The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-02-16


"No; this II a sportin' proposition.
with everyone havin' fair show"
explained the saloonkeeper. I'VE
sorter picked you boys out as the most
likely runts round town and intend
ter line you up an then let her pick
out the one she takes a fancy to. It's
only fair she has chance to take the
duffer she'd rather have"
There was a confused murmur of
voices, some reckless. others mutter-
ing opposition, but It was evident the
proposition rather appealed to the ma
jority. who saw In It chance for some
unusual fun and excitement. with only
n vague probability Of being caught.
Shelby slipped In word.
It'll bet flve to one" he said quietly.
'that she turns down the whole gang. :"
"rer hi she wilt Not after she
gets one glimpse o. Cowan. She'll
think he owns the town."
''That's It. boys! Come on. you
fellers; the bunch o. Us don't run no
risk. She'll copper on Cowan an II
she misses him them sidebnrns O. Ar.
chibald's will sure get her CONT"
rs this yere two thousand a sure
thing?" II was Cowan who asked
somewhat anxiously. ut amt got no
string tied to IT."
A yell greeted the question. punctu.
ated with various remarks.
'Takin' II seriously. old mani"
''Goin', to start an opposition store?"
II guarantee the sum-" said Nc
Carthy. "every last cent Of 1t. Who.
ever the girl chooses. when he marries
her, I'll nay him the money That's
fiat an you boys know whose talking. :"
There was slrging forward indi-
cntive OF readiness. Evidently the
proposition had caught on. and the
bunch was eager to learn theresult.
"Lead us 10 II. Mac" someone cried
gayiy. ''gittin' married Is my long
suit"
"Ali right. hoys." and Mccarthy
glanced At his watch. Il reckon the
preacher ought ter have her ready for
the delegation by this time. How
about II. Tomf''
Tney moved slowly out. jostling
each other. and lndulging In horse
play and rude jokes. none taking the
affair seriously. hut eager to learn how
Il would terminate.
Mccarthy led the way. directly
across the main street. aipi down the
path pist the dnnce hail. which by
this time was IN full blaze. beyond
they were plunged into darkness. but
could see ahead of them the faint
CLEAN OF light through the window
Of Calkins' shack. One or two sought
to drop out, but Shelby c0llared them
promptly. so that the entire bunch
finally lined up behind Mccarthy as he
raped on the closed door. The preach
er opened II. his round face be0ming
benlgnantly In the glare Of the single
Oil-lamp within. his bulk absolutely
blocking the entrance. Beyond, those
close at hand had vague glimpse Of
the girl. who stood back against the
wall. staring toward them with wide
open eyes. The Buffalo Gap man
smiled blandiy In welcome, impressed
by the number Of faces he saw. and
stepped heavily aside.
"Come right In. gentlemen" he ex-
claimed. gesturing impressively with
one hand, "ohr Accommodations are
not extensive. as you will perceive.
yet ample, trust. Just circle about
the wall thereto the left. please.
You have explained the circumstances.
Mr.. McCarthya"
Sure"
every we'll. them" hia voice assum-
Ing a soothing tone. 1--WE need waste
no unnecessary time In preiiminaries.
have very frankly laid the entire
matter before the young Indy and have
finally convinced her Of the righteous
ness Of our purpose. Dol fitly express
Your state Of mind, my chlld?"
She lifted her eyes slightly, . red
flush burning on either cheek.
y suppose so; that's what SOU told
me to sny."
Shelby. Slipping inuthrough the door
last Of NIL. Ind found .precarious
seat on the sill of the window. where
he had q full view OF the room. his
glance wandered appreciatingly along
that solemn line Of men backed up
rigidly against the wall. They were
nm otld-looking bunch. crowded to-
gether under the glare Of the oil-lamp.
the most of them roughly dressed and
unshaven and all Of them visibly en-
barrassed and little ashamed. The
girl stood alone just before them and
to Shelby she appeared younger and
fnr better looking than In the after
noon. She would have been almost
pretty but for the pathetic droop at
the corners Of her mouth and the re-
bellious. sullen look In her eyes. The
preacher spread his hands In disap-
probation of her remark.
"Oh. no. my DEAR he protested.
II merely labored with you and urged
th's unon you AZ the better course I