Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-11-19
CHAPTER Nv.

arty.
The Eliot wns equally distressed and
ewildered, for Bills conduct so very
nusual. had only one explanation
he usual one for any folly in that
ountry.
IL wish he had waited till after the
meeting to 20 TO Latour's. He spoiled
he last chance had. There's no use
bow" he said sadly.
But he may do something" I sug-
kested
"Oh. fiddle" said the Pilot contemp-
uously. "He was only giving Muir a
long and dance as he would say. The
whole thing is off"
But when told Gwen the story of
he nights proceedings she went into
sptures over Bits grave speech and
bis success in drawing the canny
ECotchman.
oh lovely, Dear old Bill and his
cherished opinion.' Isn't he just love-
y: Now he'll do something"
"Who? BilE"
NO: that stupid Scottic." This was
hcr name for the immovabe Robbie
Not he, I'm afraid. OF course Bill
was lust buling him. But it was good
sport"
oh. lovely, knew he'd do some
thing"
"Who? Scottiet' ! asked, for her
pronouus were perpleXing.
"No." she cried Bill, He promised
be would. you know" she added.
so YOU We're at the bottom of it."
said amazed.
"Oh, dear. Oh, dear" she kept cry
Ing shrieking with laughter over Bills
cherishing opinions and desires. II
shall be i'll. Dear old Bill. He said
he'd try to got move on to him
Before | left that day Bill himself
cane TO the Old Timers ranch, inquir-
ing in casual way il the boss was in.
"Oh. Bill" called out Gwen. Come
in here at once. want YOU"
A fter some delay and some shutting
with hat and spurs Bill ounged in and
set his lank form upon the extreme end
of q bench at the door, trying to look
unconcerned as he Remarked "Gittin'
cold Shouldn't wonder if we'd have a
little SNOW"
"Oh, come here" cried Gwen impa-
tently. holding out her hand. Come
hero and shake hands,
Eli svayed awkwardly across the
room toward the bed and, taking
Ovens hand. he shook it UP and down
and hurriedly said:
Fine day, ma'am; hope see you
quite we'll
no YOU don't" cried Gwen, laugh
ing immoderately, but keeping hold OF
Ellis hand. to his great confusion.
I'm not we'll bit, but I'm a great
deal better since hearing of your meet
ing. Bill"
To this Bill made no reply, being en-
tiroly engroSsed in getting his hard.
bony. brown hand out of the grasp Of
tho white clnging fingers,
"Oh. Bill" went on Gwen. at was
delightful, How did YOU do it?"
But Bill, who had ny this time got
back TO his sent at the door pretended
ignorance of any achievement calling
for remark He hadn't done nothn'
more out Of the way than usual"
"Oh, don't talk nonsensc,' cried
Gwen mpatiently Tell me how you
got Scottlc 10 lay you $3.50"
oh that" said Bill in great sur
prise "That amt nothin' much. Scot
tie riz slick enough"
But how did you get him." persist
ID Gwen. Tell me, Bill" she added
in her most coaxing voice.
"Well.' said Bill. 1T was easy as
rollin' off log made the remark rs
how the boys ginerally put up for what
they wanted without no fuss, and that
If they was sot on havln a gospe
shack | cherished the opinion here
Gwen went off into a smothered Shrek
which made Bill pause aud look at bel
in alarm.
eco on" she gasped.
81 cherished the opinion" dra wled
| en- Bill, while g wen stuck Der handker-
chief into her mouth, that mebbe
they'd put up Tor it the 500. and, even
rs it was, seem as the Pilot appeared
10 be sot on TO it, if them fellers would
find $50 | cher another shrek from
Gwen cut him suddenly shart.
It's the rheumaticks, mebbe," said
| DIN uuNlOuslN. - errlnle Ddu weather
for EN-. | get EN- myself"
"No, no." said Gwen, wiping away
her tears and suhduing her laughter
go on, Bill"
There amt no more" said Bill. "IIe
bit and the master here put it down"
Yes, it's here right enough" ! said
"but ! don't suppose you mean to fol
loN IL nm dn ouI'
you don't eh? Well, am not re-
eponsible for your supposin', but them
that is familiar with Bronco Bill gen
orally expects him to back up his un
| dertakin's."
But how in the world can you ge
$500 from the cowboys for church,
II hain't done the arithmetic vet
but it's safe enough. You see, it ain
the church altogether; it's the reputa
ton of the boys"
"I'll help, Bill" said Gwen.
Bill nodded his head slowly and said
"Proud to have you" trying hard t
look enthusiastic.
"You don't think | can" said Gwen
BIZ protested against such an imputa
ton. "But ! can, I'll get daddy anC
the Duke too"
Good line" said Bill, slapping hi
knee.
And III give all my money too; bu