The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-03-01


get some sort Of shelter and start In
cattle. I thought | could buy some
calves cheap. and I'll hire some break
ing done and raise some grain and get
chickens. They'll come out as soon rs
we get enough TO bring them. l hope
II won't be long. I'm so anxious about
Tom" There was thrill of npprehen-
sion in her voice. lie coughs bad at
times and some days can hardly get to
his work. Annie. his wife. goes in his
place part OF the time and makes him
.est of and stay with the children.
must get them here as soon as possi-
DE"
"Yes. he needs 10 come" Lee said. re-
garding her with a sort of amazement.
"And look here" BainbridGe put in.
''we'll put up your shanty and do your
breaking. and II shan't cost you any
thing. We always do that for our new
neighbors. and | 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
be the best neishbor you ever had.
There's lots l can do for you II you are
alone"
"Yes. mann; I reckon there Is" he
said awkwardiy, wistful pity min
Cling with the embarrassment N his
face.
4 He strolled away presently. and Lee
followed in obedience to sly sign. and
she relapsed into dreamy contempla-
ton, her heart warm with the Kindness
OF these new neighbors.
: Look here" Bainbridge said savage
ly when they were out Of sight, "if you
4 let 1t out I'll kill your
That's right" Lee assured him.
"what's a beggarly quarter section
anyway? I'd cut 'em or that much
and welcome"
"But it's already cut or of mine"
Bainbridge bristled jealousy. That
rascally blackguard, This is only one
| Of the many pitIful cases of his thiev-
ing. But they've dropped right on to
their feet! I'll fix 1t SO they'll never
know"
Lee gravely shook his hand. then
burst 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 fatten the rascals.
But she's good. I've got q good wom-
an. l know one when see Ler."
"Yes. she's good" Bainbridge assert
ed absently. Makes you feel like SUM-
day morning. and all the bells ringing"
"Ho. no! l must tell Ellen that. She
says you're q born poet and only need
q good woman to bring 1t out"
Reckon I've found her" Bainbridge
grinned sheepishly. turning away.
The moon was diffusing a mellow
daylight when he returned from a long
walk In communion with himself. He
found her still on the porch and sat
down in awkward silence. Then lie 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. l always know what
want. and we do things quick out here
Once when l was young l was going
to be married. but she died" He paus
ed an instant. '-Since that ] never
found any one l wanted till right now
and-and-Im waiting to be married
any minute you say SO. 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
81 mean anybody out here hs
amended. "Of course II there's ons
back there I'm outr'
She shook her head. ner face on,
vivid flame.
"well. then. I think you can trus
me-" He leaned toward her coaxilgly
his strong hand swallowing hers. Ton
and Annie an" the kids II be our mex
door neighbors. and II you get tired OF
me you can 20 back to them" Hi
eyes twinkled-
She was still silent, and he went on
We've been together several days an6
have q pretty good notion Of each othel
and I'll feel like the bottom hat
dropped out OF everything II it isn't ,
CO."
IL guess it's a 'go.'" she STAN
mered.
"Gloryw he exclaimed. taking posses
sion of her. "And see here-rm goin;
to telegraph money to fetch my broth
er-in-law out Immediately. Give me ,
kiss, little woman"