Randall Parrish

Gordon Craig, Soldier of Fortune Randall Parrish

I had placed the lumber inside the yard as directed, and was already rehitching the traces, when the man crossed the street slowly, switching his light cane carelessly in the air. I hadnoticed him before standing there in the doorway of the drug store, my attention attracted by thefashionable cut of his clothes, and the manner in which he watched me work. Now, as herounded the heads of the mules, I straightened up, observing him more closely. He was forty orforty-five, heavily built, with a rather pasty-white face, a large nose, eyes unusually deep set, anda closely clipped mustache beginning to gray. His dress was correct to a button, and there was apleasant look to the mouth which served to mitigate the otherwise hard expression ofcountenance. As I faced him in some surprise he looked me fairly in the eyes."Been at this job long?" he asked easily."Three days," I replied unhesitatingly, drawing the reins through my hands."Like it?""Well, I 've had worse and better," with a laugh. "I prefer this to my last one.""What was that?""Ridin' blind baggage."It was his turn to laugh, and he did so."I thought I was not mistaken," he said at last, sobering. "You are the same lad the trainhands put off the Atlantic Express at Vernon a week ago."I nodded, beginning to suspect him of being a fly-cop who had spotted me for a pull."I never noticed the name of the burg," I returned. "Why? were you there?""Yes, I came in on the same train. Just caught a glimpse of your face in the light of thebrakeman's lantern. How did you get here?""Freight, two hours later.""You 're not a bum, or you would n't be working."I put one foot on the wheel, but he touched me on the sleeve with his cane."Wait a minute," and there was more animation in the tone. "I may have something better foryou than this lumber wagon. I 'm right, ain't I, in guessing you 're no regular bum?"6"I 've bummed it most of the way from Frisco; I had to. I was homesick for the East, and lostmy transportation.""Your what?""Transportation; I was discharged at the Presidio.