The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-04-10
FATE OF THE AUSTINS.
BY GwENDoLEN OVERFLOW.

-
Whose place is this?" I inquired @
a man who was digging ditch near tn
water trough.
He stopped his work, and looked u,
and pushed his sombrero on the back o
his head, giving sigh and passing hi
hand across his brow. 1T is the Circle
A ranch. 1t belongs to Everette Austin
Can be of service to you?"
"E-eh-well, yes; at least the Dos.
can. I've lamed my horse, and as Tn
a small matter of so miles from m,
destination, can't walk it in this
weather."
1T is rather warm" he assented.
Slightly. Is Mr.. Austin in, or any.
| where aroundY'
Hes not in, but he's around. Tn
Mr.. Austin"
"Oh! indeed. Well, am Mr.. Brant.-
William Il. Brant-Mr. Austin, and 1
must ask you if you can let me put
up my horse until it's foot is rested, or
until find some way of getting to
Miles City?'
Mr.. Austin stepped forward, lifted
the ragged sombrero, and put out his
grimy hand. TIN happy to meet YOU,
Mr.. Brant. I am sorry can't call a
man to take your mount, but if you will
turn him over to me, I'll stable him and
attend to his foot, and you can go up to
the house and ask Mrs. Austin to make
you comfortable. The men are all off
on the range"
It'll go with you," answered, and
we set off to the barns.
They We're beautifully kept, as few
but Englishmen keep their stables, and
l was glad that my weary steed should
tie so well installed. saw in moment
that my host was accustomed to being
his own veterinary surgeon. It puz-
zlcd me to reconcile the fact of his man
nal labor and ragged working clothes
with his large possessions, his perfectly
appointed stable, and his yet more per |
feet language, so Enthusiastically British. |
'or | was new to Montana and its peo-
Die; though not tendcrfoot, by many
Years of Arizona experience.
The doctoring of my horse finished,
Austin led the way to his house-a long,
ow, implanted board structure, set up
foot or so from the ground on posts.
There was wretched attempt at bed
( flowers near the door, but the sun and
lind gave it small chance of success.
! few stunted petunias, struggling
inc of mignonette, and several bushes
f sapless red and pink geraniums were
Il that rewarded evident patient care.
[y host was not communicative, nor
id he expect me to be so. started to
i've him reference, but he cut me Off
y changing the subject. In a moment
ore we had gone up the steps and stood
4 the porch, which boosted of neither .
,of nor railing. Austin handed me
,ather duster, and we brushed the
hite dust from our boots. Then we
ent in.
''Sit down and will announce you to
rs. AUSTIN" he said, with no apparent
of the incongruity of the :.
nguage and his attire. 1t was tidy
tile drawing room-as 1 did my host
e honor of calling it all through my :
sit-with some well chosen eolored .
ints from English papers on the rough .
ard wall, clean white curtains, a few :;
ne chairs, and box covered with
etonne, which served as divan.
ere were no new books or papers, but -
e old and much-used ones were of the "a
st. There was a pot of wandering "
W" in the huge fireplace, which made a
cry pretty effect. a. a.
was just looking at my travel
ined countenance in small mirror,
en- door opened, and Austin, hold -
it back, stood aside to admit his >"
e.
We are very glad to see you, Mr..
mt" she said, with the most delight
of well-bred English accents. "Mr. :,
stin told me of your accident. 1 am n
ry for the horse, of course, and fer -,
il you had need to make haste, but
ourselves it cannot be looked upon Oh
misfortune" a.,
Your husband has treated the poor .
nal so slsillfully that fancy may n
mise not to.encroach upon your hos
lily very long" he,
Please put aside the idea that you are !
or may not be, welcome. We are MIA
4 happy TO have you." frc
Tow, Brant," said my entertainer, dul