Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1903-11-14

Missoula Ann gaZed across the fro
zen stretches of the park with de-
lightful sense Of ownership. The chill
wind which had deferred all other way
farers was as the breath of her own
prairies.
Jest the sky for a norther, Teddy"
she said exultantly. Seems like old
times, it does"
Teddy was not looking at the sky.
Around bend in the road came a
horse, jet black, well groomcd, head
high, while the delicate nostrils shifted
the wind, and saddle invitingly empty;
not ownerless, for a policeman walked
close beside But Teddy had eyes only
for the horse. In moment possession
would be his and Missoula far behind.
He set off down the walk as fast as his
chubby legs would carry him.
Too late Missoula awoke to the real
tiles Of her position. She broke into
frightened run, and her voice rang out
in command: Teddy Barker, come
back! Do you hear? Come back, |
sayr'
If Teddy heard he gave no sign, eX-
cept to redouble his efforts. But verify
the way of the transgressor is hard.
There was an Innocent appearing strip
Of ice cleaning In the pallid glow of
the wintry sun. Teddy'S foot encoun-
tered it. He threw out both hands and
slid forward on his nose. 1t is a tender
member, and Teddy complained loudly.
The irate Missoula was now on the
scene. Even the policeman offered his
services to restore peace. Together they
picked up the fallen, whose cries re-
doubled under the effect of MiSsoula's
vigorous shakings. The policeman in
terfered.
"See here, now" he said good ma
turedly, "I'll have to arrest you if you
make such noise Come and see Jim
Grow. You can have a ride on him if
you aren't scarf"
Teddy stiffened at the implied insult.
That's all wanted to do" he protest
ed stoutly, "only Missouly, she wouldn't
let mer'
The man looked at the girl eagerly.
"Be you from Montana, miss?" he ask
ed.
MiSSOula nodded.
II hail from west Texas myself" the
policeman FASTENED to explain, but
reckon there's much of a samcncsS
about them both"
Missoula Ann seized his hand joyful
ly. Il been watching you other days.
jest knowed you was from the west
the way you sat your horse
BY this time Teddy was safely en-
scOnced on top of Jim Crow. at does
seem as if most of the folks here made
riding Il hard matter" the policeman
said retiectively. "And it's worse for
the horse than it is for them. Why. the
ladies have the poor beasts cinchcd up
so tight they can't draw a full breath.
Wish they'd just try it on broncho.
There'd be some tall bucking." And he
laughed.
Missoula Joined in. Il believe | could
show them thing or two myself she
said proudly, "even if | amt got one
of them swell riding skirts. But jest
better not be saying too much about
it," she added sadly. Il might hey
forgot It's so long since | was on a
horse. Mr.. Barker, he got one of those
automobiles, but l cant abide the
creature"
The tall policeman agreed. Just give
me a good horse" he declared. land Il
clear road. and I'd ride and ride to-
"Crar out to the west" the girl in
terrupted eagerly. There was wist-
full look in her eyes.
BE you long from there, miss!" he
asked respectfully.
"Only since last fall, but it seems an
age" Missoula Ann said, with Il sigh.
'You see Mr.. Barker, he's the biggest
man out our way. He rules jest about
everything but his wife. and she rules
him. So when she took it into her
head to cum to New York fer the win
ter we all had to cum. | cum on count
of Teddy. Seems as if he can't get
along without me. I've he'd the care of
him ever since he was born" She
smiled up at the child affectionately.
I'm not saying but what | was tickled
over the idea. They'd been telling me
all sorts of fOolishness about the city.
But it's not bit like what | expected.
Perhaps the fault lies in me, but | fee!
sort of smothered all the time. It's bad
enough on the street with people push
ing of you out of Their way, but indoors
it's worse. Things are so awful dear
here that Mr.. Barker, for all he owns
bout whole section out our way,
can't hev whole house to hisself. It's
worse than the boys quarters at n
roundup the way folks crowd togcth-
er. But you must excuse me fer saying
so much" she broke off in conclusion
as she looked up and met his dark eyes
Fixed admirinGly upon her. "Only it's
so long since l had the chance to free
my mind. You're mighty good to listen.
But come, Teddy, it's time we were
making fer home"
Teddy did not agree. but the tall po-
liceman cut short his remarks by lift
ing him down in peremptOry fash
ion. I'm much obliged to you, miss"
he said gratefully. cts been as good
as seeing one of the boys. But per-
haps you'll be coming this way again,
tomorrow perhaps" he asked insinuat-
ingly.
Missoula Ann thought that perhaps
she might. Teddy was quite sure that
he would be ready for another ride.
The tall policeman leaped lightly into
his saddle. and she watched him with
m thrill Of Drile He was certainly