The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1926-12-17

in a group in the Taller, was not one Of
the leaders of London society. The dOings
Of her children, who left MelhamtOn, were
followed with a mild federation by those
who were wise enough to remain where
they were, but that liberation was mingled
with a certain pity. There lurked a clear
conviction amongst the elders Of the neigh
bOrhOOd that whoever left MelhamptOn for
any other place was a trifle soft.
Thus, when Aubrey Haselton, the wears
son, made a century for the Butterflies
against the NJ. G. c.. MelhamptOn was
mildly interested but could not helm feeling
HON much more wonderful such an exploit
as the compiling Of a hundred runs would
have been If the young man had stayed at
home and played for Northampton against
Barnstaple.
Mr.. Baker made his way, more from GUS
tom than from any conscious inclination,
under the bread archway Of the Melhamp-
ton Arms, turned TO the right along the
tagged passage, passed the curtained win
Mr.. S~crOggins, the butcher, who had been
impinging slightly upon his customary
seat, moved hastily up to make room for
the newcomer. There was a little chorus of
welcome from the assembled company,
among whom Mr.. Baker noticed, with a
cold SILVER, Fred POllett, the representative
Of the Exeter Agricultural Implements
Manufacturers, Limited, who were, next to
the bank, his largest creditors. The latter
welcomed him jOvially.
"NOw what was 1 saying chaps? 2" he ex-
claimed. Why need l go out and look for
business when here comes Tom Baker with
an order for another Of those reaping ma
chimes IN his pocket for me. You'll have
one with me, Tom? Pint Of bitter for Mr.
Baker, miss. Now what about that order
TOm?'
Bribery and corruption" MI. ScrOggins
declared, emptying his own mug. "It'i
agin the law nowadays, Mr.. POllett. YOJ
can't ask a man to have a. drink before
they're served, anyhow the traveller oh
served. what do you say, Mr.. Baker
Three hundred and forty pounds tel
apiece, they are, and I'll take a ha'penn!
off for luck"
Mr.. Baker had settled himself wearil.
in his place. He took little notice Of tn
sallies which were being exchanged arOun'
him. Whilst he was being served by Mrs
DOwdswell, the widowed landlady, herself
there happened a thing, once Of rare oc
c~urrence, now common enough. A strange
pushed open the door Of the bar parlOI
and made his entrance.
"GoOd-mOrning, gentlemen" he said, wit
great civility. "GOOd-morning madam" b
2 added, removing his hat to Mrs. Dowds
well. Can l have a whisky and soda p
. The stranger seated himself in a vacan
. chair. The company took note and approve
I Of him. He was dressed in the fashion 0
a tourist, in tweed clothes and knicker
: b0ckers. His eyes, in which there lurked
e perpetual twinkle, seemed exceedingly blu
7 against the tan of his skin. He was appaE
emily Of between forty and fifty years G
- age, ana IEOm the LISL NelnHmOrOn ocean
: aware Of the fact that he was one Of thOs
who liked the sound Of his own voice.
odd place seems gust about the same,
q he remarked as he accepted the whisky an
soda from Mrs. DOwdswell. "a good man
years since I was here last"
"Is that so, sir2" the Iandlady answeret
. Game to see my brother" - the strange
: went on, land he must have been dea
= pretty well a score Of years. EbenezS
! Trigg, his name was. / expect some Of 20
q remember him."
"Eb Trigg, the taiIor?" Mr.. scroggir
exclaimed. HE had the little shop ne1
door but one to mine"
1--WE got a pair OF breeches now thu
he made for me" the veterinary surgeo,
who had Just str04led in, remarked. "Firi
e 1 ever had, and not the worst, either"
y "Im afraid he couldn't have been mus
Of a tailor" the newcomer declared, wit
ie a twinkle in his eyes. Anyway, he new
made much money at It"
"He was q comfortable man." old Graz
fer CrOcombe, a retired dealer in catt
y spices, remarked. Comfortable well off
% was, as I mind him. Owned his own lit
= bit Of property, and a horse and cart, b
d The younger Mr. Trigg smiled.
81 guess he was easily satisfied" he o
% served. "Still, I'm glad ha managed to il
ae along. He was the only relative I had. Al
is IL he were alive now things would be be
ter for him than they ever have been b
Is. fore"
j. Northampton made a point Of never a
lt pearing inuuigltive, and, though the ne
60 c0mer's remark might seem to have invit
~ comment It was followed By a brl
w silence. Mr.. Trigg presently continued;
er Madam" he begged, addressing {
n landlady, twill you fui up all glass
pleasef I haven't the good luck, gentlem.
~ to be a native Of Melhampt0n, but Ebe
al ezer, whenever he wrote me. spoke 0f (
De place as though if were the hub OF {
universe. I have come 70 revisit e on