The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-12-22
ADDISON HOWARD GIBSON


slope which led into low, winding
valley. A scant growth of scraggy
elms and ghostly sycamores skirted
the small, crooked stream, while dense
thickets of plum and persimmon were
scattered here and there. The latter
Just now were prodigal in their pro-
duction Of punches Of golden purple
fruit. A quick glance about decided
Faith to camp here for the night. She
was just refining the team from the
rutty road into a sheltered glade when
there was a sharp jolt, accompanied
by a sound Of breaking wood, as one
Of the wheels suddenly dropped into
deep, rain washed gully.
An involuntary cry of dismay es-
capped her when she leaned out and dis
covered that the wheel was broken.
ooh, Faith, what ever will we do
now?' cried Clint as he saw what
had happened. And Bessie, thoroughly
frightened, began crying bitterly.
Never mind, little one; it'll be all
Iight,' said Faith encouragingly. I'VE
ran get the wheel mended somewhere"
But despite her cheerful words she real
ICED that it might require many miles
of weary travel to have the damage to
the wagon repaired Even if there
should be a shop within two or three
miles, which was not at all likely In
such an isolated spot, how was she to
transport the heavy broken wheel even
a single mile? Although she could see
no way as yet to overcome the difficult
ty, she was determined not to give up.
There was always some way out of
every dilemma, and her ever hopeful
heart told her she would surely find
one in this instance.
She climbed out Of the wagon and,
assisted by Clint, began to unhitch the
team, while Bessie, dragging the buff
falo robe after her, stood under per-
simmon tree gazing at the cause Of
their present trouble with tear wet
eyes. The storm was increasing rapid
", and the icy wind blew the fakes
through the long, dead grass with a
sharp, Kissing sound.
AS Faith, shivering with cold and
apprehension, led the animals away
from the wagon the sound Of approach
ing hoofs came through the snow laden
air, and the next instant two men
mounted on sturdy ponies reined in
near the wrecked vehicle. They looked
to be about thirty, were full bearded
and clad in the rough garb usually
hyvr 1ai nc Of 40
brimmed hats covered their heads, and
each had a brace Of heavy revOlvers
stuck in his wide leather belt. In one
unaccustomed to this style of dress the
appearance of these armed men might
have induced feeling Of terror, but it
western life were familiar to her, she
having spent the past four years on
the frontier Of Nebraska.
Good evenin, MISS" said Ike Bar
clay, dismounting from his pony. Had
a breakdown, see. Bad job!' he con-
tinued after examining the wagon crit
ically.
Yes, SIR returned the young lady,
turning the mule she was holding so
that she could face the men. us there
any place near where I can get the
wheel mendedY'
WAL, thar's ole Berger's blacksmith
shop, over at Miley's store, but it's
nigh three miles from hyer. Whar's
yer men folks?" he inquired, glancing
around.
a fc11y y,
piled Faith.
"Wot! Yer don't mean ter say yer
travelin' alone with only them two
kids:'' broke in Jim Hancock.
Yes" responded she simply 1--WE
have come from Nebraska and are on
the way to our uncle's, whose home is
in the southwestern part Of this state"
"Waal, I'll be- But the speaker
suddenly grew red in the face and did
not proceed to tell what he would "be."
yer see," Ike began, ut seems plumb
cur us-like ter see woman travelin'
alone sich weather" Then after an
almost imperceptible pause, as though
for explanation, he continued: "But it's
lucky we fellers happened along; it is,
by ginger! Now, miss, If you're willin'
ter trust Jim hyer an me, Wen take
that wheel over ter ole Berger's an git
him ter mend it up fer yer"
IF you'd only be so kind returned
Faith hastily, for, Notwithstanding the
relief she experienced, the situation
was not free from embarrassment, I'D
be very much obliged"
Not er TALL" replied Ike, with an at
tempt at polite speech.
The combined strength of the two
served to get the wagon propped up
in a short time and the offending mem
Der removed
Il reckon we can carry 1t betwixt
u.s." said Jim. But, gee whiz, amt
this wind cuttin'w
Regular ole norwester," rejoined his
companion. "a bad night fer them
kids an the woman ter be out, an
Christmas eve, at that! It's sufferin'
wicked-'tis, fer surev'
"Why, blame us, wot we chawin'
erbout! Theirs Rob's cabin over thar
a few steps, back O. them persimmons."
Then turning tO Ea ith sGNfisS jt,c erofp,