Pittston Gazette

              ■ established 1850. I .'OL XLVIIlNo. 4* f Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1898. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. J SI.00 a iMf in Advance* reverse curves ot some unseen grace. Out of the darkness to the right and against the northern stars loomed np dim, bulky shapes, and Gray realised that the foothills were reached, that the long tortuouscliuib was beginning. Up, np, higher and higher steamed the straining giaut in the lead, the dense smoke clonds rolling rearward lighted brilliantly every few seconds by the glare from the roaring furnace into which Scot's shovel was heaping coal by the bushel. No. 788 was doing her best, as Long predicted, bat even tier superb lnngs and tempered muscles conld barely drag so heavy a burden. Only nine or ten miles an hour was she making now, thonght Gray, as once more the sleeper door was opened and the conductor, followed by a brakeman, bustled in. He glared suspiciously into the dim recess of the smoking compartment, tba brakeman peering over his shoulder. or tne stout man in cavalry uuirorm. For a moment they looked at each other snarchingly and without a word. A flush as of surprise and annoyance began to mount to the civilian's face; a flush that was not of surprise was already manifest on that of the soldier. The conductor glanced from one to the other as though about to speak. jJWS [\ECRUIT | week. He was used to walking, be said, and offered to oarry tbe conductor's penciled dispatch. It should have been sent by a brakeman of tlVe freight, but both were lamed and badly bruised. Jarvis looked more than uncertain at first, but finally gave the man the important paper. Twenty minutes later the two cowboys, despite bangs and bruises, declared that they, too, would "boof it," and pushed ahead through tbe pallid dawn. Gray, silent and observant, appeared just as they departed and found the lieutenant the two conductors and tbe cavalry sergeant in a quadrangular council. At sight of tbe newoomer Jarvis cautioned silence and dissolved tbe meeting. 'Tain't like as if it was Captain Kay or Blake or Truscott or any of them was here, you know. But—I can find you some all right." from?" asked LCong, prodding Kearney with bis toe to call atteutiou to bis as- fighting through the mountains, their normal summer recreation—that the regiment shouted for very joy when it Qeard that Sharp Knife, the young Hotspur that headed the raid, had soundly :hrashed the first detachment sent to bead him off, and, indignant at the discourtesy of the Great Father ixi essaying to curb his inclination to roam, was helping himself to all the horned cattle, horses and household goods that lay in bis way, not to mention a few of the households, and was careering onward hound for a big time in the Big Horn mountains, bragging to the northern Cheyeunes of the fun he bad had. Then away went Colonel Atherton, with Stannard and Mainwaring, the old and the new majors, and eight"hnsky" troops, full tilt for the hills, only to Bud when they reached the broad valley of the Ska that Sharp Knife and bis shifty followers bad crossed 48 hours ahead and were circling westward across the Little Missouri by that time. Never is a stern chase so long a chase as when the Indian has the lead. The department commander followed by rail, 3tagecoach and buokboard, and half tbe troops in tbe territories of Dakota, Montana and Wyoming were centering on tbe Cbeyennes when Sharp Knife cut loose from all semblance of a base and took to tbe woods in earnest His people scattered to tbe four winds. Some aid among tbe northern bands of tbe same tribe, some slipped in among tbe Sioux at tbe great reservations in Dakota, others scattered far and wide, broke np into little squads of three or four and even less and jogged back by oircuitous routes to the southern plains and swore they'd only been bunting along tbe Arkansas. There's only one creature that can beat an Indian—murder one minute and look tbe image of piety tbe next—and that's a cat. It was "a poky summer," said Bay at Russell. It was poor kind of campaigning, said tbat same authority, but better than none. It was tbe move tbat follow- lived at the hotel in Butte until tbe major reported the carpets down and the stovew up. The next two or three were devoted to unpacking furniture, pictures, glass and crockery and putting everything where it belonged and much where it didn't. It seemed to make little difference, for in all these function, at all hours of the day and not a few of the night, tbe young officers, in shirt sleeves and the best of spirits, bore willing part. Such gay good humor, such utter lack of stiffness and conventionality, she had never seen. All drills and duties, it seemed, exoept tbe necessary guard, police and stables, were suspended until officers and men were comfortably housed and settled down. The bachelor lieutenants pitched tents on tbe parade and placidly awaited their  to choose quarters, a ceremony wbich impressed Miss Leroy as something incomprehensible. It was not easy to make ber realize jnst wby Captain Bay couldn't move Mrs. Bay and the baby boys up from the hotel until Captain Freeman bad chosen and wby Mrs. Blake should remain at Cbeyenne near ber own old home until the Truscotts and Rays bad settled on what bouses tbey would take. They wanted the big double brick next but one to the colonel's, but were afraid to move in lest the new surgeon ordered out from Omaha should take a fancy to tbat very set. It was all i-Iain sailing, as she could see, for tbe colonel, tbe two majors and the two senior oaptains, but then came tbe tug of war. Tbe Greggs bad moved into No. 6 confident tbe doctor would prefer tbe other side of tbe garrison, tbe very bouse tbe Truscotts and Bays thought to occupy together, but tbe doctor came, saw and concluded tbat the bouse be and Mrs. Doctor wanted was No. 5 and no other, whereat Mrs. Gregg was furious and tbe captain philosophic. "I told you so, M'riar," be was unfeeling enough to aay a dozen times a day until abe flew to tbe Stannards for sympathy.tuteness. "For the simplest of reasons. Had I enlisted there they might have sent me to any regiment, whereas I wanted a particular one—the —th, in fact." And, juuipiug from the car, Sergeant Kearney went straight to Mr. Gray. "Onr engineer, sir," said he, "is badly stove up. Conld yon oblige me with a little whisky?" Long bad lost another point, bnt rallied. His tone was gruff as Mainwaring's 11s be returned to tbe attack: "One would suppose a feller—a man like yon could command influence enoagb to get assigned to any regiment he wanted. That ain't much of a trick." Suddenly the night was rent by one sharp, quick, almost agonized shriek from the engiue far ahead. Suddenly, so suddenly that it almost hurled Jarvis and the lieutenant off their feet, tbe airbrakes gripped like a vise, tbe whizzing wheels instantly checking their way, tbe smooth, swift motion changed to a jerky, grinding, 6traiuing series of bumps. Jarvis, turning white as a sheet, sprang to tbe door the instant he could recover balance. For six or eight seconds the Pullman went thnmping ahead, slower and slower every second, yet still at dangerous speed. Then came a thunderous shock and crash. Gray, whose feet were on the opposite seat, doubled up like a jackkuife, his nose and knees jammed together, the back seat clamped tight against tbat in front Ibe lieutenant shot forward out of sight and was overheard fetching up with a resounding thump against the front door. There was a crackling of window glass, a sound of stifled shrieks and groans. Tbe big «tr recoiled some 30 or 40 yards, tben came to a standstill, and Mr. Gray, scrambling out from the smoking compartment nearly stumbled over the prostrate officer, who was slowly finding bis feet. But, following some half articulate cry for help, Gray darted through tbe narrow passageway into the curtained aisle, now rapidly filling with men, much more dazed than dressed, some of them bleeding.from contusions, all of them shaken and scared, and slowly sliding out of tbe nearest berth came a blue robed, slender, senseless form—that of the soft voiced occupant who an hour earlier had impor tuned bim for water. In an instant Gray stooped, raised her in bis arms, bore her through the passage, nearly capsizing tbe lieutenant the second time, laid her fiat upon the long seat in the smoker and applied hiB fine cambric handkerchief to a gash in the left temple, from wbiob tbe blood was oozing."Certainly," said Gray, going down into his pocket and fishing up the silver topped flask. "Give him a good swig, and, sergeant, help yourself." AVTHOR OF "THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER; TROH TME RANK5,"ETC. The sergeant grinned, thanked him, hurried back to his new friend and gave bim what he called an honest cavalry four fingers. COPyR/GHT, /ft98, &y S3. L/PP//VCOTT CO. "No," answered Gray as be seated himself on the conductor's big wooden chest and carelessly swnng bis slender foot; "no, I don't believe I've got either friends or inflnenoe or anything in the rride world but what I've got on and what's in an old trunk somewhere along the road here." "At Willow Springs," said the ! tramp. "1 walked there from the Junction. I'd 'a' frozen if it hadn't been for this gentleman." I "1 can't change this," said the conductor. "I'll fetch it presently." And nodding to bis brakeman to follow him he hurried up the aisle. At the forward end of the oar he whispered: "Watob those two like a cat, now. I'm going forward to get the sergeant and some of his men and seat them here where they can keep an eye on that precious pair. There's fun ahead for somebody this night, but, by God, they don't catoh old Bill Jarvis napping. Yon stay here, now, till I come." But no sooner were they gone than tbe tramp began brokenly to heap thanks and blessings on bis benefaotor, and tbe latter impatiently turned away. "That's all right," said he. "Never mind that I'm glad to help, for I believe your story. The conductor will give you the change when he oomes in. Now, good night; I've got to turn in." | "But, say, mister, stranger, bold on one minuta I—I want to pay this back —some day. How'll I know yon? Wbere'll I send it?" But Tweeds shook bis bead, waved hi in off, strode back to tbe sleeper, sprung tbe latob against pursuit, then half tilled a glass from bis flask, gnlped the contents down and reseated himself in tbe smoking compartment. "That's tbe first man I've found in a fortnight," said be, "mort* miserable than I am." With that he took some letters from his pooket, glanced them over and tore the envelopes to sbreda, sending tbe fragments sailing on tbe night. At a small oard photograph in a flat Russia leather case—a portrait of a laughing, girlish faoe—be gazed lingeringly, then returned it to an inner pocket. "Noone would know it now," be muttered. Next be lifted from bis card case a dozen or more pasteboards that bore in plain, heavy script tbe words "Mr. Darcy Hunter Gray," ripped them into shreds and sent them flying. As calmly and methodically he searched through every pocket for every scrap of paper, bills or billet douz, anything tbat could tend to establish his identity; glanoed dubiously at tbe monogram on tbe back of bis watch; scraped tbe lettering ont of the crown of bis bat; took a fountain pen from bis pocket and some paper and envelopes from bis satchel; wrote with infinite difficulty, owing to tbe swaying of the car, two brief notes which be inclosed and stowed under the flap of bis bag, then once more glanoed at his watch. It was 9:46, and No. 783 was whistling for Bowlder Creek. At last they were out of the valley. Npw for tbe climb np tbe dividi "One cigar," he mattered. "Ilet tbe other go ont." His matobbox bad disappeared. He tried one pooket after another, without result Neither was there one to be bad in tbe oompartment Tbe train bad stopped, and be oould bear footsteps on a wooden platfflWB and tbe muffled voioes of men. tiptoeing through tbe long, dim, curtain bordered aiBle, be was suddenly checked. Out from a narrow opening between tbe curtains of the seoond section came a slender litUe white band, holding a silver traveling cup, and a soft voice, silvery as the cup. murmured, "Ob, porter, would yon kindly get me some water?""God!" said Long, smacking bis lips, his eyes snapping. "That was an old timer." Then as the potent liquor, long a stranger to his once case hardened system, began glowingly to assert itself ho blinked his gratitude and looked admiringly at the handsome flask. "That's a swell stopper you've got to that canteen, sergeant. Where'd you capture it?" CHAPTER IIL Tbe girl whom Gray bad so promptly and tenderly cared for bad recovered consciousness within five minutes. Sbe looked up, dazed and startled, into the strange face bending over her, and tben almost instantly aaked for Mrs. Mainwaring.Rushing westward through the night the great train was indeed "going for all sbe was worth " Twenty-live miles away lay tbe foothills. There began tbe tortuous up bill olimb to the high plateau at Pawnee, 40 miles of twist torn, tug and pull, tbat in the earlier days of tbe road were never attempted without two engines. Now tbe mammoths like 783 scorned even a pusher. But tonight sbe bad to haul an extra sleeper and an extra coach, both crowded, the latter packed with recruits, tbe former with a joyous party of excursionists, bound for tbe Pacific coast. It was swift smooth running along the flats of tbe broad valley, dotted here and there, as it was, with farms and ranches and traversed over tbe old buffalo ranges by great herds of horned cattle. This crisp, moonless, starlit night all tbe western world was dark nnd still but for tbe clank and rush of tne flashing monster with its long, dimly lighted train. "Didn't you say something abont quitting railroading to take up soldiering?" queried Long, so astonished tbat he forgetting his pain. "Ain't yon going to bed tonight?" he aaked. "Presently," yawned Gray, "if I get sleepy." "Sbe is unhurt," said Gray qnietly. "Don't worry. Yon have quite a bruise here on tbe side of your bead. Please lie still until I check tbe bleeding. Mrs. Mainwaring will be back in a moment." "Tall young fellow in the first sleeper. Seems to have money and whisky, cigars and good nature, till you can't rest," said Kearney in tbe vernacular of the day, surprised at Long's sudden interest. The engineer braced himself up on an elbow, all eagerness. "I did. Two years ago I did some railroading at the general manager's end of the line, so you see how little I must have known about it Yes," be went on with twinkling eyes, "I used to ride my own horse, but I've lost bim, so it's got to be one of Unole Sam's." "Your friend there in tbe other car hasn't lost much time. He's snoring like be hadn't slept for six weeks. Wbere'd be say be lived?" ' ® PftWTlAA ' ' "Know him there?" "No, nor anybody else." Mrs. Mainwaring bad been there, half distracted, wringing her bands and laughing and crying by turns, and was now lying in her berth, being ministered to by some sympathetic woman from tbe other car. Another had oome to aid Gray, bat, seeing bow deftly be bathed aud stanched the wound, she confined her attentions to wetting towels and passing them to the strange gentleman. So skillful were bis ministrations tbat the young lady presently declared herself able to sit up and walk and insisted on seeing Mrs. Mainwaring. Sbe was assisted to ber feet, and, leaning on his arm, was taken to her friend. Gray left ber there, slipped qnietly away and oame forth, his heart beating with odd emotion. "Smooth face, with light mustache, regular six footer, slim, broad shouldered, traveling cap and big ulster?" For a moment nothing further was said. A pair of frank blue eyes were gazing smilingly down into tbe engineer's face, and tbat ex-trooper oould find no excuse for another expression of doubt. Slowly he held forth the half emptied flask. "Never been oat here before!" Gray was in no mood for talk, much less for cross examination. He shrugged bis broad shoulders impatiently and said. "Nevar." "That's the feller. Treated half my squad to pie and coffee back there at tbe Junotion. Np end of a swell, I— Why, what's amiss? Say, I wouldn't take another drink just now, would you?" be broke off anxiously, for Long was reaching for tbe flask. The oonductor hesitated, looked long and flxedly at bis passenger, studying what be could see of his faoe, figure and clothes in that dim light He turned half reluctantly away, tben turned back. "Here," said be, "take this. I'm d d if you're not too many for met Bat," a sadden thought striking bim, "why don't yon sell this and your watch and them clothes and go to the mines and make a stake there:" "I want to see the xsoeogram, or whatever you call it, on that silver stopper. D've Irnnw what I think nf tbat Tbe lonely oocupant of the smoking compartment, gazing silently ont upon tbe northward heavens, bad forgotten to keep alive tbe tiny fire of bis cigar, and it had died nnnotioed between bis long, wbite, slender fingers. A glance at the handsome watob he drew from bis waistooat pocket told bim it was almost 9 o'clock as, after a brief stop at some unknown, almost unseen station, tbe train rolled on again. Tbe porter bad oome in to ask some question about how be would have bis pillow, front or back, and was told it made no difference. Would tbe gentleman like one here In the smoking room? No, be would tarn in presently. Call bim in plenty of time for Butte. Tben the porter tiptoed off to tbe rear of tbe heavily curtained aisle and curled himself up in • vacant section, leaving tbe stranger to his thoughts. "Well, if yon want any sleep before we get to Butte you'd better be getting it," wid be, with tbat broad freedom of manner and absence of conventional restraint begotten of years in tbe boundless west, and tben stood awaiting tbe result. "Because I'd rather soldier, man," was tbe smiling answer—Gray's good humor was indomitable—"and down in tbe bottom of your heart you know perfectly well you never see tbe uniform" —and here he laid a hand on Kearney's shoulder—"tbat yoa don't more tban half wish you were in it again and riding tbe trail or the prairie rather than tbe iron track. I don't have to sell anything yet," be added, with almoat a laugh. "Keep tbe whisky, Mr. Long. You've more need 01 it than I have. I'll see yoa again after awhile." And with tbat he rose and, nodding smilingly to Kearney, sauntered from tbe oar. The next thing he found to do was to help straighten out the fireman of the freight, who was shaking like an aspen, completely demoralized and almost crying. He, too, had struck soft sand wbeu he leaped from the train, bnt after a somersault or two bad been buried under un avalanohe of splintered boardi distributed from tbe roofs, sides and flooring of tbe shattered oars. Tbe heavy tracks, wheels and beams fortunately bad not been hnrled more than a dozen yards from the track, bat kindling wood in distracting quantities had been showered far and near. Tbe bandsome silver topped flask, so admired by tbo sergeaut at tbe Junction, was promptly produced, and tbe fireman took a long, long pull. Then Gray bethought him of his tramp. The recruits and passengers, mingling in a confused knot with the damaged men, were still grouped about the wreck, some detailing personal impressions and experiences, some noisy and nervous, others silent aud doubtless thankful for their escape, others still thinking only of tbe injured. Of these latter was Gray, at whom tbe oonductor was scowling suspiciously tbe while and saying somathing in a low tone to the lieutenaut It came, not too soothingly or satisfactorily.ad that stirred the social fabric of tbe —til to ita foundations. The t igiment bad been stationed for some /ears at Russell, a big post on tbe Union Pacific, but tbe department commander decided that be wanted Atberton and bis seasonad campaigners oloser to tbe znaloontents, and, to tbe unspeakable—not speechless— indignation of nine'tenths of the ladies In the —th and tbe financial though unoonfessed comfort of many ol their lords, tbe order was issued that it should not return to Bossell, but direct its retrograde march on tbe older, smaller, but just now rather more important post of Fort Ransom. "Squeeze into quarters as best you an," said the general cheerfully, "and fou won't mind crowding this winter. We'll fit you out better in tbe spring." |fow, the winter was the time they most objected to being crowded, for then they had their friends from tbe sast and tbeir social pleasures, did these dames and damsels of tbe army, while In summer tbe troops were almost always afield, and tbe women, those who sould afford it, went east. Few bad done so this year, because the regiment was not sent out for summer camp, and when the Sharp Knife chase was ordered it was too late in the season. So tbe two battalions, then so called, marched in to Ransom. Then, so many at a time, the o£Qcers were allowed to go to Eu8sell to supervise tbe paoking and shipment of their household goods, while the quartermaster and other sergeants did as much for the companies. Mrs. Atherton, with her lares and penatea, was there at Butte to weloome the regiment when it arrived. Mrs. Mainwaring, with her fair niece, Miss Leroy, was to have been there, but, as we bave seen, became involved in a collision in tbe mountain division. Tbe major hurried eastward to meet his helpmate at Pawnee, and there got full details of the crash and Bought among the passengers for tbe young man in tbe ulster and traveling cap who bad been so helpful in time of need, but be had disappeared, said tbe conductor who took Mr. Jarvis' load. The last seen of bim he was taking dinner at Ford's restaurant with a couple of cowboys and a dilapidated party who bad been fellow passengers with him on No. 3 at tbe time of tbe wreck. Then tbe cowboys bad gone one way and the young man laother. Sergeant Kearney, wbo under Lieutenant Raw son was in charge of the recruits, aaid, begging the new major's pardon, that tbe conductor and engineer of No. 8 were sure there was something queer about that party. It was believed they were all connected with a gang of train robbers. Whereat tbe major scoffed until Bawson came up and corroborated what Kearney had aaid. and was presented by the major to bis wife and Miss Leroy, wbo were not overoordial. Women learn so much more about tb«ir fellow passengers in tbe course of a few hours than do men. Then tbe major, in bis happy way, went on to chaff tbe wife of bis bosom upon her having nearly captured a train tobber, and tben Miss Leroy spoke her mind. She didn't believe a word of it At Butte, where tbey arrived late at sight, while the major was bustling about after tbe ambulanoe and baggage wagons, Mrs. Mainwaring, sitting at an open window and gazing out at the flitting lights on the platform and awaiting the summons to leave tbe car, was suddenly attracted by tbe sight of a little detaobment of recruits marching by. The young lady, toci was at a uear window, and the sergeant, catching a glimpse of her face, remembered tbe conversation be had beard at Pawnee ind her prompt defense of the absent, ind be had felt ill at ease and shame itricken ever since. What right had he to brand a man aB a criminal on the were suspicion of some railway employees? The young lady's spirited stand in defense of the defamed bad astonished the major and delighted Kearney. A audden thought struck tbe bonest trooper as be was marching by, and, springing quickly to tbe side of the car, he held up to the window tbe handsome silver topped flask. "I beg pardon," said he, " but this belongs to that young gentle- It seemed to Mils Leroy that whether these families got settled or Dot the fends never would be, and yet in less than ten days even the young married coaplea were snugly stowed away. Smiles and aonsfaine met her on every side. The men, who looked like hairy monsters at first, had shaved their, beards and donned their neatly fitting uniforms. The band played every after-} noon. Parades were fine, guard mounting "lovely.". The little dinners and: suppers and dances were just as jolly, friendly and delightful as could possi-i bly be. Many of the young matrons were charming companions. Several ofj the young officers danced divinely, all; of them rode well, and none of them thought "When I want it, I'll take it." Tbe conductor drew away with distinct aeon of another defeat. He stirred up the porter with no gentle touch. "How many of yonr passengers hate got guns?" he asked. The negro started from his seat, daaed and frightened. "Only two or three of 'em, that I see," was tbe answer. "That officer in lower 3 and two gentlemen in 8 and 9. What's tbe matter?" CHAPTER IV A melancholy set tie of wreck and disaster was tbat wbicb greeted the eyes of Mr. Gray when perhaps half aa hoar later be stepped from the platform and made bis way forward. Through some strange neglect of telegrapbio orders from Butte tbe conductor and engineer of No. 12 had Dot been bidden to side track at Thunder Gap, but bad been sent spinning on their way down grade five miles to Alkali Flats, where tbe road crossed to tbe northeast, and began to olimb over tbe divide to Bowlder Creek, and right here, at tbe end of a straightaway mile of track, tbe beadligbt of the Pacific express flashed into view. Each engineer sighted tbe glaring eye of tbe other's steed at tbe same instant Each sounded bis warning cry. Each instantly reversed bis lever, reck Jess of cylinder beads. Long bad vainly sprung tbe airbrake, and No. 13'a brake men bad spun their iron wheels for all tbey were worth, but still, with tbe fearful momentum of their down grade rush, tbe two trains dashed at each other like maddened bulls, and engineer and firemen, having done all tbat mortal could do, jumped for their lives • seooud or two beiore the crash. The lighter train of the two, (he express, had so far slackened speed that Long and bia fireman, landing and rolling in the soft sand, were but slightly hurt. The engineer of the freight, however, was tumbled heels over bead and then knocked senseless by a flying splinter. Tbe fire in an had only just been found as Gray reached tbe point where the two engines, locked deep in eaob other's embrace, stood welded together, a tau gled mass of metal. Tbe whistle of one of them, dislocated by tbe shock, was emitting a low, moaning sound, as of some huge beast in agony. The tender of the express had telescoped half its length through the mail car and the postal clerk had been hauled from under a confused heap of coal and mail sacks. Tbe mail car in turn bad smashed in tbe front of tbe express, and this, forced flat against tbe front of the baggage car. left the messenger a helpless Jrisoner within his own premises, ble to open even a side door. How the tutggage man escaped death he never eauid tell. He and his trunks were hurled to tbe front eud of tbe car, all in a heap, yet, barring damages to clothing and cuticle, be was little tbe worse for the adventure. Then oaoie the carload of recruit*. Hardly a man of their number bad a whole skin left. Tbe seats ♦fere wrenched loose, the windows were shattered. Tbe smoker, too, was a sight. Its few had been hurled about promiscuously and were still swearing When Gray got to the front. "Well, if that's a train robber," said tbe latter as be reached and took the flask from Long's unresisting band, "here's"—tbe top oame off, and tbe flask was lifted to bis lips—'"here's long life to him!" "Nothing as yet, but I've a good mind to wake the lieutenant," said Jarvis, his fingers working nervously as be glanoed about tbe car. Tbe porter's eyes were big, his eyeballs staring. "Because I'd rather soldier, man," teas t-rn'Uwa trnjnnrr leuerr He s nrst cousin or twin oiutuei to tbe foxiest gang of bank and train robbers in tbe whole country, and if we hadn't run over or run our nose slap into No. 12rigbt here at Alkali Flats I'm betting my bottom dollar we'd have found bis gang waiting for as back of Thunder Gap." And tbat these were sad there oould )De no doubt whatever. His faoe as it sank into repose looked white and drawn in the dim light of the overhanging lamp. Once or twice as he gazed out upon tbe waste of darkness his eyes seemed to fill, bis lip to quiver witb strange, strong emotion. Once be bent forward, covered bis face with both hands and leaned bis elbows on his knees, tben suddenly started, palled himself together, "braced up,"a6be perhaps would bave expressed it thrust tbe moist end of tbe cigar between bis teeth, found it cold and unresponsive, tossed it away, arose, gave himself a shake, took the flask from bis ulster pocket and passed through tbe doorway to tbe lavatory where were tbe ioe water tanks and started despite bimself. Late that morning tbe relief train came down from Pawnee, tbe east bound express at its beels. Passengers and baggage were laboriously transferred from one train to tba other around tbe scene of tbe wreck. Mr. Long, bidding mournful adieu to No. 783, asked Sergeant Kearney to see that tbe now empty flask was returned to tbe tall feller tbat talked of enlisting. "He may talk till bell freezes over," said Long, "but not till 1 see him in uniform will I believe he isn't lying, and even tben I'll misdoubt bim for a reformed train robber or an escaped lonatio." "Wait till I come back," said Mr. Jarvis presently, and let bimself out at tbe rear door. Tbe last sleeper va« dark and silent. Every curtain teemed drawn. Jarvis found bis bnncb of keys and after a few seconds' fumble opened tbe door. Tbe air within was close, almost stifling, for every section was occupied. He found tbe porter snoring in tbe smoking room, stirred bim vigorously and propounded rapid questions. Tbe bewildered darky answered to tbe point, dome of tbe young men among bis excursionists might bav6 pistols in their grips, but he'd only seen one in a hip pocket. There were 10 ladies and 18 men, be said, all unconsoioos of danger of any kind, and, as it vu a chartered car and they were out for a long pleasare trip, no doubt there was plenty of money, to say nothing of watches and jewelry in tbe party. was the first of the kipd (hat had come np the road for a month. Jarvisknew it had been well advertised. What more likely than that tbe daring fellows who made things lively on ibe ptheif road should have planned to hold np this particular train? What better plaoe could they select tbau tbe lonely, rugged, almost mountainons traot between Thunder Gap and Bowlder Creek? And if they weren't already boarding his train, one er two at a time, just as they did on  K. P., then call him a Chinaman, that swagger and stylish young pan at the Junction, "salooning the soldiers and making himself spljd Witfc them." the shivering tramp at WiUow Springs who was so promptly found and so lavishly paid for and provided for by tbe same suspicions party ("Fanoy his enlisting 1" thought the conductor: "that cock and bull story that be told Long was enough to damn him from tbe start"), and uovy these two oowboya iq the #moker—fel- Jows that took supper and left their pings at Hank's and said tfewr Vf«e going pp to fttwuep for a flier, but allowed they knew nobody there or in that part of tbe valley. Jarvis felt more uu easy with every minute. anything coming banging at Kearney drew back, startled. Long had seized the flask and was studying the stopper with keen interest. No wonder be couldn't decipher it. There was no monogram. Instead there wus a queer shaped shield with diagonal lines and odd little fignres, like tiny leaves, out on tbe surface, and above it was the paw of an animal grasping a dagger, and there was a scroll some words in a foreign tongue, Long knew not what He searched the cup of silver that fitted 011 the base, but that was smooth and polished. The red Russia leather covering also bore no mark. " Do yon know what became of that poor fellow we picked up at Willow Springs?" asked Gray of the brakeman, who was ruefully contemplating a ruined lantern. The mau looked np instantly, but instead of answering turned and glanced signifloantly at the conductor.Bat of tbis and other unflattering comments Mr. Gray was unconscious. By 8 o'clock some railway men arrived from the Gap on a band car, proving tbat the suspected tramp had at least delivered his dispatches. People were getting hungry by that time, and it presently transpired tbat "tbe tall gent" in tbe first sleeper was going back with tbe hand car to see what be conld bay and send to them, as it would be noon perhaps before the wrecking train, etc., could come. Tbeu tbe porter addressed Mr. Gray witb a message. Mrs. Mainwaring begged to see tbe gentleman before he started. A haggard faoe flattened against tbe glass of the forward doorway was peering in at him—a face tbat was instantly withdrawn. "If you want bim," said the latter roolly, "you'll have to follow tbe track live miles or more. Perhaps yoa knew tbe two that went after bim. Birds of a feather, I take it—bound for tbe Gap and a spree on what's left of that (10 bill." This was before tbedaynof vestibuled oars. Seizing tbe doorknob and laying bis flaak on one of tbe basins, tbe young fallow quickly let himself out upon tbe platform and glanced about bim. There 00 tbe lowest step, dinging to tbe band fail, cringed and cowered tbe figure of • man wbo turned bis bead and gazed piteously, pleadingly up at tbe tail stranger. A tramp beyond doubt, and a shivering wretch be was, for the night air was sharply cold. A powerful hand was laid upon tbe shoulder of tbe 4rtacbing figure and heaved it up, and tbe poor creature's teeth chattered as he made some inaudible plea. "That don't look like a train robber," said Kearney, pointing to tbe devioe on tbe top of tbe stopper. "Ain't that what you call a coat of arms, or something?""Exactly, and what's an American doing with a ooat of arms? He'a lifted it from some dook or other, touring through the west for buffalo and Indians. He's a slick one, sergeant, bnt he can't fool me. Why, he just gave himself dead away when he told me he wanted to ride up with me and Scut in the cab, pretending he was out here to enlist in the cavalry and wanted to talk with me about the offioers that were ooming there to Ransom. Yea, sir." And Long grinned sardonically, despite bit pain. "I'm very glad to hear he isn't hurt," said Gray. "You've Bent for help, I presume?" And what on earth tcat she to do with "I've sent a message by tbat tramp friend of yours, if that's what you meau. None of my crew or the freight oould walk a mile." that handsome flank? the ball door st any hour of the day to ask Mrs. Mainwaring to oome and do this or Mias Leroy to oome and see that. The ladiea ran in and oat from boose to bonse as though it were one big family, and before the 10th of November oame Miss Leroy found herself completely carried away by the life and swing and movement that seemed to characterize everything tbat went on in the old regit meat. She was on tbe pleasantest of terms with Meedames Ray, Trusoott and Blake. She found her aunt tireless aa a, hostess. Sbe admired the colonel and' his accomplished wife. She "took" to Mrs. Stannard from tbe start and wondered why Mrs. Mainwaring didn't enthuse over her as everybody else did. Sbe liked blnff old Stannard and moat of tbe officers thoroughly, and so, blithe, busy, "on tbe go." aa tbey said, from morn till lata at night, she bad well nigh oeased to think of tbe shook she bad aostamed on tbe night of tbe oollision or to speculate about tbe tall young gentleman who had restored her to consciousness and to whom she had not restored the handkerchief and flask, when tbe lOtb of November came, and withi it her birthday, a new sensation and an excitement at the fort. She was calm and collected now, and evidently ..shamed of the titrable she bad given. The young lady was seated by an open window, languidly drinking in the fresh air, a silken handkerchief bound about her bead. Mr. Gray took tbe cop, filled it, restored it with a bow to the unseen occupant, watched tbe lily white band, with its few treasures of rings, slip back between the folds, thpp proceed tbe porter, proffered hjs request for matches and asked if any pos. sibility of tbe ladies being inoommoded by his smoking. "No, sub; not a bit, sub. Tbey can't smell it when yon stay in tbe smoking room. There's only two ladies in the car, sub. Both going tip to Buttt—Mr*. Mtun waring and a" jrbung lady with ber." "Know ber pame?" "No, sub, J don't, sub- The lady with ber calls ber Pet most the time." Mr. Gray once more returned to bis compartment, lighted bis cigar and seated bimself in tbe corner by tbe open window. Tbe train still lay at the station. Voices still eoboed among the dingy wooden buildings, And a light or two flickered about the platform. The conductor's voioe wan presently b?»rd. He was interrogating tbe station agent, and Gray, seated close to tbe open casement, couldn't belp bearing. "Both took to fawnael" "Ves, both. t«eft their borses here in Hank's' stable and took supper. No, tbey haven't been drinking at all." Mr. Jarvis lowered his voioe. He was talking eagerly, but only tbe answer was audible. • * "Oh, of course; cowboys always are. Each has bis revolver and knife. But you'll see 'em for yourself. They're in tbe smoking car." "Sure nobody knew 'em around fiere?" "Certain. Tbey said they'd never been here before." Mr. Jarvis waved bis lantern. "Well, we've got to go," said be, "trot All this time Lieutenant Rawson stood aloof, his forage oap pulled down over his brows, intently eying the stylishly dressed man in tweeds. Gray became consoioaa of the scrutiny, and it annoyed him. Of the pasaengers in the day coach none were men whom he would have been at all likely to meet on equal terms in bis past. Among those of tbe forward sleeper only two or three appeared to be men of (education or social standing, and they were uursing their bruisea back in tbe lavatory. The young fellows of the rear Pullman were laughing and chatting noisily together as tbey rummaged about the wreck. The officer wat the one man aboard tbe train whom ordinarily Gray would have felt inclined to address. But while tbe uniform and the assurance of at least a pertain social standing on the par| of wearer attracted him there was that in Rawson's faoe whiob repelled. Nor was this wholly due to the faot (bat it iaoked refinement and was a trifle bloated, that the eyes were somewhat dull and clouded, but in tben) Gray read unerringly an expression of distrust, even of hostility, and the pngnacious in him was aroused at once. "We are so very much indebted to you,'' said the matron, rising at tbe entrance of tbe young man, "and both my niece, Miss Leroy, and I wished to thank you before we parted. I am Mrs. Mainwariog, and my husband. Major Mainwaring, whom I expect to meet today, will be glad to add bit thanks to mine if you will kindly give me yoor address." "I can't bear you," said tbe man in tweeds. "Come in here. You're half frozen." And {ie would have Jed bim jnto tbe sleeper, but found that the snap latcb was set—that b» bad looked bimself out. Still dinging to his prinoner, he led on into tbe rear door of the Kearney's answer was a long whistle of amazement. "You'd never have got me to believe it if he hadn't made that break. Fanoy a swell like him a-grooming horses and cleaning out stalls, suddenly lowering bit voice, for at tbe instant Mr. Gray came briskly into the car. ing blear and dim. The passengers, curl✓C ed or sprawled about their seats, were Sleeping as best tbey could. A brakeman's lantern lay on tbe door at tbe bead of the aisle, and the brakeman sat }|i a forward seat, balf dozing, wholly pooooaoiops of tbe addition to the car day ooaob ahead. The lights were burn- "I assure you tbe thanks are unneoetsary. I am only too happy to have been of the faintest service. I am awfully clumsy, I fear." said Gray, smiling, at his eyes wandered to Mist Leroy'a faoe. She was leaning forward now and extending tbe pretty white hand be bad so admired much earlier that mornings "And I want to say, yet I don't k»ov? bow to say, bow very ipi?cb 1 thank you," she her words falling hesitatingly, "and—pray, do not tjhink me impertinent, but did I not see you—were you not on tbe Rhine last May?" The dawn was so far advanced that the night lights were no longer seeded and were burning blear and dim. The battered baggage man, in no pleasant bymor, because an excursionist from tbe rear Pullman with ill timed jocularity bad asked him how be liked tbe taste of hi* own medicine, was muttering profane comment on excursionists in general and this one in particular, as he took down the nearest lamp and extinguished it Gray's tall figure, bereft now of the ulster, was outlined against tbe brighter ygbt at the rear door as he entered, and Long turned his head And stared at him curiously. For a moment, coming as he did from the outer air where it was now almost broad daylight, though the sun was not yet peeping over the eastern  tbe newcomer was not quite sure whether the dark object on the floor wu» or was not tbe engineer, but he spoke cheerily. load. "I'm blessed if I don't think I ought to wake some of tbe likeliest of tbesa yonng fellows," fte to tbe porter, "but I'U go and baveouttbe lieutenant anyhow.- "Stealing a ride, I suppose?" said our traveler presently. " Where're you trying to get to?" And with a shrug of his ■boulders be glanced pityingly at his qpaking captiya. "To PaWnee—half way over tl»e range," was the shivering answer. "I've got a sick wife there and wps beating my way as well as 1 could"— Put the poor fellow gave it up. Cold «nd misery and hunger were too much lor bim. Tbe train was slowing up again—another prairie station. Tbey had them every ten or dozeu miles. The brakeman shook himself, picked up bis and went out in front. The party in tweeds snoved his «ew acquaintance into tbe first vacant seat, swung bimself to tbe ground tbe moment tbe train stopped, ran back and tapped under a rear window of tbe sleeper, and the ■ash was raised and tbe porter's head popptd out. ' ''Let me in at tbe rear door, porter," w}d° Tweeds. '*1 looked myself out." Suiting action to tbe word, bacif be went to the forward peeper. "Wake tbe gentleman in No. 8, said be to the porter m be re-entered and found that dusky guardian eagerly, anxiously awaiting tow. People in the day cuach were less damaged, buf equally dazed, and in tbe two Pullmans consternation reigned «ttprem& The excursionists were ell sound asleep up to tbe instant of impact, and those in the upper berths bad been tumbled into tbe aisle and all tbe carload violently sbakeu. Rut in tbe forward Pullman ibo actual damage Wat greater,' The porter was groaning with a twisted back. Two of the men were badly wrenched. Lieutenant Raw- His whole manner seemed to change instantly. Quiet good humor and oonrtesy gave plaoe to embarrassment, even awkwardness. Tbe recruits brought to Ransom by Lien tenant Rawson were for distribution to those troops of the regiment most in need of new blood, and, as luck would have it, these were all of the battalion at Fort Fred Winthrop, an outlying pott eloae to the now crowded reservation of the Sioux. Thither had Atberton ordered Rawson without delay of a day, partly because recruits were needed, but mainly because the lieutenant showed symptoms of an oncoming attaok of a bibulous oharacter. and Athextern would have none of that in his garrison. Rawson was ordered northward forthwith and marSbed with his Johnny Raws at dawn next day, i and, except for tbe voice of one crying in the wilderness that tbe party had looted tbe groggery of Laramie Pete at the Dry Fork of the Ska, nothing more: was heard of tbem till they joined at Winthrop, none the worse for their wintry march. Ray had looked over the array and decided that be could afford to wait and pick for himself. Sergeant Kearney bad gdne back to the recruiting depot. The regimental adjutant bad been designated as recruiting officer at i the station and had disdainfully reject-.S ed one after another half a dozen seedy looking tramps, when one day, perhaps, "He's gittin up, sub. I done oaUed bim." And at tbe moment, rubbing a pair of bleary, sleepy, red rimmed eyes with one hand and buttoning a cavalry sack ooat with tbe other, a stocky, heavily built map o{ qbout §5 caum lurching down the *ia}@. Briefly the conductor told bis suspicions and asked what belp be oonld have in case of trouble. Tbe cavalryman was evidently a trifle bard to rouse. He seemed slow of comprehension. He pondered * bit looking dfltnbly ffom {be conductor tc tbe porter, witn eyes that did not clear as rapidly as tbey should have dona. At last be sai^; All of a sudden be {egaUpd (bat tbe porter b$d told Jjiin Mra. Mainwaring was An army lady; so, doubtless, was the young lady with ber. Very possibly the lieutenant was their escort, and the esoort was wrathful over bis usurpation of an escort's functions, to fcr at tne damsel was Gray oould not the officer's busying himself in any way to aid Mrs. Mainwaring. True, be was half stunned aud was tmtbing bruises, while Gray was caring for the very attractive if somewhat disheveled girl in the pale blue wrapper. Something in the contemplation of bis loneliness and isolation during tbe earlier night—a man without a home, the would be sharer the tbremau't seat, the companion of tbe rude soldiery, tbe aider and abettor of tramps— and the exaltation of bis present tickled his sense of tbe humorous. Had he pot won the gratitude, the alwott effusive thanks, Mrs. Mainwaring, the eloquent, if silent, recognition of a very pretty girl and now the undoubted jealousy aud dislike of an army officer? "There's some ieft in life, even now," bit grim comment, at he calmly studied Rawton't reddening face, gazing speculatively into the latter's shifting eyes queasily tbey turned awajj. The gray dawn was sheeting the slopes about them, and farther to tb% west the mountain tops looked, dim, pallid and white wjtfe snow. Fine, toft flakes weru witling down even here, ai:d Long's prediction was being verified. That faithful soldier of his country and "the road" was uow stretched on the flat of bis baok on tbe floor of tbe gage car, witb tome par teats for mattress, stifling tbe moan of pain that would have forced itself through bis set teeth. To bim came the younger soldier, the sergeant, full of sympathy. '' Jt was—possibly a brother of mine,'' be faltered. "I—I hope you'll have a very pleasant journey. Such ill luck thus far, you know"— He barely touched the extended band. "Goodby. Uoodby, Mrs, Mainwaring. They— they're waiting for me witb that hand oar." And in an instant be was battening away. "I'm looking for Mr. Long." he said. \iear he's badly wrenched. Ah, there you are. How are yon feeling?" ''At well at a man can who's turned half a dozen somersaults in tbe mud. You can thank God you didn't get aboard the cab." "But you haven't told at your name or your address," persisted tbe elder V*dy. "Oh, it't of no consequence. You remember Mr. Toott, don't you?" be oalled back over bit yboulder at he made hit escape from the car. But on the platform without the flitting tmilevanitbed and bis faoe grew gray and sad as be stopped and took a long, long breath. Tbe negro recognized tbe voice of bis roll dreared passenger, sniffed a double fee and jumped for the door. "Beg pardon, sub. Sorry, sub, bat |rp baa to lock these doors at nigbt out jsyuh- Tram pa come in moat any time if we don't" "I can indeed," laughed Gray. "I've never practiced mounting and dismounting at a gallop from a locomotive, though I've tried it often enough fuDm my horte." of thmrD in tbi« r»rt" "Yea, smoking in tbe compartment yonder,'' Following tbe oonductor, tbe offloer meandered np tbe aisle. Tbe Pallman was swaying violently now. Tbe train had reached tbe summit of tbe divide and waa rushing down the  dope af i| that became swifter every moment. Tbe lieutenant stopped at bis berth and rummaged under a pillow. Mr. Long winked expressively at Kearney, as though he would say, *'Kow watch out for a lie," and promptly popped the question. "Lestou number one, and a tough one, Darcy, my boy," he panted. "My God, what is my yame to be now?" But tbe young man smiled carelessly, hastened through the car, got his flask, aet the latch so that he oould re-enter, (UDd tbe next minute waa administering a stiff drink to tbe rag heap on the rear lett Onoe more the man essayed to tell bis story. He was penniless, he hadn't •Ten anything left to sell, but out from an inner pocket he took an old worn card photograph and showed it to his Mw found friend- " My W$f® baby," j»id be, with a oboke, "but the baby's gone, thank God." "So you thought you'd join the cavalry oy that account, did you?" CHAPTER V The —th bad been having what Gaptain Ray called a "poky" time most of uiau. I was to have given it to him, but I'vn got to return to St. Louis to Aud to the amazement of Sergeant Kearney and tbe incredulous disdain of Mr. Long the calm reply was: "That's what Vw gC-Diug to Butte for. I expect to be at squad drill in a day or two. Potsibly tbe sergeant here will be giving me my setting up," said be, turning frankly and smilingly to Kearney, "You're not getting a gun now?" whispered tbe oondflPto* warning!*. " No, only ft pocket pistol," was tbe answer as the blue blouse straightened op and produoed a half filled flask. that year, aud when Ray's usually sun- the recruiting depot, aud he's stopped uy nature clouded over something was back there about Pawnee. He never sure to b* amiss with the professional name on this train at all, but be deside of the uiau. His domestio side was flared he was coming np to Fort Ranfereuuial joy. The regiment bad known »eiu later. Would yon please give it to many a hard winter, many a fieroe sum- . bim, miss?" mer, many a sharp campaign and savage | And before she knew what to say the battle. Its long exile iu Arizona in the sergeant was gone, and there she sat old davs was fail of peril and suffering, with the stranser's flask in her gloved nana—tne stranger wbom sne couia Its sometimes desperate enoounters with have sworn she saw at Bonn and Cothe red warriors of the northern plains |^gUa #ot four months before—who ind mountains had made sad inroads (bought it might have been his brother, jn its lum bersbip. Its records of casual- who wouldn't give his name, but who ties emb-H. ed every conceivable catas- Qa(j forgottea the handkerchief with tropho— icath by sunstroke, starvation, 1 which he bad stanched the flow of blood freezing, lighting, flood, fire, rattle- temple—an unsightly relio at makes, explosions, thirst, arrow aud the moment, to be sure, bnt safely tomahawk, shot, saber and ehell A | stowed iu ber little satohel for all that, peaceful year it never fcuew from the and already searched and not vainly for any of its first waste* on the plains of * 0f ownership. Bathed iu her L'exas «, quarter century after, own blood were the letters D. H. G. ftbfB, mlrabile dictu, there hadn't even £ud what ou earth she was to do jeen. a horse thiuf to follow or an In- with that handsome flask and that onoe Man to chase until late in the rammer more presentable handkerchief was a It occurred to % band of Cheyennes to problem that confronted Miss Leroy two rid«D northward and call on some kin- weeks later, after she bad begun to feel tred up in the Powder river oountry, reasonably at home at Ransom. It was and these children oC nature uever the queerest phase of life that ever she thought of asking anybody's leave. The bad encountered. City bred,, convent —tb had been baying, *s Ray said, so educated, she found frontier ways at an poky a time at Rpasell—just drilling army port ao full of novelty and sensadrilling, drilling w» that wide sweep of Uou u tar trst explorations in foreign SNtft.. £oc tSA. or tfamdav. thev had here on the side of you, head." son bad a bump as big as a  ou the side of his head. Mia. Mainwaring, though uninjured, was so terrified as to be worse than helpless, and as for the fair girl with ber, she had happened to be awake, bad lifted (la her elbow at fhe fhriek of the whistle, fearful of ill, aud almost instantly had been dasbed against the edge of the seat and cruelly stunned. Of the freight train, the six oars immediately behind the engine were crushed to fragments, and the fragments hurled far and wide. It was from under a heap of these they lugged the fireman as Gray appeared. This summed up the damage to person aud material, but nerves, tempers or veoords for piety. The language of Mr. iarvis and his friend of the freight train beggared description. The cavalry sergeant felt an access of envious respect as he listened. Lieutenant Rawsou invited both to have a drinfc, and thin time it was aooepted. ''Pon't worry. You hCive quite a bruise Continued on Page 4. "I wish your men, these recruits, bad arms," muttered tha oonductor as they *yen( on again. Then be held up a warning band. Tbey were just squeezing through tbe narrow passage betweeq the smoking compartment and tbe side of (he ''Wait till 1 see what he's doing," said Jarvis and disappeared around tbe oorner. Presently be beckoned, and, flask in band, the lieutenant followed on, glancing casually at tbe dim form near tbe window, stepped to tbe washstand and found a tumbler, half filled it with liquor and proffered it to the oonductor, who shook bis head The soldier poured in a little water and swallowed it all at a gulp. "Yon talk as though yon kuew the drill already, sir," taid the sergeant, still unable to credit the statement, yet powerless against the gay, frank good humor of tbe civilian, "and it isn't lb* likes of you that, genially take a blanket." SVr V *LL NAT,0/y£^2| Mr of toe Globe ior f rheumatism! ■ NEUEALOIA and similar Complaints, I and prepared under the stringent m. GERMAN MEDICAL LAWS. M prescribed bj emine' i physician |A) OR. RICHTER'S (K£ p?" ANCHOR ''*33 fPAIN EXPELLERJ I World renowned! Remarkably Kiicceesfol t V ■Onlvijennlne with Trade r-',«rK " Anchor, "■ ■ F.id.Blehtar*.*.,815P»arlSC,Newlork ■ 1 31 HIGHEST AWARDS. 1 13 Buaoh Homes. Own Glasewarka. ■ S5 *«**"«• Endorsed * ricominejided bj 4.C. Qlick. SON. \| v n Ht.; J BstjI "ANCHOR" STOMACH At, beet for I --f - "Here, take another drink," said Tweeds. Then back to tbe smoker be Went and reappeared with some sandwiches. The train again moved on. The brakeman returnee], became aware 6f the newcomers and came down and ouriously inspected them. The liquor, tbe warmth, the food and human sympathy were restoring courage to the abject object of a few minutes before. He looked np without a quaver at tbe brakeman's hail, but Tweeds spoke for bim. "I found this poor fellow back here a : lew miles half frozen and bauled bim U. He only wants to go on to Pawnee, t's all right. He can pay bis fare when tbe conductor conies." The brakeman went off suspiciously to bunt up his chief and report, and tbe conductor promptly appeared.-i His face grew darker at sight of the two. He held irresolutely tbe flO bill banded him by Tweeds, and looked from one jmii to the other in deep distrust. "I te't ■niaistaml this," he said. wJb*'A m»—whwr«'d*ua stat ata*«dD'' "Ain't you going to bed tonightf" (i« o$k«4. keep your eyes and eara open, and wire after us. I suppose it'a all right about No. 12," he shouted, as he swung on the platform. '."sift. 1 used to shoulder arms in the militia," laughed Gray, "and do tbe four exercises, but I'm green as any reoruit in your party, as you'll probably find out, if you're going to Ransom. " Tbe station agent's voioe followed tbem out into tbe nigbt Kearney looked at Long, jmd Long glared at Kearny. This was simply too a fraud for the engineer's patience. "She's coming along all rigbt Suppose you'll meet her at tbe Qap. She's due there at 8:10." "You're badly shaken, Mr. Long. Wouldn't a little whisky help jjop?" said be, the cavalry ynre all Qf the old days most naturally suggesting itself. "Now," said be, "let's have a look at your man." "Due tbere in five minutes," thought Mr. Grav to himself, as be tneriitativaW puffed at his fine Havana, "and by good rights I should have been sleeping the sleep of the jnst and innocent hours ago." The train soon seemed laboring in a heavy sea. Tbe hoarse panting of the engine came throbbing back on the night Tbe huge Pullman rolled deep, first to oim lid* awhile, then to the other, as it trailed en around ths stuyrp "Do you mean to tell me a maw wno, wears clothes like them and carries a flask like tbia can't find any easier way of making a living?" said he. The conduotor stepped inside tbe smoker, feigning to try to decipher tbe writing on a card be held in hia bCMDd, but as tbcwgb tbe light were too dim, reached up and turned higher the flame, brightly illuminating tbe little oompartmeat in a moment. Gray may have bean dosing. He glamned quickly up, aa though startled, and hit tree met thoee "I don't know but what it would," groaned the engineer. "The lieutenant has some, basu't he?" It was a five mile stretch up to the Gap, and much more than that back to Bowlder, but news of the mishap bad to be sent and help summaued. It was then that Gray'a shabby tramp had name to the fore. He had been warmed, ted and rusted a* he bad nut beeu tas ft "Positive fact," laughed debonair as before. "I'm pt the end of my tetber 9* "»QU VM be. and I've come all the way out here for no other purpose." "Yes, be was the ball hesitant reply. Then the freemasonry of the craft seemed to show in the look tba| followed, half comical, ball confiding, but all significant. "B«w~he ain't the Sort of man I'd ask for tnythin^. "Why didn't you save yoor money «ftd !qu