The San Francisco call., 1904-11-16


bis fences and over his few scat
tering cattle. and then returned to the
object which had brought him to the
door-the mail wagon.
The six dugouts and store in sight,
and a few more isolated dugouts De-
low the horizon, comprised Cattleborro,
dignified with a tri-weekly mail ana
having RyIand, as the most literary
man of the community, and the recipi-
ent Of the bulk of the mail its custo-
dian.
AS the wagon drew near he saw that
it contained a second occupant, and
presently that the second occupant was
a woman. Then the wagon drew up
in front Of the dugout and the woman
descended, disclosing herself to be
scarcely more than q girl, and such
a girl as Cattleboro had never seen
before. Ryland made a quick step
forward, the pleasure on his face min
gled with a good deal of wonder.
Where can find a hotel, sir7 Is the
schoolhouse near? VIII you be kind
enough to direct me to Mr.. Ryland's?"
the girl asked, almost in breath.
Ryland's wonder became sudden COM
prehension.
You are Miss Collinwood?" he
said.
Yes, sir"
'Well, suppose you step into the dug
out moment I will get the mail and
then come in and explain. am Mr..
Ryland"
a.. Outside the dugout was like the
others of the country; within the SINH
larity faded. Skins and Indian blank
cts concealed the rough walls, and
there was a profusion of books and
periodicals. The girls eyes flashed
friendly recognition toward some or
the titles: then Ryland entered with
little package of letters and papers
in his hand and with a troubled look
on his face.
I'm sorry you didn't wait for me
to write again." he said. THE fact is
we haven't any schoolhouse yet. The
boys are busy rounding up and brand
ing their cattle just now and so it's
been put off. And-er, there isn't
hotel or boarding in the whole
country. The only thing I see is for
you to go TO the Rikshons' dugout,
only a quarter of a mile from here.
1 think they will be able to squeeze a
room for you; and they're good peo-
pie, though Mrs. Rikshon cannot speak
word of English. My idea was for
you to board with Stanley, but his
wife is East just now and they won't
move into their dugout under month.
Why didn't you wait until 1 had some
thing definite to writer" pathetically
The girl laughed.
Il suppose it was because I liked
your letter describing the country" she
replied. II wanted to take vacation,
and it occurred to me this would be
just the place. I could see the people
and get some idea of what school du-
ties are. You see, this is to be my first
attempt at teaching. AS to the Rik-
nicely together"
Rylands face showed his relief.
Then it will be all right" he de-
clared. I'm corral-can the men to-
gether, and we'n put up a log school
house for you just as soon as their rush
work is over. We've already selected
a fine clump of trees to build under.
And in the meantime, If you wish, we
can arrange for you to teach the chill
dren out of doors, under the trees.
There will be no rains at this season"
THAT will be delightful" she cried,
eagerly; only" her face falling a lit
tie, II haven't secured the position
yet"
Il give it to you now
Without examination?
He looked embarrassed, then
laughed.
why. yes, think I'd better. I don't