The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1919-04-17
KNIGHTS OF ROAD
By NEGLIGENT eLEYER.
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CoarSe-grained and hOarSe-throated
as he was, there was more of wonder.
than ridicule in the tones of Big Red
dy, professional hobo. It was at the
camp of group of wandering ones
that Reddy had come across Mystery
Blair gazing fxedly at photograph.
With a quick flush Blair thrust the
picture out of sight.
"Just honest admiration of pretty
face" was the reply given, with a
forced laugh. 81 had quite an adven-
ture last evening and the original Of
that picture had a part in it.
"HeIlO-tIfere's trouble! Make for
covert" spoke Reddy sharply. There
had come from one of the group pre-
pairing breakfast a birdlike cry, a
signal, a warning with which every
schooled tramp was familiar Two
strangers had suddenly intruded. One
wore an official badge. THAT'S the
man." spoke his companion, and he
pointed to Blair.
Instantly there was the closing in
of the circle. The presentment was
that of the law against a comrade
The group were staunch and loyal for
defense.
"This is no arrest" announced the
marshal.
''No, it is just contrary" added his
companion 81 would like to have you
accompany me to my Office" he adj
dressed himself to Blair 'You were
something better than a hero last
night. AS legal adviser of Miss Ina
Trescott, whose life and property you
saved, am asked to talk over mat
tiers with you"
81 don't see the use," replied Blair.
''Pm glad If did I'LL you say"
"He did something. you can count on
thatr' broke in big Reddy, ''for he
tossed all night with that burned hand
OF his.''
Mystery Blair for a moment looked
as though resentful OF patronizing or
reward. Then his hand closed on the
half-burned photograph IN his pocket.
In the current of unusual circum-
stances, he decided to allow it to drift
him whittier it would.
He had been dubbed 'fMystery"
BlCir by his comrades. He had joined
the hobo contingent one day, asking
the favor Of companionship and va
riety, telling them he had made a
failure of business life and envied
them their unconventional existence.
The evening previous, passing a
charming little bungalow, Blair had
seen smoke and flames issuing from
its front. Cries for help echoed from
the interior. He had burst in locked
door. Continued cries for deIiverance
nerved and guided him. He came upon
oir ri lxyiu wi
IDENTIFY an invalid. Blair seized a
counterpNnAs wrapped her up in 1t
and breasted the blaze. Neighbors
had gathered and he had placed the
girl in their charge. Then the men,
DRY of that confding face, the soft,
clinging arms, seemed an ideal, forcing
him to further effort.
Three hours after the call at the
hobo camp Mystery Blair was a new
being in appearance. The lawyer had
insisted not only on medical attention
but a complete rehabilitation.
You're spelling me for the road"
Blair had demonstrated, with a quiet
smile.
''Why hit it again?" challenged the
attorney 81 fancy, Mr.. Blair, that
line is not your natural bent. Again,
we must be presentable when we call
upon Miss Prescott"
When he was in the presence Of the
fair young girl, just recovering from
spell of sickness, and her hand
fingered gratefully in his own, there
stirred within him new and vivid emo
lions. He had arisen to depart when
his eye fell upon a little framed pho
tograph on the medicine stand. He
gave quite q start.
'sWill you pardon me-" he spoke in
terestedly, "but I have seen this young
man, I am sure
"Oh, Mr.. Devon" instantly cried
Miss Trescott, greatly excited, "tell
him! Can it be possible, that at
last"
The lawyer silenced her eager rev.
Citations with a gesture. He took up
the photograph and led Blair into an
adjoining room. 1t was q graphic
story that he related-of wild, reck-
less Julian Prescott, the brother of
Ina, getting into trouble fOolishly, fee
ing from friends who could protect
him and losing himself among tangled
highways.
Blair recalled the original of the
picture. He was sure that nearly a
year back he had met its owner in his
wanderings. He was sure Of it when
he showed the picture to Reddy.
.'You know every knight Of the
road" Blair said to him: "Can this
one be found?''
''It would take some financing and
it may be long, long trail" submit
ted Reddy, and this was provided for,
and two months later Blair reappeared
with the brother of Ina.
Blair had babe goOd-by to the road
and his old hobo comrades. As Wal
them Blair, author. he now set about
utilizing the experience he had gone
through. He was at the new Trescott
home one day.
miss Prescott" he said, 81 am glad
to say that have made arrangements
for the publication OF The Worlds
Highway. 1t was my first meeting
with you that gave its plan an i'm
petus."
AZ am glad" spoke lovely lips and