Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1905-09-21

out a struggle, however. Recognizing
Grimes as an obstacle. but not as a ri
val, he once more donned his armor ana
beset Barbara with all the zest of a
champion who seeks 70 protect and not
to conquer. He regarded the Califor-
nian as an impostor, and summary ac-
ton was necessary II know all about
him, Babs," he said one day after he
felt sure Of his position. why, his
father was honored by the V. G. on the
coast in 40"
1.-THE Victoria crossy asked Barbara
innocently.
''No. tile vigilance committee"
In this way Monty routed the enc
my and cleared the field before the end
of another week Grimes transferred
his Objectionable affection, and Barba-
ra was not even asked TO be wife No
3. Brewster's campaign was so ardent
that he neglected other duties deplora-
bly,, falling far behind his improvident
average With Grimes disposed of, he
once more forsook the battlefield of
love and gave his harassed and undl-
business.
The fast and loose game displeased
Miss Barbara greatly. She was at first
surprised, then piqued, then resentful
Monty gradually awoke to the distress
ing fact that she was going to be in
tractable, as he put it, and forthwith
undertook to smooth the troubled sea-
hi.
was not to be appeased
"Does ii occur to you, Monty" she
said, with a gentle GOODNESS that was
infinitely worse than heat, that you
have been carrying things with pref
ty high hand? Where did you acquire
the right to interfere with my privi-
leges? You seem to think that l am
not to speak to any man but you"
ooh, come, now, Babs," retorted
Monty, 1--WE not been quite as un-
reasonable as that. And you know
yourself that Grimes is the worst kind
OF bounder."
IL know nothing of the sort" replied
the lady, with growing irritation. You
say that about every man who gives
me smile or a flower Does it indi-
cate such atrocious taste?"
Don't be silly, Barbara. You know
perfectly well that you have talked to
Gardner and that idiot Valentine by
the hour, and I've not said word.
But there are some things l can't
stand, and the impertinence of Grimes
| Is one of them. Jove! He looked at
you out of those fishy eyes sometimes
as though he owned you. If you knew
how many times I've fairly ached to
knock him DOWN.
Inwardly Barbara was weakening a
little before his masterfulness. But
she gave no sign.
Sand II never occurred to you," she
said, with that exasperating GOODNESS Of
voice, "that was equal to the situa-
ton. / suppose you thought Mr..
Grimes had only to beckon and |
would joyfully answer. I'll have you
know, Monty Brewster, right now that
| am quite able to choose my friends
and to handle them. Mr.. Grimes has
character, and like him. He has seen
more OF life In year of his strenuous
career than you ever dreamed of IN all
your pampered existence. His life has
been real. Monty Brewster, and yours
| 10 only an imitation"
1t struck him hard, but 1t left him
gentle.
"Babs," he said softly, II can't take
that from you. You don't really mean
\ "A \ ho1 l,of
1t was a moment for dominance, and
he missed it. His gentleness left her
cold.
Monty" she exclaimed irritably,
ssyou are terribly exasperating. DO
make up your mind that you and your
million are not the only things in the
world
His blood was up now, but 1t flung
him away from her.
"Some day perhaps you'll find out
that there Is not much besides. / am
just little too big, for one thing. to be
played with and thrown aside. won't
stand it,"
He left the house with his head high
In the air, angry red in his cheeks
and feeling in his heart that she was
the most unreasonable of women. Bar
bara In the meantime cried herself to
sleep. vowing she would never love
Monty Brewster again as long as she
lived.
/ A sharp cutting wind was blowing In
Monty's face as he left the house. He
was thoroughly wretched.
Throw up your hands," came
hoarsely from somewhere. and there
was no tenderness In the tones. For an
instant Monty was dazed and bewil-
dered, but In the next he saw two
shadowy figures walking beside him.
"Stop where you are, young fellow
was the next command, and he stopped
4 $ n