San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-10-12
HANDS OFF.
TINS IS ARlzoNY puckErT's CLAIM.

| THIS is ARIZoNY DUCKETT's CLAIM.
This is my claim" she continued,
sweeping her arm around, and that up
there is my name. I've got nary father
nor brother nor husband. Ny mother's
gone back to West Virginny, where she
come from, and I'm here alone. I'm
only a girl, but if you move me often this
claim you'll have to tie and carry me, for
| won't bulge only as I'm made to bulge
I've got a gun, and know how to use it.
Mebhe You don't think SO? Well-look
there!''
4 jack rabbit was scampering easily up
the nearest swell just where the cotton
woods gave way to the brown tinted
prairie grass. The rodent paused upon
his launches. his long ears pointed for
ward, and his sides palpitating between
curiosity and alarm. The girl raised her
rife and fired. In other minute Bulger
was bringing back the Quivering body of
the victim. Stirling raised his cap in
homage. half hooking. half sincere, yet
altogether graceful.
Your name should be Diana instead
of Arizony," said he. Il am rather tired,
or rather our horses are. and as my men
are scattered with your permission ! will
wait awhile here.
Arizony made no reply. The lieuten-
ant spoke aside to his two followers, who,
touching their caps, rode into the shall
low river near by and disappeared be-
hind the thick timber fringins the oppo-
site bank. Meanwhile Stirling dismOunt-
ed, tied his horse and calmly seated him
self upon a convenient stump. whereat
Arizony after an indignant ejaculation,
disappeared within the dugout. Bulger
ensconced himself like a sentinel in the
doorway. fixing his eye alternately upon
the officer and the dead rabbit.
Stirling lighted cigarette and leisure
ly awaited further developments. He
could hear the girl fiinging things about
impatiently inside for a time: then the
sounds ceased. Presently she reap
peared alsl seated herself upon stool at
the door. He noticed traces of tears
about her eyes. The pangs Of disap-
pointment were superseding the first
flush of anger. She also wished to speak
yet seemed at loss how to begin.
I've been here so long. she finally
burst forth impulsively, that I've got
to liking this place. though it was lone
some enough at first"
Did you really do all this work in Sc
cret and by YOURSELF he asked, pointing
to the rude dugout, and the hencoops
and few vegetables just creeping into
view in the cleared space behind the
cabin.
We'll. it looks that way, don't it,"
She glanced sharply at him. His face
and his genial manner invited confidence,
and with a sudden revulsiOn of feeling
that seemed characteristic of a tempera-
ment naturally impulsive and unsuspi-
cious she allowed her distrust to melt
beneath an appealing helplessness Of
manner which though ludicrous was al
most touching.
You don't seem hard, and you look
good, she exclaimed. III tell you how
it is. You see, I've got a fellow that
likes me- and he slipped in and built this
dugOut and cut down the timber. | done
the rest after he went off. I've been here
alone ever since, except for Bulger and
the chickens. was going to stay til
the land was opened up, then I'd be here
and hold my claim. But now you're here,
and the cake is all dough again. I've
got no more chance than blind MAYER
lex for home or anything else"