The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1917-12-08
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Walter Brent checked his satchel.
gave another impatient glance at the
dispatch board and walked across the
deserted station to the news stand.
"See that New York trains an hour
and half late" he remarked cryptical-
~ to the drowsy proprietor, who nodded
a sleepy assent. "Give me copy Of
the Tattler. u there any eating place
near hereT
"'BOut half block down the street"
answered the other briefly. handing
Brent the magazine.
Brent then walked out Of the station.
Raising his umbrella, for It was rain
ing hard, he trudged down the quiet
street. until he halted in front Of q
dimly-lit lunchroom. He paused mo-
ment in surprise, for d very pretty and
dainty young girl was standing on tip
toes extinguishing the front light, but
a. he entered she left the light burn
ing and smilingiy demanded his or
der, then disappeared In the direction
of the kitchen in the rear. Brent set
tied himself in chair and opened the
magazine, and did not notice young
man. who appeared At tho rear door.
scowled at him and then withdrew
again.
"Huh I" grunted the latter In low
tone to the young girl at the stove.
"Looks like he's settled down for
stay. I was goln' to close down after
Joe came. what'd he order, sisT'
"Tm glad he came" answered the
girl. dropping an egg into the steam
ing pan and ignoring his question.
@Now / won't have to walt on that
bum"
A1bans In the dining room outside
was heard and the young man turned
on his sister quickly.
AZ Joe lurched into the lunchroom.
skunk into q seat. and, grasping in his
hands q salt cellar, he beat q tattoo
ON the table.
Soon the girl emerged from the
kitchen with Brent's order. and n
she passed Joe she stepped out Of his
way as he made grab for her arm.
Brent noticed her agitation ~ she set
the dishes down In front Of him. In
response to her polite and musical
query II he would have anything else.
he nbsently gave 4 negative nod and
she started back for the kitchen.
This time, as she passed the drunk's
table, she was not quick enough to
dodge his restraining hand, and he
pulled her over to him.
"Please. joe" she pleaded.
"A kiss-a sweet little kiss" came
the maudlln answer. "C'mon now. All.
now. you don't wanta screami It'd
ruin your place, y know It"
'waitr' pleaded the girl, her face
ashy-whits. eve got 10 get this gen
tleman something. When come back
m kiss you." And she darted away to
the kitchen.
Ten minutes slipped BY before she
rose hastily from her chaiS and hurried
into the lunchroom. At the door she
paused In astonishment, for both the
stranger and Joe were gonei Return
Ing to the kitchen she roused her broth
er. and they ran together to the door.
but the stranger, with his scarcely
tasted meal yet unpaid for. was no.
where in sight, NOR was jos. But the
quest OF the watchers Was brief, for q
new gust Of rain drove them inside.
and locking the doors they extinsuished
the lights and retired.
Half an hour later, Just n the girl
had slipped on to sleep. loud rapping
at the front door beneath her room
summoned her, attired in 4 simple
dressing gown. dowastairs. At the front
door beefy policeman accosted her.
Mis- Lucy" he said. shaking OF the
rain. I'VE got young guy up at tn
lookup. who says he owes yeh forty
cents. Here 1t IL" and the ofncer
slipped some coins In her hands. 'Says
he was eatin' In hero while ago. Big.
handsome young Teller. brown hair, an
all dressed up. Know 'imr'
sY-es." she faltered. But WHY'S
he-locked upr
"Fer nghtin'," was the brief reply.
II caught 'em down tn street. He had
his coat around Joe's mouth and was
beatin' tn life outa him-you know
Joe, tn one that runs q taxi. Hes at
tn hospittle."
At the mention Of "Joe," the color
receded from Lucy's face, leaving It
deathly pale.
"Did-io you know what they were
fighting aboutr she inquired nerv-