The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1920-08-05

large cliff brought them to Haskell, {
single street running up the broaden
ing valley, lined mostly with shacks
although few more pretentiOui
buildings were scattered here anG
there, while an occasional tent tapped
its discolored canvas In the night wind
They went forward, Westcott watch
full and silent, the valise in one hand
the other grasping her arm. The mar.
row stretch of sidewalk was jammed
with men, surging In and out through
the open door Of saloon, and the
two held to the middle Of the road
which was lined with horses tied to
long poles. Men reeled out into the
street. and occasionally the sharp
crack Of some frolicsome revolver
punctuated the hoarse shouts and
bursts Of drunken laughter. No other
woman was visible, yet, apparently, no
particular attention was paid to their
progress. But the stream Of men
thlckened perceptibly, until Westcott
was obliged to shoulder them aside
good-humoredly in order to open a
suddenly gripped the shoulder Of q
man passing. He was the town mar
shall.
"Say, Dan, reckon this is your busy
night, but 1 wish you'd help me run
this lady through as far as Timmons !;
this bunch Of longhorns appear to be
milling, and we're plum stalled"
The man turned and stared at them.
Short, stockily built appearing at first
view almost grotesque under the broad
brim of his hat, Stella, recognizing the
marshal, was conscious only Of clean
shaven face, a square jaw and a pair
Of stern blue eyes.
"Oh, is that you, JIM" he asked,
briefly. Lord, don't see why a big
boob like you should need guardian.
The lady? Pardon me, madam" and
he touched his hat "Stand back there,
you fellows. Come on, folks!"
The little marshal knew his bust
ness, and it was also evident that the
crowd knew the little marshal. Drunk
and quarrelsome as many of them
We're they made way-the more OBJ
streperous sullenly, but the majority
in spirit of rough good humor. The
three passed straight through the
surging mass in the man-crowded lob
by of the disreputable hotel.
At the desk, wide-eyed with excite
ment, Miss Donovan took service
worn pen proffered by landlord Pete
Timmons, whose gray whiskers were
as unkempt as his hotel, and regis
tered her name.
"A telegram came today for you,
ma'am," Peter said in cracked voice,
and tossed it over.
Miss Donovan tore it open. It was
from Farriss. 1t read:
'If any clues. advise Immediately.
Willis digging hard. Letter of instruc-
ion follows. FARRIS."
The girl folded the message, thrust
1t in her jacket pocket, then turning to
the marshal and Westcott, gave each
a firm hand.
you've both been more than kind"
she said gratefully.
II, ma'am," Dan deprecated,
'that warn't nothin'" And he hurried
into the street as loud cries sounded
outside.
Goodnight, Miss Donovan" West
colt said simply. "If you are ever
frightened or in need Of friend, call
on me. I'll be in town two days yet,
and after that Pete here can get word
to me-" Then, with an admiring, hon.
est gaze, he searched her eyes a mo-
ment before he turned and slrolled to-
ward the rude cigar case.
"All right, now, ma'am?' Pete Tim
mons said, picking up her valise. The
girl nodded and together they went up |
the rude stairs to her room, where
Timmons paused at the door.
"Well, I'm glad you're here" he
said, moving away. "We've been wait
In for you to show. I may be wrong,
ma'am, but I'd bet my belt that you're
the lady that's been expected by Ned
BeatOn."
you're mistaken" she replied
AS she heard him clatter down the
stairs Miss Stella Donovan of the
New York Star knew that her visit
would not be in vain.
The miner waited, leaning against
the desk. Timmons came down the
stairs, eager to ask questions
Lady friend o. yours, Jim?" he
asked. 'If I'd knowed she wus
,omin' I'd saved better ROOM"
II have never seen her until tonight,
Pete. She got off the train and Car
son asked me to escort her uptown-it
vas dark, you know"
"What do you suppose she's come
yere for?"
Not the slightest idea; / take 1t
hats her business"
"Sure; but feller can't help won
lerin', can he? Donovan" he mused,
,eering at the name; "that's Irish,
.ake it-hey2"
"Suspiclously so; you are some de-
ective, Pete. I'll give you another
.lue-her eyes are Irish gray"
He sauntered across to the stove,
md stood looking idly at the card