The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1905-03-22

removed from II ute, StOOu III lue
doorway of his dugout and gaZed
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 III sight
and few more isolated dugouts be
low the horizon comprised Gattleboro,
dignitied with triweekly mail and
having Ryland, as the most literary
man of the community and the re
cipient of the bulk of the mail, It's Gus
todian.
As the wagon drew near he SAW
that IL contained second occupant
aud presently that the second occu-
pant was woman. Then the wagon
drew up in front of tine 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 n
quick step forward. the pleasure on
his face mingled with II good deal of
wonder.
Where can | find a hotel sir? Is
the schoolhouse near? viii you be
kind enough to direct me to Mr. Ry-
land's?' the girl asked almost in a
breath.
Ryland's wonder became sudden
comprehension.
You are Miss Collinwood. he said
Yes, sir"
well, suppose you step into the
dugout II moment. | will get the mail
and then come In and explain. | am
Mr.. Ryland.
Outside, the dugout was like the
others of the country; within. the SINH
larity faded. Skins and Indian ban-
kets concealed the rough walls, and
there was profusion of books and
periodicals The girls eyes flashed Il
friendly recognition toward some of
the titles; then Ryland entered with II
little package of letters and papers in
his hand and With Il troubled look OH
his face.
"Fm 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 II
hotel or boarding house in the whole
country. The only thing see IS for
you to 20 to the Rikshons' dugout, only
q quarter of mile from here | think
they Will be able to squeeze II room
for you, and they're good people.
though Mrs Rikshon cannot speak II
word of English. My idea was Cor
you TO board with Stanley. but his wife
Is east just now, and they won't move
into their dugout under II month. Why
didn't you walt until | had something
definite to writer pathetically.
The girl laughed.
Il suppose 1t was because | liked
your letter describing the country" she
replied. Il wanted to take vacation.
and 1t occurred to me this would he
just the place. | 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 Xix
SHOHSg tiIluh We W III Stl ulpHS 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 II log school
house for you just as soon as their
lected fine clump of trees to build
under. Aud 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 Mt this
season"
THAT will be delightful" she cried
eagerly, only" her face falling a lit
tie, Il haven't secured the position
yet"
Il give it to you now"
"Without exaIninationW
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 PEG
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, 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
.,,u lsa n Itot af ha n
sary"
But hold on" began Miss Collin
wood, the merriment in her face chang
Ing to sudden dismay.
mo, no." hurriedly. cit is absolutely
necessary. 1t is the-the examination,
mean. | have felt worried about the
school books, for | never went to an
American school, you know. couldn't
refuse, of course, for they are all splen-
did, Woodworking people here, and 1t
would help them. ! think we Will
make a great success OF 1t now"
Il hope 3d." family.
He looked at her keenly.
''Of course | shall help you all |
can" he treasured her. THE first few
days / expect ! had better even help
with the teaching. Some of the young
people can speak broken English. and
some cannot speak English at all. and
most OF them are only half civilized.
But I've been here several years and
understand them, and they all like me.
think IL l go to school with you
awhile and tell them hunting stories
and perhaps take one Of my half wild
horses there for them to give exhibit
lions on and try to break during re-
cess it might keep them more tracta-
bic. But suppose We go over to the
Rlkshons now and arrange for your
accommodation"
one week later school commenced on
log benches and desk under the trees.
Ryland was there with an inexhaustl-
Bile store OF hunting and animal stories
to bride the scholars attention and
with vicious horse fastened to one OF
the trees, which was to be common