Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1904-04-15
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) FROM OUT q
!. THE WEST &;
: By MARY WOOD -
By MARY WOOD
q. Copyright. 1908, by r. C. Mcclure ;
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zen stretches of the park with de
lightful senee of ownership. The chill
wind which had deferred all other way
farers was as the breath of her own
praries.
Jest the sky for a norther, Teddy"
she said eXultantly. Seems like old
times, it does
Teddy was not looking at the sky.
Around bend in the road came n
horse, jet black, well groomed, head
high, while the delicate nostrils shifted
the wind, and saddle invitingly empty;
not owncrless. for n policeman walked
close beside. But Teddy had eyes only
for the horse. In moment possession
would be his and Missoula far behind
He set off down the walk as fast as his
shubby legs would carry him.
Too late Missoula awoke to the real
tiles of her position. She broke into n
frightened run, and her voice rang out
in command: Teddy Barker, come
back. DO you hear? Come back, |
say
If Teddy heard he gave no sign, ex-
cept to redouble his efforts. But verify
the way OF the transgressor is hard.
There was an innocent appearing strip
OF ice cleaning in the pallid glow Of
the wintry sun. Teddy's foot encoun-
tered IT, He threw out both hands and
slid forward on his nose. 1t is n tender
member, and Teddy complained loudly.
The irate Missoula was now on the
scene Even the policeman offered his
services TO restore peace. Together they
picked up the fallen, whose cries re-
doubled under the effect of Missoula's
vigorous shakings. The policeman in
terfercd.
See here. now" he said good ma
turedly. "Ill have TO arrest you if you
make such noise. Come and see jim
Crow. You can have a ride on him if
you aren't scarf"
Teddy stilIcncd at the implied insult.
That's all | wanted TO do" he protest
ed stoutly, "only Missouly she wouldn't
let me-
The man looked at the girl eagerly.
"Be you from Montana, MISS" lie ask
ed
MissOua nodded.
Il hail from west Texas myself" the
policeman FASTENED TO explain, but /
reckon there's much Of sameness
about them both"
Missoula Ann seized his hand joyful
ly. Il been watching you other days.
| Jest knowed you was from the west
the way you sat your horse
by this time Teddy was safely en-
sconced on top OF Jim Crow. 1T does
seem as if most of the folks here made
riding a hard matter" the policeman
said rehectively. And it's worse for
the horse than it is for them. Why. the
ladies have the poor beasts cinched up
so tight they can't draw full breath.
Wish they'd just try it on broncho.
Thercd be some tall bucking." And he
laughed.
Mlssoula joined in. II believe | could
show them thing or two myself" she
said proudly. "cven if | amt got one
of them swell riding skirts. But l jest
better not be saying too much about
it," she added sadly. II might hev
forgot. It's so long since | was on a
horse Mr.. Barker, he got one OF those
automobiles, but can't abide the
creature
The tall policeman agreed. Just give
me n good horse" he declared, land a
clear road. and I'd ride and ride to-
"Crar out TO the west" the girl in
terrupted eagerly. There was a wist-
full look in her eyes.
BE you long from there mlssi" he
asked respectfully.
"Only since last fall. but it seems an
age" Missoula Ann said, with a sigh.
"You see Mr.. Barker. he's the biggest
man out our way. lie rules Jest about
everything hut his wife, and she rules
him. So when she took it into her
head to cum TO New York fer the win
ter we all had to cum. cum on count
OF Teddy. Seems as If he can't get
along without me. I've he'd the care Of
him ever since he was born" She
smiled up at the child affectionately
I'm not saying but what | was tickled
over the idea. They'd been telling me
all sorts of foolishness about the city.
But it's not n bit like what | expected.
Perhaps the fault lies In me, but | feel
sort Of smothered all the time. It's bad
enough on the street with people push
Ing of you out OF ther way. but indoors
it's worse. Things are so awful dear
here that Mr.. Barker, for all he owns
bout a whole section out our way,
can't hev whole house TO hisself It's
worse than the boys quarters at n
roundup the way folks crowd togeth-
err But you must excuse me fer saying
so much" she broke off in conclusion
as she looked up and met his dark eyes
fixed admiringly upon her. "Only it's
so long since had the chance to free
my mind. You're mighty good to listen
But come, Teddy, it's time we were
making fer home"
Teddy did not agree, but the tall po-
liceman cut short his remarks by lift
Ing him down in a peremptory fash
Ion. I'm much obliged to you, miss"
be said gratefully. Its been as good
rs seeing one OF the boys. But per-
Laps you'll be coming this way again,