The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-03-24

say he'll get well and be stronger than
ever. We got this land real cheap
through the agent, and it's all paid for
and enough over to bring me out and
get some sort of shelter and start In
cattle. I thought I could buy sope
calves cheap, and I'll hire some break
ing done and raise some grain and get
chickens. They'll come out as soon as
We get enough to bring them. hope
it won't be long, I'm 80 anxious about
Tom" There was a thrill Of apprehen-
sion In her voice. "He coughs bad at
times and some days can hardly get to
his work. Annie, bis wife, goes in bis
place part Of the time and makes him
rest off and stay with the children: I
must get them here as soon as posst-
| ble."
"Yes, he needs to come" Lee said, re-
sarding her with q sort Of amazement.
"And look here" Batnbridge put In,
"we'lI put up your shanty and do your
breaking, and It shsn't cost you any
thing. We always do that for our new
neighbors, and I guess we can rustic
up some calves for you, and you return
them when you're all here and your
herd grows"
The tears rushed to her eyes, and she
exclaimed: "Oh, what big hearts you
have out here In this big country! III
be the best neighbor you ever had.
There's lots can do for you II you are
alone"
Eyes, ma'am; I reckon there fs," he
said awkwsndly, a wistful pity min
Cling with the embarrassment IN his
/ face.
he strolled away presently, and Lee
followed In obedience to q sly sign, snd
she relapsed. into dreamy contempla-
ton. her heart warm with the kindness
of these new neighbors.
"Look here" cambridge said savage
" when they were out Of sight, III you
let it out I'll kill your
'sThats right" Lee assured him.
"Whats a beggarly quarter section
anyway? I'd cut 'em OF that much
and welcome"
sBut it's already cut of Of mine"
Bainbridge bristled jealousy. THAT
rascally blackguard! This Is only one
Of the many pitiful cases Of bis thiev-
| ing. But they've dropped right on to
their feet! I'll fix it so they'll never
know"
Lee grayely shook his hand then
hurst out: But Lordy, Lordy, the In
nocence Of it! Cattle raising on quar-
ter section, and all the rest Of It
them's the kind that fstten the rascals.
But she's good! Eve got good WON
an. know one when see her,"
Eyes, she's good" Batnbridge assert
ed absently. Makes you feel like Sun
day morning. and all the bells ringing
"Ho, ho! must tell Ellen that. She
says you're born poet and only need
a good woman to bring it out"
Reckon I've found her," cambridge
grinned sheepishly, turning away.
The moon was dffusing mellow
daylight when he returned from long
| walk in communion with himself. He
found her still on the porch and sat
down In awkward silence. Then be be-
gan abruptly: Don't be frightened,
Miss Burton, at what I'm going to say.
My heads level; anybody round here II
tell you that. I always know what
want, and We do things quick out here.
Once when I was young was going
to be married, but she died." BE paus-
ed an instant. "Since that never
found any one wanted till right now,
-and-I'm waiting to be married
any minute you say 80. II it's too quick
I'll keep on waiting. but I'm not going
to let anybody else have you"
Mercy" she gasped In helpless sur
prise, but with appreciation Of his
sturdy manhood cleaning in her eyes:
II mean anybody out here,' he
amended. "Of course If there's one
back there I'm outr'
She shook her head, her face one
vivid flame.
"Well, then, I think you can trust
| me-" He leaned toward her coaxingly,
his strong hand swallowing hers. TON
and Annie and the kids II be our next
door neighbors, and If you get tired OF
me you can go back to them" His
eyes twinkled.
She was still silent, and he went on:
"We've been together several days and
have pretty good notion Of each other
and I'll feel like the bottom lad
dropped out Of everything If it isn'c a
CO."
IL guess it's a go" she STAN
mered.
"Glory" be exclaimed, taking posses
sion Of her. "And see here-Fm going
to telegraph money to fetch my broth