The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-05-18
The
Succession
By Frank II. .St0eef
Copyright, 1904, by Frank H. Sweet

across the prairie. Ryland'S gaze
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 few more isolated dugOutS be-
low the horizon comprised CattleborO
dignifed with 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 it contained a 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 a girl
and such girl as CattlebOrO had
never seen before. Ryland made a
quick step forward, the pleasure on
his face mingled with good deal Of
wonder.
"Where can / find hotel, sir? Is
the schoolhouse near? Will you be
kind enough to direct me to Mr.. Ry
breath.
Ryland's wonder became sudden
comprehension.
"You are Miss Collinwood," he said.
eyes, SIR
'Well, suppose you step into the
dugout moment. 1 will get the mail
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
friendly recognition toward some of
the titles; then Ryland entered with
little package Of letters and papers in
his hand and with troubled look on
his face
I'm sorry you didn't wait 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 l see Is for
you to go to the Rikshons' dugout, only
a quarter of a mile from here. l think
they will be able to squeeze room
for you, and they're good people,
though Mrs. Rikshon cannot speak a
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.
Il suppose it was because 1 liked
your letter describing the country" she
replied. Il wanted to take vacation.
and it occurred to me this would be
just the place. 1 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 it will be all right" he de-
clared. "Tll cOrral-call the men to-
gether, and We'll put up 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, If 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 lit
tie, Il haven't secured the position
yet"
Il give it to you now"
without examination?
He looked embarrassed, then laugh
ed.
"Why, yes, 1 think I'd better. don't
believe l 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
IAOoSht, Tic ICAcI Ou ldCC OCSOLA-
ing complete, Il am glad you have ar
rived so early. These things natural
ly fall into line with a teachers du-
ties. You will design the schoolhouse-
of logs, you know-select the books and
make out list of the apparatus neces-
sary"
But hold on" began Miss Collin
wood, the merriment in her face chang
ing to sudden dismay.
mo, no." hurriedly, sit is absolutely
necessary. 1t is the-the examination,
you know-er-to take the place Of it,
l mean. l have felt worried about the
school books, for l never went to an
American school, you know. l couldn't
refuse, Of course, for they are all splen-
did, Woodworking people here, and it
would help them. l think we will
make great success o. 1t now"
Il hope So" family.
He looked at her keenly.
'Of course / shall help you all l
cam" he treasured her. 1.-The first few
days expect l had better even help