The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1898-03-02

and saw that one of the wheels was
broken
ooh, Faithl What will we do now?"
cried Clint, as he hurried forward to
view the wreck. Bessie began to cry
bitterly.
Never mind, dears," said Faith,
bravely. ''We can get the wheel
mended somewhere.
She climbed out of the unfortunate
wagon and with Clint's assistance
began unhitching the team. Bessie,
with tear-wet face, watched them from
under the canvas-cover.
The snow storm was increasing in
power and the icy wind blew the flakes
through the long, dead grass with
sharp, kissing sound.
As the mules were led from the
wagon the sound of approaching hoofs
came through the snow-laden air and
the next instant two men mounted on
sturdy ponies reined in near the broken
vehicle. They were men of about
thirty, bearded, bronzed and clad in
the rough garb usually worn by plains
men. Broad -brimmed hats covered
their heads and brace of heavy
revolvers was stuck into their wide
leathern belts.
70 one unaccustomed to the dress
and manners of plainsmen the sudden
appearance of these men might have
induced feeling akin to terror. But
during the two years and half which
Faith had spent on the Nebraska
frontier, she had grown used to such
types of Western character.
Good evenin', ma'am," said Ike
Barclay, dismounting from his pony.
"Had a break down, see Bad iobr'
he remarked, examining the broken
wheel.
eyes, SIR" answered Faith. SIS
there place near here where 1 can
get the wheel mended?"
"Wa-al, thar's ole Berger's black
smith shop over by Pete Miley's store,
but it's plumb three mile from hyer,"
replied Ike.
Faith looked troubled
"Whar's yer men folks?" inquired
Ike, glancing around.
1nere ure no men Win us, re-
turned Faith.
"Wot! Yer don't mean to say yer
travelin alone with only them two
kids?" said Jim Hancock.
Yes" answered Faith, simply.
''We are from Nebraska and are on
our way to our uncle's ranch on the
Arkansas River in this State"
FtWa.aI T,ll ha au,;toboJpg
claimed Jim, growing a little red in
the face, as he quickly reminded him
self that he was in the presence of a
woman.
Yer see, ma'am," explained Ike,
sit seems plumb curious like TO see a
woman travelin' alone over this lone
some kentry in sich weather. But I'll
tell yer wot Jim an NELL do for yer.
If yer willin' to trust us, we'll tote
that wheel over to ole Berger's shop
an git him to fix it up for yer"
81 hate to trouble you so much, "
said Faith.
eth be no trouble to us, ma'am, f"
Jim assured her. "Ike an me was
goin' over to Pete Miley's store any
way"
Assisted by his companion, Ike
soon had the wagon propped up and
the broken wheel removed.
Turning to Faith, Jim said: "Ma'am,
it's goin' to be rough weather tonight,
an l reckon a cabin with fireplace
would be right smart better than
campin' hyer in the wagon. Thar's a
good cabin beyond thet patch o. tim
Der belongs to afrlend o. ourn-a chap
who's visitin' his ole home in Illinoy.
Yer welcome to take the kids an camp
thar, if yer will"
"pd be very thankful for shelter
from this storm, said Faith. eff the
owner wouldn't care"
Hes not one o. them kind-this
friend O. ourn in Illinoy. He's open
hearted as a summer day, an the most
go-ahead young settler in these parts, "
said jim.
Ike led the way to the absent mans
cabin, which was on the other side of
the timber from where the wagon had
stopped. 1t was a new log structure,
tightly daubed with lime and sand.
There was a snug fireplace in one
corner aud the room contained a table,
four chairs and bed. The deer rifle
thrown across antlers above the door,
and a mans old straw hat, a coat and
blue jeans overalls on pegs near the
head of the bed proclaimed the fact
that the owner must be a bachelor.
Jim soon made roaring fire on the
open hearth. Then, after he and Ike
had transferred such things as Faith
needed from the wagon to the cabin,
they mounted their ponies and rode
away, carrying the crippled wheel be-
tween them. They assured Faith that
they would fetch it back that night.
When the claim-holders, Ike Bare
lay and Jim Hancock, reached the
blacksmith shop, just back Of Miley's
general store, they tumbled the wheel
to the ground, just as Berger. tall,