Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-11-03

AFTERNOON, anu Ieddy was swung up on
the saddle in jiffy. But now 1t was
the big policeman who talked, while
Missoula listened In shy silence. His
maine was Jones. "They used to call
me Shorty down in the Panhandle
because was so tall" he explained,
with a laugh. "No, they don't do II
here,' In answer to her questioning
look. ut wouldn't be healthy for them.
The men on the force call me Jim.
haven't any pals up here"
Jim had come to New York with
some full blood cattle. But the attrac-
tions of the big city proved too much
for him, and after debauch Of sew
eral days he had come to himself only
to find that the rest Of the crew had
gone back, and he was left alone
adrift. There had been some hard dlya
Jim spoke of them hesitatinsiy and
with a shamed flush on his tanned
cheek.
"But then got on the force-on &C.
count of my riding-and I've been on
over year can't complain Of the
pay, and the works light enough. But
I get such longing for the sun shining
in perfect blue sky and my pony
picking his way among the holes Of u
dog town--the little beggars sitting up
and scolding at you as bold as you
please-and then scrambling down
through the mesquite bushes into a
water hole and letting him drink as
much as he pleases, and then riding on
till the sun sets as 1t never does up
here, bands Of light playing right
across the sky and purple glow ovei
everything Well, when | get to think
ing Of all that l get uneasy-like and
tired of all this crowding. Some fine
morning the feeling will be extra
strong, and then"-he laughed-"the
force will be losing one Of Its orna
ments."
Missoula was looking up eagerly. Hei
eyes were as blue as the Texas sky Of
which he spoke and wide with longing
"You will be going back, too, some day.
Miss Missoula" he said softly.
She caught her breath sharply, like
one suddenly walked from dream.
"Yes," she said dispiritedly, Il s'pose
so-when Mis- Barker's ready to 60"
The three met often after that. Ted.
dy had come to look on Jim Crow as
one Of his possessions. while MissOuh
and his master had become the best OF
friends, and meanwhile tardy spring
was breathing new life into the half
thawed slopes Of the park. Timid grass
blades appeared.
The afternoon sun shone down warm.
ly and showed Missoula engaged in re-
straining Teddy from picking spray
of the enticing burning BUSH" The
tall policeman came up during the al
tercation. AS they walked on together
he preserved an unwonted silence.
Springs about here" Missoula OBJ
served at last. "I've been thinking how
the prairie must look by now-jest one
big flower bed"
Jim looked off across the tree tops
with eyes unseeing of their delicate
veil Of leaves. 1--WE been thinking.
too," he said. land l just can't stand
the city any longer. Pm going back
west" Missoula's face paled.
"Fd have gone long ago if it hadn't
been for you, Missoula." He looked
down now and as he saw her agitation
went on eagerly: 81 won't 20 now I'M
less you will 90 too. I've been saving
money, and I've written out, so there's
a position ready. Won't you 60. Mis-
soulaw
Missoula's face blushed rosy red.
but she met his ardent gaze frankly.
"Yes, I'll go, Jim," she said. II trust
you. Teddy's getting so old now he
won't be missing me. And, oh, jim.
we'll be going back to the west togeth-
err! There was a choke in her voice.
Jim drew her to him, and 1t was well
that the path was deserted or obsery-
ers might have been scandalized by the
spectacle of one of the force who had
quite forgotten his dignity.