Gordon Craig, Soldier of Fortune

E-text prepared by Al Haines

Author of My Lady of the North, My Lady of the South, Keith of the Border, When Wilderness Was King.

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 had noticed him before standing there in the doorway of the drug store, my attention attracted by the fashionable cut of his clothes, and the manner in which he watched me work. Now, as he rounded the heads of the mules, I straightened up, observing him more closely. He was forty or forty-five, heavily built, with a rather pasty-white face, a large nose, eyes unusually deep set, and a closely clipped mustache beginning to gray. His dress was correct to a button, and there was a pleasant look to the mouth which served to mitigate the otherwise hard expression of countenance. 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.