his rescue. He thought he was
dreaming until the special agent jerlged
him away from Helen and told Spike In
vigorous English some OF the things he
thought OF him and his kind. spike could
IN conscience do no other than grin. But
he realized who had lnterposed to save
him from beating and he continued 70
feel mixed sensations OF surprise and
confusion In perceiving that his rescuer
should be Helen Holmes
The conductor signalled the cab. The
special agent climbed aboard and the
train pulled out. When Helen turned to
go back into the station Spike. who had
declined TO board the train. stood near
the door. He intercepted and tried 20
speak 70 Helen. But Helen was almost az
much afraid OF his gratitude as she was
OF his enmity, and tried to make light Of
her action and pass on
But Spike was serious and not to be
shaken off. For the first time. as far az
no could recall, In his life someone per
\ sistently injured by him had offered,
with none but a kindly motive, to do hin
q good turn. III | ever get a chance, miss
I'll pay you back. Stop a minute, won't
yoag Just a minute" Helen reluctant,
paused. You don't think mean H.
mnttered Spike II do Thank YOU fol
your kindness" He shamefacedly held
out his grimy hand. ''wilI you shaker
Helen shrank back, but as he stepped
respectfully toward her she hated 10 hur
} his feelings. She gave him her hand fo
an instant and hurried, laughing. into TN
office.
: Turning slowly away. the eonvic
! walked down the platform Rounding IN,
corner OF the station, he ran into tn
station baggageman. What town Is thls
B misterr' he demanded.
r Vegas" answered the railroad ma
a shortly. feeble grin overspread Spike
+ battered features
' seagrue has brought 20 the desert wit
. him from his camp two roSues who's
4 names had gradually been reduced b
4 bad spelling and hard knocks to "Bnl
2 and Lug" The pair were Ia h
a rooms with him when he asked wheth,
\ Spike had come on the passenger trail
Bll was looking from the window
!, the moment and answered. THAT loot
!. like Spike down the street now"
Ia few moments more Spike Ia
found his way 10 the rendezvous Sc
grue. impatient a. always. demanded
know as soon as he entered the roo
what had kept him. Spike told his stor
" or al least such part OF Il as he deeml
Il wise TO tell. and turning the tahl
y on seagrue. asked what was up. SeaEri
told him OF the right-of-way eontrae
~ expected the following day BY Rhin
- lander.
What OF it, demanded Spike
ne we must set them announced Sc
- grue. bluntly.
~ who's weg inquired spike imp
80 IDENTIFY.
he Your returned seagrue. with as mu
- insolence as he could throw into one woI
oy Spikes sullenness angened him and
-. continued 10 explain. but In no We
az amiahle tones: II means the big end