Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-10-10
fcoptinusd from flr.t pase !

hill ended abruptly in level reach of
sand, along which we could canter for a
couple Of miles.
The sunset colors were fading from the
high peaks we had lett. but enough light
fingered on the fiat to give brilliant hues
TO the rocks which lowered over our heads
or lay like fallen giants in our path. while
tar out TO sea. beyond the shadow of the
shore, str, tched long streak of amber
l rode that way twice week, as rule,
sometimes oftener, but never do | remepn-
her to have met a living creature to ex-
change goodnight with till this particular
evening, when no sooner had Sprightly
started at weary canter over the fiat than
pulled him up short in sheer amazement
for there In front was a fellow dressed like
picture, riding at a foot pace just in the
direction we were going in too.
"Who in the deuce can it be ?" was nv
first mental observation. Ten to one it's
some new chum come to spy out the land !;
though I'll answer that chap don't know a
sheep when he sees it,"
As neared my unconscious friend.
TOOK in the fact that he rode his horse like
gentleman that his saddle, bride and
saddle-bags were new and glossy; that.
in fact. from his jaunty wideawake to his
English-made boots, he was new chum.
Riding up along side, ] observed white
collar and pair of dogskin gloves. which
removed any lingering doubts as to the
fact.
''Good evening, mate" | called ont E,
when got up TO the stranger; ''going
far to night?"
mot much farther, hope.r he an
swered, turning face of almost girish
beauty upon me, and slightly raising his
hat. "But that is question should like
to ask you that is if you know this part
of the country we'll"
'.Lived here these six years. and know
every corner a sheep can hide in" re-
piled rather grimly, contrasting his high
bred accents with my own colonialisms.
"Ah! then you can tell me. Where is
this Wyke Station ?'
"This Wyke Station" replied, in my
crustiest manner, ''is where hope to be
eating my supper in half an hours time.
And pray, sir, what may be your business
there ?''
The new conner turned to look more
closely at me.
"Why YOU must be--of course you
must be-Mr. Ralph Westcott; the very
man am going to see."
81 am Ralph Westcott. 3" rejoined, see
ing he paused. as if expecting me to say
something.
II thought so. Well, am Fairfax
Clint. How dye do? am awfully glad
to meet you on this dreary and intermina-
bid mud-flat." So saying. he extended
his hand with such cordial gesture. that
felt ashamed Of my bearish manners,
and gave him hearty grip.
''Didnt the governor write and tell you
was coming out ?" he asked, as we re-
sumed our journey.
Several mails back he wrote that you
mi ght possibly be sent out, but l never
heard anything certain"
''Oh well, you see, Wescott, the gov
ernor Is getting old, and closer and more
suspicious every day. Lately he won't
even allow fellow an opinion of his own.
So one fine morning | got marching. OF
rather sailing, orders. and here am"
All this was said in the same quiet.
rather bored manner which had set my
back up before; still ! could not help
softening to the boy, when looked at his
face and saw how unfit he would prove
for station life.
Clint, now You are here ?" | asked after a
pause.
''Doe Oh. nothing that know Of !
suppose l shall stay with you till get or
ders to start again. I'll go about with
you. unless you don't want my company
and suppose must write report for
the governors benefit every month, in
which hope you'll help me-"
He laughed as if there was joke some
where. but for my part felt rather put
uyo a hab u for
me to take in tow, and vet all the time he
was my BOSS. 'and had to report on my
management. II was bit of an auto
crat on my station. and resented this
Fairfax Clint seemed to guess what |
was thinking. "Look here. Wescott." he
said touching my horses neck with his
whip.and speaking in more manly and
earnest tone. which / liked better, "my
fathers all wrong in this business. What's
. the use Of his sending me out to overlook
bis runs, when l know less about them
than child; but that's no business OF
mine. and still less of yours. Let us be
friends while we are together. Forge,
that my name is Clint at all Call Inc
Fairfax. and fancy me new hand you
just picked up to black your boots and sad
die your horse. l can do both assure
you."
All the while he had been speaking we
had slowly climbed steep hill, clothed
with white Towering manuka and fern.
As he ceased we reached the summit, and
began to descend on the other side, so my
only answer was to point out the stock
yard in the valley at our feet, fanked by
a single-storied wooden house.
"There's Wyke Station. I've lived here
for six years, and am glad to welcome a
son of the firm to it,"
That's kindly said," he answered
gravely. falling back in the narrow path
"l'Il follow you and trust that this brute
Is sure footed"
We reached the stock yard, and tied up
our horses. the dogs rushing out to well
come US. and Tom, the cook, opening the
house door and showing warm glow oil
freight.
Come In, Mr.. Clint, said. and he pre-
pared to rough IL. This is the kitchen
here's the parlor, which is drawing-room
smoking-room and feeding-room all in
one; you see there is no lack of dry wood
here, SO we have good fires here's my
bedroom; and yonder room shall be got
ready for you by the time supper's over.