The Van Buren press., 1894-12-15

pshaw! Bob would never be SO foolish
as to puff out q human light for one
little girl Ia country literally run.
hing over with the prctticst girls in
America. Not he. Anyhow, she
would risk it, and II Rem Allison, OF
the Diamond ranch, came around
ahd made eyes ut her again as he had
done on several occasions she would
encourage him just the least bit, and
then, when Bob recovered from the fit
OF temporary insanity into which her
corset had thrown him and came to
her in q penitent mood she would
throw herself into his dear arms and
tell him that she never did, never
would and never could love anyone
but him. OF course he would forgive
her and kiss her tears away, and the
sun OF love would again burst forth
and shine over them with new and ex-
quisite iuster.
Ben Allison's heart became rea! un-
ruly when at his next visit to the Dem
ton ranch Cassie met him with wei.
coming smile, extended her pretty lit
tie hand and permitted him to hold 1t
quite little while after he had got
through shaking it. After this graft
flying reception his visits increased In
frequency, and although; with great
feminine tact, the girl kept his ardor
within proper bounds, she did not re-
pulse him, and 1t soon became noised
about among the riders Of the ranges
that "Ben was sure goin' to pitch .
matrimonial rope at Cassie Benton,
an the little threrbred d soon pack
his brand"
Bob noted all this, and His heart was
filled with bitterness toward his sup.
posed rival. lie never cast the look OF
recognition upon Cassie. yet when he
would see her moving about the house
or corrals or galloping about the range
on her pretty little pinto pony, 1t be-
gan to dawn upon him that her cor
seted form was indeed far neater than
that of any girl on all the ranges OF
the Brazos. After time he was ready
to swear that he lad never seen any
thing one.half 30 handsome as that
neat, graceful figure, and the uncor-
seted girls of his acquaintance seemed
almost frightful ir his eyes when he
gazed upon their loose, dumpy forms.
He began to harbor the impression
that he had made very pronounced
fool of himself. but his stubborn ma
ture asserted itself. He had said the
corset must go, and go 1t must.
That's a 'wny-up-on-top gal scncc
she got back from Dallas; amt she,
Bobp' Allison said to him one day,
when they met In the corral OF the
Denton ranch.
You don't want to make no funny
plays about that gal when I'm
around" Bob hotly replied.
81 hain't never yit found out thnt 1t
makes any difference who's around or
who amt around when want to make
talk play" retorted Allison.
"Some things gifts found out mighty
sudden, Ben Allison, an this amt
goin' to be fur from one Of 'em. want
to tell you right now, an to holler 1t
out plain, too, that yo are nosin'
round this ranch too plenty o late In.
stead of ridin' your own ranch, an !
amt goin' to stand 1t no mo-"
"Mebbe you wouldn't mind tellin'
me what business 1t is O. yours whar' l
ride. Long as the gals throwed you
to one side you amt got no say as to
other fellers pitchin' rope at her."
"Yer a liar when yo' soy she's
throwed me, an yo' know 1t, an yo'
want to hit the Diamond o trail right
now or you an mes ago in to bump
together pow'ful hard. Jest top that
hoss O. yours an work him lively away
from here, or cnlamity's s-goin' to
occur right quick"
"You talk mighty brave fur a cast
off shoe, Bob Taylor, an you can't be-
gin the bumpin' business any too
quick to suit me, you poor, worthless
sneak"
That was the limit. The two men,
their eyes blazing with anger, backed
away from each other, drawing their
six-shooters as they went. The guns
were thrown into position for quick
work, just as slight girlish form
darted around the corner OF the adobe
stable and sprang In front Of Taylor.
Allison's pistol rang out before he
noted the presence OF the girl, and
with a scream of pain she fell senseless
to the ground. The man who had hrud
the shot fed in terror, and Bob bent
over his wounded darling, calling her
by the most endearing names and beg.
ging her to live for his sake.
The form Of the girl was borne into
the house, and doctor from Waco,
who was fortunately there, attending
cowboy who was down with the
break-bone fever, was called in.
"Is she dead, doctor?" asked Bob, In
tones OF the most pitiable agony.
mo, only stunned. Ball struck a
corset steel and glanced off. She will
be all right soon, but IT was close
call, my boy, and she undoubtedly
saved your life"
Cassie soon recovered consciousness,
and, with Joy in his every tone, Bob
confessed what fool he had been,
and begged for forgiveness. OF course
it was sweetly granted, and he de-
clared that the marriage must take
place lust as soon as she became able
to stand before the minister.
And can wear my corset, dcarr''
she coyly asked.
Wear what saved yo' fur me? Cas-
sic, / wouldn't have you throw that
awav fur a million dollars. You kin
wear two OF I'M II yo' want to-. an II
yo' say SO I'll wear one myself"-N.
Y. Telegram.
A Tablet for q King.
A tablet recently set up at Naples
| commemorative the brayest act done by