The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1880-05-14

work or help, Glneral Chance is likely to
give it to you"
"Does he own this Valley" asked the old
man.
ole owns ever so many acres of land, the
San Benito silver mines and more hosses and
cattle, and sheep, than you kin count But
here comes one Of his ranchmen, and l will
turn you over to him."
The driver eXplaipeG the circumstances of
his freight" to the ranchman, who requested
the old man to accompany him to the house, "
and the latter patiently complied with the
request, leading by the hand a bright little
boy
They soon reached the house, a low and
struggling collection of buildings, and were
ushered into the presence of its owner tall
and ine-,ooking man, with his face covered
by heavy beard, who was seated in a raw
hide chair reading newspaper, and smok
ing long pipe He listened in silence, and
with apparent indifference, to the story the
ranchman told him.
'What is your name ?" he asked, address
ing the old man.
'John Byrd, sir"
"Where are you from?"
"From -, Indiana.
''Ahi Any family with you?"
MY daughter. Mrs. Worsha,n, and her
child
"Widow, Isuppose. Grass or naturaI?"
''Her husband is dead, sir" patiently re-
piled Byrd, although he resented the tone Of
these inquiries.
First husband or second 90
'Nr. WoTsham was her second husband.
She had been married to a drunken, worth
less yagabond, whom l was compelled to
drive away"
"Quite right, Mr.. Byrd-exactly right
What became of the vagabond ?"
81 don't know"
"Died, | suppose. 1t is of no consequence
what became of him. Then divorce fol-
! lowed"
"Yes, sir, insisted upon divorce, against
my daughters wish, and she married Mr..
Worsham, a banker. Bad luck fastened
upon US and never let go. Mr.. WOrsham
died insolvent, and one reverse after another
swept away my little property, and / was
/ forced to come out here and begin life over
again. It's hard task, sir, for an old man.
q should say so. You ought to have re-
mained among your friends What boy is
that
was weary of this style of questioning.
''Son of the vagabond or the banker 2"
''Albert is The son of my daughters first
husband"
Il have taken fancy to him. Y YOu want
home, and l will tell you what l will do.
Give me that boy, and l will give you fine
ranch, well stocked with everything you
need to make you comfortable. Is it a bar.
gain %
''Do you expect me to trade off my daugh
ter's child ." Indignantly demanded Byrd.
81 forgot about her. OF course she has al
interest in the child. Suppose you ask her
She ought to be willing to accept a comfort
able home for life, when she knows that the
boy will be well provided for"
81 will bring her here, if you wish.
''No; don't want to see any women folks
, ask Der and bring me word,
81 will ask her." replied the old man; ''bu
/ know well what her answer will be"
John Byrd soon returned, and informe,
General Chance that Mrs. Worsham had re
, fused to accept his offer declaring that sh
, would rather die than be parted from he
J boy.
D every well, " said that gentleman. ''Tha
is all l have to say to you. You may &
e along"
John Byrd sadly left the house, and it
.. owner signed to the rauchman to remain.
"Mr. Whips" said he, Il wish yo
would follow that old man. Take him an
+ his family down to Killers ranch, which
now vacant and settle them there. Suppl
J. them with stock, provisions, ard everyth
g they need to make them comfortable, and ],
me know if money is needed. Don't |
- stingy Whips, but do it up brown"
f SO John Byrd and his little family, great
It to their surprise, were settled and more tina
/ comfortable. There was nothing to troub
them but the uncertainty of their tenure al
e the fear that a new direction might be take
it by the peculiar disposition of their strani
benefactor, who would not allow Mrs. We
- sham to come near the house, saying that
t. did not want to see any women folks
IT only endured her father, but was very XIII
is to the boy, whom he presented with a fl
# pony and a saddle. For his part lie seem
determined not to show his face at the Hill
{. ranch.
Providence however, was disposed to S
% aside this determination. As he was retuT
to ing one day from a distant stock farm,
liDISt Sliltu anu JliltN lliht l4St'A tliS AAAAi
in ranch, raging him for some distance by
m stirrup. He was carried into Mr.. Byr'
G, house, where it was discovered that his ia
to and head We're so badly cut and bruised ii
it would be necessary to remove his hair a
i'll beard.
When this operation had been performe
he Mrs Worsham came into the room for
eT purpose Of helping to dress his hurts, a
fairly shTeked as she saw him.
d, albert Wakely"" she exclaimed, sis
really you?"
"a Yes, Mary, it is l." quietly replied CT
i'm eral Chance. ''If you are going to do al
thing for me, please do it without a fuss.
er Mary Worsham took care of him, and
he encouraged her attendance. When he v
stronger he spoke to her more freely.
ot MARY, did you really object to \ dive
,r- and to your second marriage 20
or eyes, Albert l never loved any man
the father Of my child, in spite OF bis gr