Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 32: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

22 ‘But avoiding is not exactly what the old man wants just now. He’s getting a bit peeved over having so many of his agents set upon up there—with the result that none of them will stick. In fact, to put it plain, he’s looking for a fellow who’ll stand up to the music; one who'll wade right in when the town boys start anything—and finish it for ’em!”’ : ‘Say, this is beginning to sound real in- teresting,’ said Mitchell. ‘‘ Who’s there now?” “ Relief Agent Haines—and scared most to death. The old man told me he gets a messave from Haines every day, praying to be relieved.” ‘And who’s this village hero, this ring- leader of the gang; do you know?” “Yes; there seems to be one Bode Ke- hoe that’s the chief spirit among them. A young fellow with a little money—timber interests or something. He’s a chap who’s called strong in a country of strong men, and devilish as they make ’em.”’ ‘Well, I'll see him when I get there; we'll meet, doubtless.” “Then you'll go?” “Go?- Bet your life! start?” ‘IT told the superintendent that if you were willing to try it I’d send you in to see him to-morrow morning. I hate to lose you; but it’s your chance, and if you can put it over—put a little civilization into the hearts of those young savages up at the Corners—why, you'll sure make a hit with the old man. And he’s the kind that doesn’t forget.”’ ‘Wire him I’m a coming!” said the man whose name on the gridiron for four years had been ‘“ Avalanche.” IIT. It was toward noon of the following day when Superintendent Ruff and Dexter Mitchell concluded their conference. ‘There is no hotel at the corners,” Ruff explained, after they had gone pretty well over things, “and no regular boarding place. There was a hotel, but it burned down about a year ago. There’s a little room above the depot office that’s been finished off, though, and the agents have When do I THE ARGOSY. been sleeping there; you'll find a bed in it, and a few other things you’ll need. But for meals you'll have to go to Cal Lister’s. His house and store is all one building, a couple of hundred yards from the station. His wife is dead, but he has a daughter who keeps house for him; they seem to be the only ones around who are willing to take our boys in and give them a bite to eat. You'll find Lister a pretty good sort —neutral in all the agent’s troubles.” ‘““T see,” remarked Mitchell. ‘“And about the daughter,” pursued Ruff, smiling slightly. ‘They say she’s rather unusual—something of a_ beauty and all that. Better keep away from her. That was-where one of our agents, Farley, made his mistake. This Bode Kehoe seems gone on her, and he resented Farley’s at- tentions. The result was that he ham- mered Farley to a pulp.” ‘“T’m obliged,” smiled Avalanche. ‘‘ Just a bit of friendly warning,” said the superintendent. He paused a moment, then: ‘“‘ I guess that’s about all. You can catch the train to-morrow morning; that ’ll get you to the Corners in the evening. We'll wire Relief Agent Haines you’re com- ing.” Dexter rose and picked up his hat. * All right,” he said. ‘“‘ Thank you.” “I know you'll do your best,” and Ruff rose also. ‘‘ Of course I don’t expect you to do anything miraculous; but if you can get Kehoe and his bunch settled you'll sure be doing something.”” He extended his hand. ‘“T'll make no promises,” responded Dexter as they shook. “ But I will say this: just watch my reports.” IV. IN midwinter the two highways that in- tersect at Lister’s Corners become practi- cally closed to traffic, in so far as any very extensive traffic to or from the surrounding country is concerned. When the big snow comes, and the wind sweeps over the big hills and through the valleys, the high- ways disappear, blocked and covered with drifts house-high, drifts that only the spring thaws will obliterate. Consequently the folks of the Corners, GomiGcboo SS (CO