The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1927-03-18
CHAPTER Iv-Continued

Abe Cole started in again to say a
hard thing, but Haynes put up his
hand as a doctor might in the pres
ence of approaching death demand
restraint from a very angry man.
Gentlemen" he said, speaking as
a troubled man might speak on a
painful occasion, "you can see here.
all of you, what difficulty an honest
purveyor of merchandise has in Sc
lecting his goods for new country.
This hat, gentlemen-hold on, Abe J"
he interjected in stentorian tones. for
Coles safety-valve of anger gave
strong indications of popping, "hold
on till you hear me; sold you this
hat didn't 1? l did! Very well.
want to say to you. gentlemen. one
and all, that when mistake like this
happens, we make it good! This hat"
he exclaimed, holding the offender out
for personal reproach, never should
have been sold in the mountains: it's
a desert hat, made light and porous
for dry country. The Indians along
the famous Spanish sinks buy these
hats freely for their squaws: they're
porous, gentlemen-but they won't
stand RAIN"
"Porous monkey" suffered Cole.
''They're rotten"
Haynes courteousIy protested. 81
wouldn't had 1t happen. Abe, for one
hundred dollars. replace it cheer
fully. Mr.. Fyler," he shouted, point
ing a commanding finger, be kind
enough to hand me that box Of hats"
From the box passed up Haynes.
carefully picking over several hats.
selected a brown one-never for
moment losing the thread of his easy
and plausible flow of words. Abe Cole
continued to growl. but he was in eff
feet silenced, and stood under his
new hat, sturdy Onlooker, while Big
Haynes pulled out his watch, Gentle,
amen," he exclaimed, as solemniy as.
If about to lead in prayer. "it is
twelve o'clock-time to eat. My heart
is weak and I eat three times day.
I never keep men beyond their din
ner hour, anyway--their wives pick
on me. and hungry man amt good
customer. And II you think I've got
an easy job here. try it. some Of you
Next sale at two o'clock sharp, and
the biggest bargains ever offered in
Sleepy Cat-don't miss it,"
The crowd began to file out. Big
Haynes climbed down. "What kind of
a hat did you give him." whispered
Fyler.
G"Same kind I give him yesterday
growled Haynes. doc Carpy come
in here a while ago with his overcoat
wanted to cut me up for bear bait.
I hope to God I get out Of this town
before it rains again."
The auctioneer followed the crowd
as they struggled out. At the door
a young girl waited. She had lunch
basket in her hand. When the store
was emptied, she walked up the two
steps and in. Selwood stood near
Fyler, and he watched the newcomer
with an unrestrained interest until her
eyes fell on his, as she came up. Sell
wood looked then at Fyler. Christie
and Selwood recognized her as the
girl in the wagon at Crawling Stone
wash-set down her basket on the dry
goods box in front of Fyler. Here's
your dinner. father" she said. Eat
1t now while it's hot"
Selwood tried to think of something
to say, but could not. And though he
felt. he was an interloper. he could
not get started to go. Christie, her
back to him. talked and laughed with
her father. Her voice was completely
new music to Selwood's ears; 1t trans
fixed him. But the moment could not.
last. She turned partly and looked
at Selwood. Whatever she may have
had In her mind, he could think of
but one thing, for her glance seemed
to him to say: What are you doing
here? And Selwood. barely returning
her look, just caught sight of her
eyes, pulled himself together. and
walked cut Of the store.