The national leader., 1889-03-23
"You betI" interrupted Posy.

tering the cattle country. The conver-
sation of the stage driver, and later of
Hank Btters, had not served to allay
any of his apprehension.
"W'y," said Hank, with great grav-
ity, ''some NV these yere cowboys is
plZon-plumb piZonl AM recklesSl
Wal, reckless h'ain't no name for it'll
They re bad!''
His auditor shivered.
kill mani Jest as quick as to
eat! Durn sight quicker, some of 'em
I've knowed"-
He paused and gazed thoughtfully at
the tall hat of his companion.
"I've knowed 'em to shoot states
man jest fer wearin' plug hat.''
"My starsl" shivered the passenger.
''Knowed wuss'n that. WY, out on
the Soap River range"-
And Hank Bitters luridly pictured
the depravity of the cowboys of the
Soap river region.
'But surely they would not harm
me-" quavered the passenger, ''if they
were appraised of my identityp'
Which?"
eff they knew who I was.'
''Mebby they'd let you off easy,'
consoled Hank.
"And when we do come in contact
with them, you will do your best to
defend yourself.''
'sI'll do what kin, "returned Hank.
''But it's mighty finnicky business.
And so he worked upon the fears of
his passenger til the old gentleman
gazed apprehensively about, as if he ex-
pected to see a dozen fierce cowboys
leap from behind every bush, to make
of his person an impromptu revolver
target. He was nearly ready to cry
out with alarm when, as they emerged
from the timber. he beheld Santa Fe
and his comrades careering towards
them. The yells of recognition with
which they greeted Hank, while still
rods away, sent great thrill Of terror
through the old gentleman.
''Tell them who amp he whisper
ed, hoarsely. "Tell them am man
of peace bound on an errand of mercyl"
"I'n do the best kim" returned
Hank, with an inward convulsion.
''But it's mighty risky business!
They're pizon, plump pizonl"
AS the cowboys circled about the
blackboard the passenger almost gave
up all hope.
';Tell theml' he whispered to Hank.
That worthy. with a tremendous
wink at Santa Fe, called out:
Don't be brash, boys! This yere
gents on his way to visit ole time
friend down on the Cimarron, what's
got crippled boy. AS favor to me,
don't hurt him. Names Doc Bristow,
M. D., uv''-
"WhatP" cried Posy. ga doctor?
Got yer tools an medicine along, doc?"
'Yes, SIR" quavered the physician.
''Got them alongl'' cried Posy.
"Then yer jest"-
Hold onl" broke in Santa Fe,
catching Posy's ideal. eve don't
want no botch doctor. Doc. air you up
10 yer gamer"
81 hardly"-
81 mean, DO you know yer bizp Do
you size up with the balance Nv the
doctorspn
DR.. Bristow's professional pride, up
in arms in an instant, overcame his
fears.
know my business, sir? Up with
other physicians, sir? Why, sir, I can
say, without particle OF boasting,
that stand head and shoulders above
my professional rivals-head and shoul-
ders, sill am the author of''-
He named a work with sonorous
and complicated medical title, that
conveyed little or no meaning to his
hearers.
81 performed, sir, one of the most
remarkable cures of the present cent
ury by restoring Senator Haywood to
vigorous health"
"B'ieve 1 yeared about that" said
Santa Fe. '"Lowed he'd die, didn't
they?"
Certainly! Ninety-nine cases out
of every hundred thus attacked sue
cumb. Therefore l am justly accord
ed great credit for my almost miracu-
lous cure. I'-
"Boys," said Posy, 1--WE want himl"
"That's what we do,' agreed Reddy
Rose.
AS the cowboys reached this decision
the party was within hundred yards
of Ashburn's postoffice.
| oOO, odlu ooy3 yOuu udfo w
stop yere while"
The physicians air Of gratifed pro-
fessional pride was instantly suppressed
| ed by fear.
"Oh, gentlemen, spare mel' he
Quavered. II will not wear it again if
you object to its appearance!''
"'Pearance Nv whatr'' asked Santa
Fe.
my hat-'plug,' 1 think you call
itp'
Hank Bitters threatened to explode
with delight. but the cowboys never
even smiled.
The physician was so loath to leave
the vehicle that he had to be dragged
out by force.
Take it easy, doc," soothcd Posy.
tWe don't mean no harm!,