Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1892-10-05
BOSS OF LIBERTY RANCH

jn nc oO~s was very SICK. The men
who disliked mm, and his clever.
systematic ways, and straight, honest
dealing, and the men who had learned
10 respect and love him for his good
ness and unseltshness, were alike
worried and di5heartened over his
case. They had sent thirty miles for
a doctor, who came and went, aaI
wasn't doing him a bit or good a
low fever was sappIng his life away.
and We realized that the doctor did
not understand his case, and was not
helping him. | suggested getting
another doctor, who had a great rep
utation for his medical skill, but be-
fore I could act upon it he heard Of
It 10 some way and sent for me.
Hal, he said, holding out a lean,
brown hand, 'it's of no use. I'm 60
ing over the Great Divide and I'm
going alone. Pm not afraid Cf the
journey but want you to help me
and not hinder me. And, Hal, you
must be the boss OF Liberty Ranch
YOU must finish my work"
He made ne give him d solemn
promise that l would carry out the
plans he had made, and then he grew
Ilght-headed, and began calling for
"Clara" and "Lorer." and | went out
Of the cabin, and strong man that
was, | felt tear trickling down my
cheek III the starlight. The night
6ds so beautiful, so full of heavenly
promise, and the only being l loved
on earth was lying Just within there
dying.
He was our boss, too, the leader,
director, of this camp of rough men
hired by u big contractor who wanted
their sinews and souls like the cattle
they branded in herds. They had
fought and ri0ted and despoIled until
one day this br0wn-skinned, smooth
faced chap walked in among them,
said, ''men I'm your master" " and
made 4 compact with them for their
fealty, and saw that they kept it, too.
One look from under his level brow
brought the toughest man there to
terms. A word or two conquered an
other Soon he was writing their
letters home FOR them, reading to
them, and keeping them out of mis-.
chief
seemed TO me he was always watch
ing for some one, and / was suspicious
that he was fugitive from Justice,
always on the alert for a surprise lie
fastened the door of his adobe cabin
like a tenderfoOt, and mad to he ap-
preached like an army general in his
tent And he never got over that
way he had of looking off to the East
and listening and starting as stays do
when they scent the sea. l was ap-
prehensiye that some day he would
stampede just as they do, and We
would never see him again. And he
fid-but in d rather different way
He had been with US 4 year OF
more, when one day d couple of tour
lists rode up on horseback on our
ranch and asked if they could stay and
rest and have dinner there. missed
the boss ana went to the adobe after
him.
Company, sir" ! said when was
inside. The boss was standing in the
middle OF the cabin aud didn't look
around.
Yes, yes, -" ne said, Il wish people
would let US alone. But, Han, give
them the best, and Hal'--he turned
ghastly white face toward me-
don't let them in here"
Are YOU sick, sir?" asked in sur
prise.
YES, feel wretchedly bad. Hal,
notice what they talk about, what he |
says but keep them away-keep them !
away"
pitied the boss. and as he had |
won NE over before this time, by his |
goodness, l was willing to stand be- |
tween him and harm, but felt sure, |
more sure than ever, that he had |
committed some crime and was afraid |
OF being apprehended. l determined J
10 protect him and if these were enc |
N 6 to 20 to any length to aid him |
20 escape.
But the two strangers who haO |
come to the ranch were idlers of fashion |
VINO were on an outing with large |
company from whom they had parted |
Tor the day They had a curiosity 10 |
see our ranch, were tired, and only |!
sought brief rest. and to be left to !
themselves.
Ihey we're 4 man and his wife. She |
was faded beauty: at least she was !
fading, though still young. He WIS !
rather handsome cavalier of the |
gentlemanly typ, and he was very |
lohd OF his wife who pettlshly ac-
ccepted his attentions l noticed |
them both particularly. and remarked |
on their personal appearance. so that !
1couId describe them TO the boss !
afterwards !
when they we're gone. later in the !
alIeFnoon, l sought the adobe an1 /
!ound the boss Iying n his bunk, lace I,
uo"n, the curtain partly drawn.
well, Hal"
Ihey are gone, sir"
VINO were they?"
"A man and his wife. He is very
mccn In love with her, sir, but |
'uase she doesn't care much!for him"
An. doesn't love him. No, no.
uoble, So"
~ beg pardon, sir, but he did not
I.p1eSs Ine as noble; on the contrary,
thought him weak. The woman
sL usI nave been beautiful once but
1ow.n anu oceFlei
.ipO .u yon near what he called her?"
o,ao. ne called her darling and dear
s.. sat deal but once he spoke to
y sne nameof Clara" :