The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-02-09

'chaps" that encased his neither limbs were
sufficiently chafed and abraded to proclaim
their wearer no carpet knight; his high
beeIed, fancy. stitched boots were tight almos
to bursting and, therefore correct and satisfy
ing; and the spurs that clinked and tangled a.
his heels had been secured till they shone like
silver.
The holster at his left hip hung agape, and
even the smallest boy in the settlement knew
that the City Marshal removed the weapons o
only such bold spirits as were known TO have
prediction for shooting up the town.
Mr.. Cronk had but few moments before
emerged from Jurnigans "Torsorial Parlor .
with his hair ashine with odoriferous unguent'
and the bronze of his cheeks standing out
warmly against the white waste of corn rich
on his freshly scarified jaws.
The markings on the pinto horse he bestrode
were large, clcan-cut patches of contrasting
chestnut and white. The animal had been
groomed TO a nicely, and would have been
noticeable anywhere. He was an accommodate
ing beast as well, for, Immediately upon turn
ing the corner around the Occidental Hotel, he
had bucked in way that gave Mr.. Cronk am
pie opportunity for displaying his horseman-
ship for brief two minutes.
And during those moments Shorty had
caught the fash of a pair of swapping black
eyes at one of the dining room windows Then
the pinto unbent his taut back and dashed
down the street. But in spite Of the festal fig.
ure he was cutting. Shorty Cronk was not at
peace with himself as he dismounted in front
Of the postoffice and entered the building with
the very proper tottering swagger Of the high
heeled cowboy.
A lady was trading at the news and stationery
stand that occupied the front part of the post
Office room. but in a moment the clerk was at
liberty and approached Mr.. Cronk with saluta-
ton and inquiry. The lady was lingering over
the slender stock of lRced-paper and pulled val
entines. Shorty looked helplessly at her for a
moment and then catching sight of display of
tobacco said shortly.
Gimme a see gar"
He paid 25 cents for two Pride of the
Range" cigars. On the cover of the box from
which they were drawn was gaudy Autograph
representing blue-haired maiden mounted on
asnorting pink andy yellow pinto horse in the
act of SO suddenly checking with lasso the
mad career of a bronze-green steer that the ar
fist had been able to catch the animal In the
attitude of standing on his head.
"Huh!" vouchsafed Mr.. Cronk, after light
ing one of his purchases. "Tollable fair see
gar"
Finest In the land!" answered the clerk
Be Ii recorded that the own brothers of the
"Pride of the Range reposing in the adjoining
box, though originally costing exactly the same
as the Pride" were regularly sold at FIVE
cents each. but the box which contained them
bore no Autograph. IT'S fine feathers that
make fine birds.
well. how goes it, Shortly" asked the
clerk. genially.
"Aw, $3.50, JIM" answered Mr.. Cronk,
floomily.
At this moment the lady went out.
Nothing else for you, reckon, Shortly"
questioned the clerk.
"Wal. no"- answered Mr.. Cronk. "See
We got valentines -
"Surei These-nickel apiece-will stir up
the boys at the ranch in great shape"
Yep, but-wal -
The astute James at once spread out on the
counter the display of fligreed and pulled to-
kens Of undying affection.
"These are the daisies he said, admiringly
"Seventy-fv dollar, doll'n'a'f."
Mr.. Cronk viewed the display obviously He
felt very red under the corn-starch on his face
"Wal-um!n
"Awl These amt no good" said the clerk,
hriskiy. "liere"- He drew box down
from shelf Here's the dandy! Been hold
Ing il back till somebody who kne,u valentines
came along. Too dear for everybody. YOU
know. but it's q lulu Look at that, eh?"
Dir. Cronk saw a fat combination about a
foot-anda half square. of satin. gilt and tissue
paper, with the customary heart skewered on a
golden arrow. When the bit of ribbon at the
bottom was pulled ingeniously contrived
trap few open, and an adermanic Cupid
popped cut from nest of alleged rose-leayes
did not read tltcm.
Richest thing in town." said the clerk.
earnestly. Too rich for my blood" Six fifty.
In-
''P.l take ii" said Mr.. Cronk. promptly.
BE il further recorded that tie valentine In
question had cost the proprietor of the news
stand-the Enthusiastically SLIP. SELL
Ing price OF 1925 had been agreed upon, but
the clerk had taken Mr.. Cronk's measure well
and had mentally raised the price a goodly
notch while the cowboy hesitated, the N25
thus extorted being what the astute James
mentally denominated his "rake-of"
1T ought TO reach Magic City by the noon
stage to morrow" said the clerk, as he wrapped
rp The purchase. "0f course / don't know
her-not very well acquainted over ct Magic"
No, ] reckon not" answered Mr. Crouk
tirily; newcomer"
"Aw. You're dandy, Shortly" grinned
the clerk, admiringly.
Aud get that sagaeious individual knew as
wei as IL he had looked over Mr.. Cronk's
bowed shoulder as be addressed the parcel at
the desk, that the superscription he was labori-
ously. and with stuck out tongue, tracing was:
Miss Lille Blannerhsssctt, care Occidental
Hotel, City"
When tho valentine had passed from Shorty's
hands into those of Uncle Sam Mr.. Cronk felt
as if great weight had suddenly been lifted
from his shoulders. His spirits rose with a
bound and his chin came up. He could now
look his fellow man squarely in the face.
Iii, Coloneli" he cried cheeriy to the
Postmaster. How goes itf"
Same old seven-and-six," was the reply.
How re yon stacking up. Shorty?"
Way yonder! Come around to the Early
BIRD an pizen yerself Colonel"
Thanks. Shorty, but can't leave the office
now. Come inside and make yourself miser-
able"
Wal. no. reckon I'll keep stirrin'. Um-sart
These ycre letters out we're in this frame-I
swear. Colonel, / didn't think you was SO
littlei"
HARP Them? Oh. they're held for post
age. Happens every day that somebody for
gets TO put or stamp or the address"
But, Lord, what's two cents? And. mehby
they're valentines, too, Yere, gimme some
stamps, Colonel, an I'll fx 'em up. I'll play
Old Man ST. Valentine on emf"
There were less than half dozen G Sthese
in the frame. One bore revenue star i, which
bad Doubtless erSwhile adorned tl wrapper
of a patent medicine bottle. The snperscrip
ton was: Hooks a. Skinner 1871 Blind
Alley, New York"
Mr.. CroDk stamped this missive and took
down the next one. 1t was already STAMPED. and
was addressed to: Mrs William Dunnaway
Burlington, -
The of the State had been omitted
This oversight Mr. Cronk promptly rectifed
by adding Kansas" 10 the address.
The next in order Was plainly addressed TO
=" ISIS Mary lallett, Greenport, Conn.,"
This in TN rffl dul H. IL,