The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-03-28

Ing, My names Challoner. I've come
all the way up here to sort Of even
things, When got the straight story
OF my great ataunt's viii and knew how
Internally she had treated the Craig
girl said to myself. Steve. It's up to
you to make tracks up there and marry
that poor thing"
'Sure you can do itg" Frank asked,
stormy red ilashing into his face
Challoner wheeled upon him. Lord
yes" he said. Even In Texas there
aren't many would turn down Steve
Challoner Ever hear OF the Tomshawk
Ten ranehy Pretty complete outfit, II
do say II myself. II don't really lack
much but mistress, and that It's 20
ing to have, sure as this Miss Jocelyn
shows up as any sort OF Texas timber.
She ought to be that This little old
state OF Tennessee raises about the best
going. That's what made me walt so
long. I've been knowing | needed
wife ever since the Tomahawk Ten got
to fall draft OF 1000 steers, but some.
how couldn't fetch II to come up here
after her Now--well, don't think I'm
going home by myself not even IL
find the wind blows the way think II
does"
How Is thatr' Frank asked.
Challoner laughed. why, that you've
gone and cut me out before ever was
rightly cut In he said. "Ain't that
about right"
Il don't know" Frank interrupted.
but" doggedly, ''lf you'll come along
with me Wen very soon find out"
80 you're going to see her" Chal-
loner calculated, with whistle. Then,
rubbing his hands, But you haven't
told me word about Yourself"
Frank ran into brief account of
himself as they swung along the street.
Challoner listened attentlvely and at
the close asked Now. one thing more,
are you right sure you aln't mortgaged
property? don't see how you can
help being, living here where folks
can't do much but marry, specially wo-
men. Oh, no, | thought sor' noting
Franks frownlng flush. Now you
speak up-the whole truth before we
60 step farther together
Would You ruin your life to please
other peopley' Frank demanded.
Challoner looked at him narrowly.
mo man ruins his life except by doing
wrong" he said. Tell me the whole
tale, then can Judge"
Gee, but you are In sort of box"
he said when he had heard the tale.
Then, with a swift smile, But 1t
oughtn't to be hard TO get you out, |
with two men wanting to marry and |
two women ready to be persuaded"
''You don't mcanT' Frank began.
reaching for the other hand. Challoner |
returned the clasp, but said oracularly, |
tWait until I've seen EN- both: no buy |
ing pigs in poke for yours truly"
Then there was silence until they stood
side by side upon the Craig piazza
hands with the two young wo-
men, whose conclave they had inter.
rupted. Five minutes later Challoner
managed to wink at Frank unseen.
And when after supper they marched
away arm in arm he burst out: ITS all
right-mlghty rlght-old son! I'm with
you to the last cartridge. Jocelyn has
got the looks, but somehow that Amy
bunch of calico Is just the size I want
We've got whole months time to
work In. Ought to be a pair OF wed.
1ings at the end of IT,"
There were a pair Of weddings, al.
though they waited until fall. When
hey came OF Amy was so happy that
she made a beautiful Mrs. Challoner,
and Mrs. Palmer, Sr., was nearly az
much in love with Jocelyn as her bride
groom son.