The Forrest City times., 1896-04-03
FATE OF THE AUSTINS.
BY GwENDOLEN OyERTON.

"Whose place is this?" 1 inquired OF
a man who was digging ditch near the
water trough.
He stopped his work, and looked up
and pushed his sombrero on the back of
his head, giving a sigh and passing his
A ranch. 1t belongs to Everette Austin.
Can be of service to you?"
"E-eh-well, yes; at least the boss
can. I've lamed my horse, and as I'Iu
a small matter of so miles from my
destination, l can't walk it in this
weather"
1T is rather warm" he assented.
slightly. Is Mr.. Austin in, or any
where aroundp'
Hes not in, but he's around. I'm
Mr.. Austin"
"Oh. indeed. Well. am Mr. Brant--
William Il. Brant-Mr. Austin, and
must ask you if you can let me put
up my horse until its foot is rested, or
until l find some way of getting TO
Miles City?"
Mr.. Austin stepped forward, lifted
the ragged sombrero, and put out his
grimy hand. I'm happy to meet you.
Mr.. Brant. l am sorry | can't call a
man to take your mount, but if you will
turn him over to me, FL 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"
"I'll go with you," l answered, and
We set off to the barns.
They were beautifully kept as few
but Englishmen keep their stables, and
/ was glad that my weary steed should
he so we'll installed. | saw in nome Mt
that my host was accustomed to being
his own veterinary surgeon. 1t puz-
zlcd me to reconcile the fact of his man
ual labor and ragged working clothes
with his large possessions, his perfectly
appointed stable, and his yet more per
feet language, so unmistakably British
Tor | was new to Montapa and its peo-
Pile; though not a tenderfoot, by many
years of Arizona experience.
The doctoring of my horse finished,
Austin led the way to his house-a long,
low, unpanted board structure, set mp
a foot or so from the ground on posts.
There was wretched attempt at a bed
O. flowers near the door, but the sun and
wind gave it small chance of success.
A few stunted petunias, a struggling
line of mignonette, and several bushes
of sapless red and pink geraniums were
all that rewarded evident patient care.
NY most was not communicative, nor
did he expect me to be so. | started to
give him a reference, but he cut me oil
by changing the subject. In moment
more we had gone up the steps and stood
on the porch, which boasted of neither
roof nor railing. Austin handed me
feather duster. and we brushed the
white dust from our boots. Then we
went in.
''Sit down and | will announce you to
Mrs. Austin" he said, with no apparent
perception of the incongruity of the
language and his attire. 1t was tidy
little drawing room--as | did my host
the honor of calling it all through my
visit-with some well chosen colored
prints from English papers on the rough
board wall, clean white curtains, a few
cane chairs, and box covered with
cretonne, which served as divan.
There were no new books or papers, but
the old and much-used ones were of the
best. There was pot of wandering
Jew" in the huge fireplace, which made
a very pretty effect.
/ was just looking at my travel
stained countenance in small mirror,
when a door opened, and Austin, hold
ing it back, stood aside to admit his