The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-25

at oratory. Derrick wouldn't speak. III
was quite willing. however, and devoted
half an hour TO the benefits of an educa-
ton. and the pride they would all take in
the kids progress. Hermann was called
on for reply, but when he got 70 his feet
and looked round at their rough, familiar,
friendly faces, the only friendly ones he
had ever known. q sense of uncertainty
Of his future among unknown people came
upon him, and he broke down completely.
ing him that the violin player crept up
behind Derrick and touched him on the
shoulder.
Was there no mail today?" he asked.
Derrick started. The boy had heard the
question and welcomed the change Of sub
Il forgot all about it. It's still in my
ssddle-0ags. III 60 fetch IT."
He ran out OF the room and soon cane
back with the letters and newspapers.
There were only TWO OF three, and one
was for Al.
Il guess its in reply 10 the one I wrote
for you, said the boy. Il hope it's good
news"
The man went back 70 mis- couch with
the letter. Derrick sat al the head Of the
table for a few minutes with a sullen, still
face, then rose abruptly and went out into
the moonlight.
The joking and laughter commenced
again. and nobody noticed the violin
player in his corner, nor did they notice
him al last get up and follow Derrick out
side.
The former partners met face to face in
the shadow OF the trees.
Il got letter" said Al, quietly, from
Nobby Jones'
The other made no reply, but stood sui
lenly digging his toe N the sand.
He tells me about it-alI that happened
while I was-od my head. Is 1t true, Der
rick-you. who was my partner.
What? Is wEat true2"
The man came close 10 him.
Did you take her away with you-my
Katie? Then where is she?'
II don't know"
Did you take herr"
can left her?'
Derrick made no answer.
In a moment Al sprang at him, and
seized his throat. Derrick. taken by sur
made no sound. He didn't speak, or
curse, or threaten. he only fought madly
to choke the life out OF the man beneath
him. But he had no chance against the
strength Of the ranchmen. II was only a
few minutes before Derrick threw him off
and held him down on the ground, with
his knee on his chest.
You're crazy, Al. don't want TO hurt
You. Let by-gones De by-gones, and I'll
be your friend"
You stole nv wife-curse you"
Let it be. m sorry for it. It's past
and done with. 1t was years ago. If I
let you up will you keep quiet ?''
III get even, Derrick, II II takes years.
I'll make you feel what it is TO lose the
only thing you love"
up"
The other struggled 10 his feet and looked
at him, painting.
I'm no match for you, Derrick. / can't
fight 10 more than | used 10, but I'll get
even"
He moved away, painting and sobbing.
and threw himself down beneath the trees.
Derrick heard a voice calling to him and
turned toward the house. 1t was Her
mann calling, ana now the lad came up
TO him.
Where did you get to?" the boy asked.
The 1ellars is goin' TO turn in, an came
10 say goodnight"
The man lying in the shadows heard the
voice and looked up at them.
An l wanted to say something else,
Derrick" the boy continued, hesitatinglv.
You've been all good to me, all the bows,
but you most, | think-an' honest, | ike
you most-an' can't tell you how CRATE
1ul am for what you are doing for me
hard. an"
Tears choked the lads voice. Derrick
gathered him up N his big arms and
pressed him 10 him. For while ne was
sllent-then he said, huskily:
Its me, an all OF Us has to thank you.
kid. The ranch is different since We took
you in. don't know how, but you made
US feel different, an teller can't be a
beast, somehow, when he looks az those
earnest eyes Of yOurn. I've been tough as
any, and tougher than most, an | was
sOrter proud Of il. Well, | amt now.
An as 10 doing anything for you. old man.
well, 1t gives me an all the bows some
thing 10 live for. An / know you'll do
the spare thing by the old G Bar ranch. an
We'll be proud of you"
He stooped-hesitated and blushed in
the darkness. then hastily kissed the lad
on the brow, and they went inside to-
gether.
The lonely man under the trees listened
70 their voices and receding footsteps.
PIney creek, its waters scarce and shall
low because Of the summer heat. trick! ed
slowly along lis bed through the black
shadows OF the night-curtained woods.
The moon, sailing swiftly among the neecv
clouds tar above, cast Intrequent arrows OF
hight through the thick foliage, lighting
the deer TO the watering places. Ali the
pain and ali the forest Of blackjack was
ranch buildings, save those of the moving
horses in the barns, and the rustic and
squeak OF the roaming rats. On the pas
lures IN the valley of the sluggish river the
cattle lay, or stood, luxuriating in the
night dews, after the Iormenting heat of
the day.
The man arose from the ground where
he had thrown himself beneath the trees
and came out OF the shadows into the
moonlight. The light Of reason had once
more leIt his eyes; he 'gazed about HIM
stupidity, and seemed 70 wonder where he
was. he stretched his arms above him
and raised them toward the sky, then
dropped them and buried his face in the
palms. Something had happened 10 him
he remembered that. What u was. his
wandering sense could not now realize
Somebody had done something 20 him.
but he was not able 10 think what. Oniy
this he felt. as he might have felt ex-
IRENE cold or huuger-he had lost some
thing; he missed something that had been
a part OF him. Dimiy ne remembered
as dumb brute might remember, the utter
isolation and terrible loneliness OF the
night Of the blizzard, when he had chased
the cattle for company and sympathy. He
snrunk from MS position and surroundings
now, because he recognized in himself the
same sensation Of absolute loneliness
only now il was even worse. Then ne had
had an uldedned hope; he had had a faint
prospect Of something happening 20 him.
There had been Z method in his wander
ings and reason TO live and 10 seek out
fe.low-creatures. Now he recognized that
there was none.
Somebody had taken 1t from him. Some
body had robbed him. He stared az the
ranch and az the forest and 10 81 the
clouds and laughed neryous.y and rubbed
his eyes. He did not remember. buc he
would soon, he whispered. II would all