Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1904-11-09
This will d." said little fellow in

This will d." said little fellow In
spotted calfskin Shapps, taking q spool
OF red and green baby ribbon. "Now,
cover our retreat. Boss" and walking
girl with his gun, the big fellow followed
his companions out OF the store.
From behind boxes and counters
peered the heads of Mrs. Vinton and the
sales girls, while the head trimmer
dashed to a window. exclaiming: There
they co." as the thunder of the horses
hoofs shook the building.
my, but you are brave girl, Mil
dred," cried one.
''You saved our lives, sure" said an
other.
"Your presence of mind is wonderful"
approved Mrs. Vinton.
We'll, l guess I can write an inter-
esting letter home" said Mildred, with a
nervous laugh.
what do you think of cowboys now?"
Mrs. Vinton questioned, as she came
upon Mildred, near the edge of the
crowd.
A number of wild steers had been
roped and thrown, the well-trained horse
holding the steer steadily, while the
rider, springing lightly to the ground,
sped to the fallen steer and tied his
legs, rendering him helpless.
Before she could reply, a wild shout
and scramble sent the crowd surglng
backward.
Mildred started with the others, but
stepped on her dress and fell to the
ground.
When she regained her feet, tho big
steer, who had jumped up and jerked
the horse sidewise, was between her and
the crowd, while the horse had regained
his balance and turning his tail to the
steer was again holding him.
With an angry below the steer started
in circle.
Mildred sawthe tautrope flying toward
her, borne by an enraged steer, while the
horse formed the stationary point Of
this living compass.
TO fly was impossible and Mildred,
with adespairing cry, put her hands over
her eyes.
A sudden rush Of flying pony feet,
swirl OF air and Mildred was lifted
bodily by the rider of the fleeing horse
and before she could catch her breath
was borne to safety.
That was close call for you, little
GIRL" the rider said, as he set her on the
ground and galloped of.
"Oh, auntie," Mildred cried, when that
lady came hurrying up, "the man who
saved my life just now is the same one
who pointed the pistol at me in the store
this morning. He is awfully strong and
don't Esllcve he is a bad man after
ALL"
The hall was lighted by many lanterns
and decorated with brilliant Navajo
blankets, coils of rope and horse hair
brides. Saddles hung by one stirrup
and Chaps and cartridge belts were sus-
pended from the saddle horns.
A.: tarpaulin covered the musicians
stand and every cowboy wore leather
badge fastened by a bunch of red and
green baby ribbons!
From the first Mildred was the center
Of attraction.
Every cowboy claimed an introduce
ton and danced with her.
But one, her rescuer Of the afternoon,
came again and again, asking her assist
ance in waltz, two-step and quadrille,
and when her feet began to weary, he led
her to secluded corner, spread q gay
blanket for her to sit upon and sank
down at her feet.
How pretty the hall looks" she said,
its so different from anything I ever
saw before
No response.
The musicians struck up Home,
Sweet Home"
THAT almost makes me homesick,"
sighed Mildred.
Say, I like your nerve" he broke out.
i hope you're not mad at meat US
fellers, for the trick we played on you
this morning. Why, that old gun hasn't
been loaded for ten years, but you did not
know that"
Don't mention IT," exclaimed Mil
dred. IF was in no danger then, I GER
tainly was this afternoon and you saved
my life. How can I thank you enough,
for that?"
Don't thank me. am glad I got
chance to protect you, because-that's
what want to do always. Will you let
me-"
"Oh! what will auntie say?"
"Your uncle knows me. He will tell
you that Crosby is straight; that the
OK cattle range from Boosters to Crow
creek and that the ranch house at the
foot OF Red Buttes needs a mistress.
Will you make home of it,"
"Yes-a-Mr. Crosby-if-if uncle
and aunt are wiling"