Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1905-04-06
The
Succession
BY Frank II. StOeef
Copyright. 1904. by Frank H. Sweet


went idly along his fences and over
his few scattering cattle and then re-
turned to the object which had brought
him to the door-the mail wagon.
The six dugouts and store in sight
and a few more isolated dugouts be-
low the horizon comprised Cattleboro,
dignified with a triweekly mail and
having Ryland, as the most literary
man of the community and the re-
cipient OF the bulk of the mail. its Gus
todian.
As the wagon drew near he saw
that 1t contained second occupant
and presently that the second occu-
pant was woman Then the wagon
drew up In front of the dugout, and
the woman descended. disclosing her
self to be scarcely more than girl
and such girl as Cattleboro had
never seen before Ryland made a
quick step forward. the pleasure on
his face mingled with a good deal Of
wonder.
Where can find hotel, sir? Is
the schoolhouse nearf Will you be
kind enough to direct me to Mr. Ry.
lanfs?" the girl asked almost in a
breath.
Ryland's wonder became sudden
comprehension.
"You are Miss Collinwood." he said
Eyes, sir"
well, suppose you step into the
4 no ,oiI
and then come in and explain. l am
Mr.. Ryland."
Outside, the dugout was like the
others Of the country; within, the SINH
larity faded. Skins and Indian blan-
kets concealed the rough walls, and
there was profusion of books and
periodicals. The girls eyes flashed a
friendly recognition toward some Of
the titles; then Ryland entered with a
little package of letters and papers In
his hand and with a troubled look on
his face
I'm sorry you didn't walt for me
to write again." he said. The fact is
we haven't any schoolhouse yet. The
boys are busy rounding up and brand
ing their cattle just now, and SO it's
been put off. And-er-there isn't a
hotel or boarding house In the whole
country. The only thing see is for
you to go to the Rikshons' dugout, only
a quarter of mile from here. think
they will be able to squeeze a room
for you, and they're good people,
N
word of English. My idea was for
you to board with Stanley, but his wife
Is east Just now, and they won't move
into their dugout under month. Why
didn't you wait until had something
definite to writer" pathetically.
The girl laughed
II suppose 1t was because liked
your letter describing the country" she
replied. II wanted to take a vacation,
and 1t occurred to me this would be
just the place. l could see the people
and get some idea of what school du-
ties are. You see. this is to be my first
attempt at teaching. As to the Rik-
shons, | think we will get along very
nicely together"
Ryland's face showed his relief
Then 1t will be all right" he de-
clared. "I'll corral-call the men to-
gether, and We'll put up a log school
house for you just as soon as their
rush work is over. We've already Sc
lected fine clump Of trees to build
under. And In the meantime, II you
wish, we can arrange for you to teach
the children out Of doors under the
trees. There will be no rains at this
season"
That will be delightful" she cried
eagerly, "only," her face falling a lit
tie, II haven't secured the position
yet"
II give 1t to you now"
Without examinatiQS
He looked embarrassed, then laugh
ed.
why, yes, think I'd better. don't
believe / would know how to conduct
an examination. You see, It's like this.
The men out here are very busy peo-
pie, and as I'm the only shiftless one
they have habit Of loading all the Of
fees upon my shoulders. On second
thought" the relief on his face becom-
ing complete, 81 am glad you have ar
rived SO early. These things natural
ly fall into line with a teachers du-
ties. You will design the schooIhouse-
Of logs. you know-select the books and
make out list Of the apparatus neces-
sary"
But hold on" began Miss Collin
wood. the merrlment In her face chang
Ing to sudden dismay.
mo, no." hurriedly. st is absolutely
necessary. 1t Is the-the examination,
you know-er-to take the place Of It.,
! mean. have felt worried about the
school books. for / never went to an
American school, you know. l couldn't
refuse. of course. for they are all splen-
did, hardworking people here, and II
would help them. think we will
make great success Of It now"
II hope 3d." family.
He looked at her keenly.
"Of course I shall help you all I
can" he treasured her. The first few
days I expect had better even help
With fhe teaching Somo NJ fha vo,,r a