The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-08-30


in town in the same building with his
tinshop and harness salesroom.
Jed was aswidower and had a daugh-
ter. Tall, broad, big footed, red hand
ed, she had withal such a hearty,
wholesome, sparkling face that one
readily overlooked the weak chin and
the docile temper, unsuited to the ex-
igencies Of a cowboy country. Crit
tiers ought to besa little bit self-minded
on range,Y the teamster said.
Plenty of9cow punchers and broncho
busters hung around to WOO the buxom
Sally, but Chaparral Harry would
have had az cinch in the outfit had 1t
not been that old Jed bucked and
snorted every time the young fellow
came in sight.
One day court had to be held at
Willows, and Jed departed early. The
puncher from the Chaparral moved
upon the scene Of his affections ere the
day had far advanced, and during his
stay the other lads, beholding the evil
dences Of his branding iron, kept aloof
About dark he had completed a scheme
with the girl. Together they rode forth
toward Willows, and hating where the
river they waited.
Old Jed, with the costs of the trial
in his Clothes drove spokingly home
ward. Presently his horse was jerked
back until he almost squatted in the
harness. Then q voice commanded,
Throw yer hands up!''
Two figures, one armed and persua-
sive. doomed up. Old Jed's hands got
white and bloodless, and up they went.
I'VE amt goin to rob you,'' said the
voice, !" but we want you to say them
marryin' words putty fast, so sputter
EN- up at gallop.''
Tibet you, Chap'reu?" chartered the
old man.
Yep
"Ain't tibet my gel?''
That's what, but don't you mind.
You go ahead mighty quick, or your
names mud"
Sally, you amt going fer to merry
tibet wildcat?" the justice blurted
''Yees, am, though" she replied.
You get a move on, judge. We amt
got no time fer foolin'." Harry inter-
jected. Il
Nader than asmaverick, yet power
less, the justice really felt constrained
to comply with the orders.
He sizzled out the words, however. as
If the official throttle were only about
half open, and working badly
Guess you kin move on home with
out kissin' the BRIDE" the cowboy re-
marked when the thing was over, and,
tossing a gold coin into his parent-in-
laws lap for fee, he soon prevailed
n rs
his way 20 ?.
across the valley to Scraggs ranch.
About week later, in the evening.
two men could have been seen shadow
ing" the approach to the ranch last
mentioned. One was Justice Higgins,
the other Mosquito JIM" or lust
"Skeete JIM" to boil his name down
trff1e. Both had revolvers. adult
size, ready for use.
The patience of the waiting twain
was rewarded about 9 o'clock, at which
time Mr.. and Mrs. Chaparral Harry
hove in sight. And it was very easy
to get the drop on the preoccupied
couple.
Nov, dang you. put your own paws
up" said the justice in an official tone
Of voice
Paws being duly elevated, "Skeeteo
went forward and took away the arsen-
al worn by Harry.
Court will come to ORDER said the
old man. "Slzeeter Jirn-or James-do
you know defendant, Chap'rell Harry"
"Thet's what"
sHez he bin guilty Of unconstitutional
misconduct"
Yep, he hez."
Them grounds is hereby declared suf-
fcient, an the jedgment an decree of
this here court Is FER full an complete
devorce of said. defendant from said
Sally Higgins Andi said defendant is
hereby warned to sit out of this here
county an jurfsdE tion forthwith an
immejitly, If not sooner"
Thereupon the old man hauled his
daughter across the starlit country,
divu1ging on the way some exceedingly
interesting and .therftofore unheard Of
interpretations Of the great and
glorious constitution of the United
States" to his awed and silent daughter.