Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-01-27
HAMLIN GARLAND
The Young fellow frowned.

Ann went on, II thlnk III nice Oh you
Mr. Raymond to abase yourself to the
rim Of n KETTLE
Excuse me, lady. but He looked
about for Baker.
Ann interposed. That's twice you've
called me lady No real cowboy ever
does that, I'm told, so you must be an
impostor."
Raymopd's face flushed with anger.
"See here! What has that fat jackass
been saying to you about me?''
Ann, calmly smiling, made her
charges specific. You're not the cook.
You're called Robert Raymond. You're
the foreman and Il graduate of Har-
ward university. like all superior cow
boys, and you have CALAMITY volun-
teered to cook in order that we might
eat Now, isn't this true"'
Raymond was stunned for Il moment,
into his eyes lenped a spark of red
light Wait till sight that scoundrel
You'll have fine chance to study Il
cowboy in action. What else did he
say?"
"He told III all about your fight with
your rival. 1t was very thrilling. It's
like being character i'll Il novel one
self I'm quite exalted by the thought
Raylnond's eyes ceased to glow, a
faint smile quiyered ut the corners OF
his lips as he bowed gracefully. Miss
Rupert, permit me to astonish you still
more My name. though Alternative, is
my own. l have never killed man
he looked toward the door-"that in
credible ass will be my first. I am not
graduate Of Harvard, and did not
leave my native town between two
days. Does this disappoint your
Most deeply. Are there no mitigat
| ing circumstancesY
None whatever. l am hopelessly
commonplace I'm not even cowboy.
I'm foreman Of hay ranch"
"You destroy our dreams. But these
books are yours?"
Raymond's eyes wavered. "Well, yes
some of them, but l don't care to
pose as the student rancher. The boys
respect me now because l can ride a
horse and pitch hay. make 1T point
not to air my other accomplishments
He was interrupted by a series of
faint yells, and as they all listened the
swift trample of horses hoofs could be
heard. Louis sprang up, all excite
. ment, his eyes glowing.
"What is that-Indiansl"
Raymond smiled at Ann mo, only
bunch of cowboys passing y
stepped to the door to study their APP
~roach. 'It's mob of Williams men.
| | don't know what they'r re doing here
| The rush and trample of hoofs swept
nearer, and Il group of five drab col
ored horsemen drew up at the hitching
pole with loud outcries, each man set
| ting his pony Oh end with q wrench at
| the reins.
"Hello, Bob?' shouted the leader.
"Howdy, boys-howdy?" lie replied
coldly. 1t was plain he was not well
pleased by their inopportune call.
Got anything to eat:" asked one of
them as he staggered up.
"Sure thing. Tidy UP and come ill.,"
Raymond, turning to Ann. said gently
perhaps you and the boy had better
step into the other room. This gang is
coming in"
".rhey're not dangerous?"
mo, but some Of them are not fit to
eat in the presence Of lady"
Louis will want to see your guests. !"
"Nery we'll" replied Raymond and
turned to meet his visitors, who ap-
peared fresh from hasty toilet.
'Come right in, boys. What's the best
word from over the ridge?"
The man who entered first was a big,
rawboned, wide mouthed, freckle faced
fellow, who gaped in amazement as he
caught sight Of Ann. Hello! What's
all this?" he asked, launching the man
| next him.
The insolent vulgarity Of his tone
brought a flush of anger to Raymond's
face. "shut up" he commanded in a
low voice. Then added in explanation,
sSome of Barnett's folks visiting the
ranch" At the moment he hated them
all with a sudden realization of their
essential cheapness and their filthy
manners.
AS they took seats each man glanced
at Ann with furtive, devouring eyes,
and she thrilled under the scrutiny as
she would have done beneath the glare
! of wolf. She had sudden sense Of
danger. 81 am getting close to the ele-
mental man." she thought, and by con-
trast Raymond assumed new interest.
Though his clothing was almost as
rough as theirs, his face and voice be-
trayed good blood and refinement. She
wondered whether Wayne Peabody
could stand between such mob OF
ruffians and woman. This man Ray
mond dominated them easily.
Louis sat as one entranced studying
the groupings in the sunset light, which
had begun to dim little. To him
these men were heroic. Their physical
hardihood, their slouching grace, their
rumpled hair, their tag ends Of ker-
chiefs and greasy belts and cuffs were
all "bang up material" The avid glare
under which Ann shivered was hidden
from the eyes Of the boy, but Raymond
took note of every nudge, every wink
that passed, and once or twice he liked
his eyes on the man they called Spec
kle in look which stayed coarse jest
upon his lawless lips.
They talked Of the great, new mining