Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-06-19

a-'nihk SO, he then added in an un-
dertone. Barb, bring me the lamp"
she did as requested, but he could not
nnd the flask. He carefully scraped
away the snow, looked behind the
w,oodpile, and exclaimed. Damned, il
IN amt gone" His astonishment
mingled with anger was plain. He
cast a sharp, meaning look at the.
child. She returned his gaze and said
slowly, "wot's gomez"
He smartly flung the umbrella on
the woodpile, put the pistol in his
pocket and proceeded to the kitchen,
saying bit sternly to Barbara.
come in"
Captain Jim at once turned to Annie
who was doubled up on the chair, do
ing her utmost to control and con-
ceal the wild fit Of laughter that had
seized her. He believed she was
scared tew fits" His stern, fixed ex-
preston of countena nee relaxed, soft
ened, and gave place to anxiety.
My immaculate Annie" he en-
dearingly exclaimed. 81 'low'd it wud
come night prostratin' you" He
tenderly lifted her up, carried her
across the room and gently laid her on
the lounge. Then thrusting his hand
in his vest pocket, produced silver
dollar. Barb, go tew the highest
drug store fer some brandy" so say
ing, he laid the money on the table.
Barbara replied, must go tew First
street. Aint no drug stores out this
way. Want me to 60 now?"
"Yes," answered Captain Jim, can
git back quick as you kim"
rin ~,
picked up the coin from the table,
"1'll jist git my coat an fly"
Barb" exclaimed he, fixing his eye
meaningly on her, ga two-legged crit
ter played thet game on me-"
Must a-bin one Of them cou-jars,"
responded Barbara.
Mum! understand" cautioned
Jim, at the same time he slipped a
four-bit piece in her hand. "Thet's
fer Christmas sweets, you an the
chillun."
Barbara smiled her sweetest and
exclaimed, "all right, papa, mum air
the word" She then fastened to the
bedroom for her coat.
Captain Jim then removed the skirt
from around. his neck and laid it on
a chair and placed his hat on top of
it. He then placed his hand on An
MES forehead, and exclaimed, my
poor darlin'."
Annie opened her eyes, sat up and
said, ooh, Jim, I'm so glad you are
safe"
He was so pleased that he at once
sat beside her. "Your own Jim be
alive yet, my dear"
'I was so frightened. You will not
go away just yet, will you?" appealed
Annie, as she again averted her face,
fearing another burst of laughter.
He pressed close to her. The invi-
tation to stay a while with this fasci-
mating creature was rapture itself. He
answered with enthusiasm: annie,
I'd be a-stayin' with you till resurrec-
tion day If you'd let me. shud
a-think so." And he gently encircled
her waist with his arm.
ooh, Jim, you are so good and
brave, 1 do not know how to thank
you"
Jest give me one and I shud
think you thanked me thousand
times tew much" he replied, leaning
over for kiss.
She suspected he would attempt to
snatch one, and was not deceived, but
she forestalled him by artfully lifting
small phial, so that it accidentally
rubbed against his nose.
He was Immediately seized with a
violent fit of sneezing. Upon partial
recovery he said, annie, thet be
powerful SMELL
Annie repressed smile and explain
ed, "only ammonia, Jim, my head
athes So"
Barbara, having meanwhile entered
from the bedroom, was a witness to
the little checkmating move by her
mother. She softly coughed.
Ma turned quickly and exclaimed in
a surprised tone, Barbara"
The child replied pertly, "you
needn't 'pol-i-gize old gal"
Ma frowned and sharply rejoined,
Barbara, how dare YOU She howev-
er, quickly altered her tone, for she
saw the child was dressed to go out,
and, with unexcelled artfulness, said,
why, where are you going?"
The answer appeared to astonish
her, for Barbara replied stiffly, TASK
dad number two" nodding toward
Captain Jim.
A dead silence ensued, which was at
length broken by Jim coughing. He
turned and discovered Annie looking
askance at him, now, don't you be ask
in any questions, dear" anticipating
her speech and speaking in his most
suave and affable manner. "Thet be
my affair. You jest go right on,
Barb" and he waived his hand for
her to go.
"Tm a-movin' gov'nor," replied the
child.
"T am afraid to let you go alone.
Wild animals about, too" said ma, and
she looked at Jim. Il
But Jim did not heed the hint and
remained discreetly silent, with his
eyes cast to the floor.