The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-03-22


ing n Dress Sultan Episode of
Rough Life in the Far West-Cus-
toms That Are OdiOus to the Ma
tives.
From the Argonaut.
Whose place is this?" 1 inquired of a
man who was digging a 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 hand
across his brow. ut is the Circle-A ranch
1t belongs to Everette Austin. Can be of
service to you?'
"E-eh-well. yes; at least the boss can.
I've famed my horse, and. as I'm small
matter of fifty miles from my destination,
can't walk it in this weather."
ut is rather warm" he assented.
Slightly. Is Mr.. Austin in, or any,
where around?"
He's not in. but he's around. I'm Mr..
austin
"ohi Indeed. Well. I am Mr. Brant-Wil-
liam r. Brant-AIr. 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
I'm sorry can't call man to take your
mount, but If you will turn him over to
me. I'll stable him and attend to the foot,
ana you can go up to the house and ask
Mrs. Austin to make you comfortable
The men are all off on the range"
III go with you" l answered, and we
set off to the barns.
They were beautifully kept, as but few
Englishmen keep their stables, and | was
glad that my weary steed should be so
well installed. saw in moment that
veterinary surgeon.
1t puzzled me to reconcile the fact of his
manual labor and ragged working clothes
with his large possessions, his perfectly
appointed stable and his yet more-Iper-
rect language, so unmis takably British
for was new to Montana and its people,
though not a tenderfoot, by many years
OF Arizona experience,
The doctoring of my hose finished Aus
Tin led the way to his house-a long, low,
implanted board structure set up a foot
or so from the ground on posts. There
was wretched attempt at a bed of flow
ers 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 re-
warded evident patient care. My host
was not communicative, nor did he expect
me to be, so. / started to give him re-
ference, but he cut me off by changing
the subject. In a moment more we had
gone up the steps and stood in the porch,
which boosted of neither roof nor railing,
Austin handed me a feather buster, and
we brushed the white dust from our
boots. Then we went in.
"Sit down, and l will announce YOU to
Mrs. AUSTIN he said with no apparent
perception of the incongruity of the
language and his attire. 1t was a tidy
little drawing room-as / did my host
the honor of calling it all through nv
visit-with some well chosen colored
prints from English papers on the rough
board wall clean white curtains, few
cane chairs, and box covered with ere
tonne, which served as a diVan There
were no new books or papers, but the
old and much-used ones were of the best.
in the huge fire place, which made "A very
pretty effect.
I was just looking at my travel STAIN
ed countenance in a small mirror, when
door opened, and Austin, holding ii
back, stood aside to admit his wife
We are very, glad to see you. Mr..
Branf. she said, with the most delight
Jul of well-bred English accents Mr..
Austin told me of your accident I am
sorry for the horse, of course, and for
you If you had need to make haste, but
for ourselves it cannot be looked upon
as a misfortune"
Your husband has treated the moor
animal so skillfully that l fancy / NAV
promise not to encroach upon your hospi-
tality very long"
Please put aside the idea that YOU are
not, or may not be, welcome We are
most happy to have you.
NOW Brant" said my entertainer.
Mrs. Austin will give you your room
W cannot do much for you, but there
Is plenty OF water, both hot and cold ana
mat VIII not be amiss, as l know by ex-