Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-04-11
YIK KEE,

After father died, some ten years ago,
l found that for three years we had been
living on credit. l was eighteen, strong
and we'll, but did not know how to work
In the little back room of the New Park
tenement house by the way, the landlady
seized my clothes for our rent( consid-
cred my future. had inherited q great
faith in relatives from my father, so
wrote to seven. / received six polite
notes, telling me to 60 to work, and the
following letter:
Jonesboro, Col Jacksons Ranch-Dear Nell:
I'm your Cousin Jack Your father once gave
me money to come West. I've took up land got
q comfortable home, no style or frills, but good
best wife you ever see and seven youngsters.
The city amt no place for friend ess girl. Wife
wants you to come. She'll be mother to you.
Come right off. I'll meet sou at Denver.
Inclosed was check sufficient to de-
fray expenses; so Istarted. Denver was
then only large town, and the depot a
barn-like structure. l got out of the cars
and stood bewildered among all the en-
igrants and their bundles. Some one
touched me on the shoulder roughly
dressed, broad shouldered man, with
ong blonde beard and big blue eyes.
Are you Nell?" he said.
Eyes; and your Cousin Jack"
II knew YOU" he said, as he led the
way, "by your black clothes an sorrerful
look, an them big, blue eyes, like yer
fathers as two peas. Well git the shad-
der outer 'em when we git home. Yer
father was a mighty good man. Bless
yer dear heart, don't let them tears come.
This 'ere's dry country; we cont waste
water"
Comforting me in his kind, rough way,
he reached his team, big green wagon,
drawn by two wild-looking steeds, which
I afterward knew to be bronchos. A
fat, blonde boy, about twelve years old,
held the reins.
"That's Ted" said cousin Jack. Ted,
this is Miss Nell, your cousin; give her q
hug" The fat boy solemnly obeyed.
After this he seemed to have q special
claim on my affections because met me
first. Jacks wife was q jolly, plump
woman, with brown eyes and curly hair.
She always had a baby in her arms and
another at her heels. She adored Jack.
soon grew to love the life at the ranch.
1 liked the big, hall, finished house, its
untidyness and comfort; its pleasant,
healthy atmosphere. loved the chill
dren, the household pets; shep, the sa-
gacious dog; Thad, the clever cat; the
hens and sheep; the horses, Dolly, Dot
and Daisy, that did the blowing and the
marketing at Denver, twelve miles away,
and were so gentle and kind we used to
ride them without saddle OF bride.
learned that cattle grew fat on the dry
looking grass, and gave the best of milk.
learned TO love the broad plains and
the glorious sunsets, and to watch the
distant bands of Indians with half fear,
half interest. ] helped cousin Mary,
sewed, cooked, kept the house and chill
dren neat, and lifted many burdens from
her weary shoulders. Wewere 30 happy.
The children and took long walks over
the plains, and Ted and took many
rides on Dolly and Dot, and in the long
winter evenings / told the children
stories. Occasionally Henry White came
over to visit us from his ranch, five miles
away. He lived with his old mother;
he and Jack were dear friends. Harry
needed wife, Jack used to say, winking
ut me.
One day Jack went to Denver for sup
plies. He went alone, and coming home
later than usual, Ted and / and baby
Name went out to meet him. Jack looked
sober and guilty, and seemed i'll ct ease.
If he ever drank, should have thought
him intoxicated. In the wagon was .
queer shaped heap under . horse
blanket. was sure it moved. When
We got behind the barn Jack said
sheepishly, avoiding my eye: