The National tribune., 1888-05-17

"Well, he's over to Mountain Lion, an he
wants ter know eff yer wouldn' like to ride
over there with me?"
is he i'll? Is"
Not 'zac'ly i'll, but he's got a Teller from
town over there. reckon he wants you to
WE'LL l amt sure, but seems to me he's
preacher Anywise, he wants you to come and
not to say nothin' VIII l catch up that little
blue o. yourn an clap your hull onto him :"
"Thank you, yes. Oh, it's long way over.
Can | get back"
oh thatll be all right"
Helen Burton's clever little blue pony gave
the hired horse a stiff pull, and early in the
afternoon they rode into the corral at Mount
ain Lion.
"WiIl you iist hold on here a minit?" said
Jim, and entered the house, where he released
Scranton.
"Now, Plugtooth, there's a dame comm in
here and the preacher is going to marry you.
An Pm goin' to look on through the winder
Ef yer make kick or don't behave pretty to
that dame you'll get ther. ears O. yourn reamed
out with forty-fve. oavvy? ] mean it, too,
you little scoundrel. Git yer ixin's ready,
preacher and tie 'em solid and quick"
When jim brought Helen into the cabin she
ran toward Scranton and was about to speak to
him when the Rev. Mr.. Noyes interposed
Pardon me, my dear young lady, but for
the moment we will consider this rude hut a
piiNC VI hOlSuips 11CbC - wv A'A4S5f 49,
ton"
In five minutes the ceremony was finished.
| The final injunctions which Mr.. NOyes so unc-
tuously delivered seemed to exasperate Scran-
ton beyond all patience and, turning to his
bride, he said:
a hope you're satisfied fl don't" Jim
MasOn's hand dropped on his shoulder.
Excuse me, Mis- Scranton, but / want to
| speak to this gen'Tman outside. Preacher, you
| an the lady wait here ("
| He led Scranton to the side of the creek,
! where few box-elders made feeble effort to
shade its cattle trodden banks.
Jim returned Scranton pistol, saying; "Now
! I'll trouble you for that so for the preacher"
| Scranton seized the weapon, new self-cock-
! ing revolver, and fred almost in Jim's face. He
| was not successful, however, in his revenge
! his rage was uncomfortable, and his aim bad.
| Jim's reply was prompt. didn't think
! you'd try it," he said, and as Scranton was
! about to fire again Jim shot him through the
! head.
Helen, hearing the shots, tried to force heI
way out of the door, and had almost pushed by
/ Noyes when Jim entered, his face hecked with
| whitish clots, and checked her.
Theirs nuthn' thar now. You'd better
marry me, reckon, Wilder Scranton"
| Helen stood in the doorway, white and dazed
! while NOyes, in compliance with look from
! jim, married them.
Here's your money, preacher; git back tc
! town."
AS Noyes left the cabin Helen fell heavily
! on the floor. Jim wet his hand in the bucket
and dabbled the water awkwardly on her head
! When she recovered he led her TO the corral
and lifted her into her saddle.
Now, Miss Helen, you ride to Pine Bluffs
! You know the trail. There's money 'nough il
this wad to take You East; and then you write
to Jim Mason, Crazy Creek Cattle Company
and femme know wher you are so you'll gi
more. I'll see your ole man tonight an make
/ it all right with him. When you want di
yorce, you git it. So long Miss Helen."-[Ar
! g0naW.