Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-02-09

Baker, you'll have to play boss while the company's here. I've got to toss up the bacon and prunes Now that's the fact, lady
 Ann with conviction turned to Louis: "Now I believe he's telling the truth. What is your name:"
 John Edwin Baker-Jack, the boys call me. l never had any other name, i I'm sorry to say, and I came here from Kansas. l never killed anything big Ser'n coyote. I'm just a plain COW puncher "t twenty-six per month"
 Raymond. reappearing at the door, put them all into guilty confusion. His eyes were too keen to be withstood, and Ann's lashes fell for moment as he offered the dipper. "Lke a cool drink, lady?'
 She recovered herself instantly. "Thank you, if you will be so kind"
 Raymond threw a glance at Baker that propelled him through the door, way as palpably as kick, then turned to Louis. How does the grub go. youngster?"
 Bully.' replied the boy as he took up spoonful of rice. His eyes follow ed the little figure of the rancher with joy.
 Ann cut in with a grave face, beled by something in her voice. ''I didn't suppose foreman would stoop to cook"
 The young fellow drowned What's that?'
 Ann went on, 'I think it's nice of you, MT. Raymond, to abase yourself to the rim of 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."
 Raymonds 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 graduate of Har- yard university, like all superior cow boys. and you have gallantly volun- teered to cook in order that we might eat. Now isn't this true?'
 Raymond was stunned for moment, but as she went on his head lifted. and into his eyes leaped spark of red light. "Wait till I sight that scoundrel. You'll have fine chance to study a cowboy in action. What else did he say?
 ''He told us all about your fight with your rival. It was very thrilling. It's like being character in a novel one self. Pm quite exalted by the thought"
 Raymond's eyes ceased to glow. faint smile quivered at the corners of his lips as he bowed gracefully. Miss Rupert, permit me to astonsh you still more. My name, though alliterative, is my own. 1 have never killed man he looked toward the door-"that in- credible ass will be my first am not a graduate of Harvard, and did not leave my native town between two days. Does this disappoint you?'
 "Most deeply. Are there no mitigat. ing circumstances?
 "None whatever. am hopelessly commonplace. Pm not even cowboy. Pm foreman of hay ranch"
 You destroy our dreams. But these books are yours?''
 Raymond's eyes wavered. "Well, yes some of them, but don't care to pose as the student rancher. The boys respect me now because l can ride a horse and pitch hay. l make 1t point not to air my other omplishments
 He was interrupted by 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-IndiansY
 Raymond smiled at Ann. No, only a bunch of cowboys passing" He stepped to the door to study their ap- proach. Its q mob of Williams men. I don't know what they're doing here.' The rush and trample of hoofs swept nearer. and group of i've drab col ored horsemen drew I'D at the hitching pole with loud outcries, each man set ting his pony On end with wrench at the reins.
 "HellO, BOb.' shouted the leader
 'IIowdy, boys-howdy?" he replied codly. 1t was plain he was not well pleased by their inopportune call.
 "Got anything to eatl" asked one Of them as he swaggered up.
 "Sure thing Tidy up and come in." Raymond, turning to Ann, said gently: Perhaps you and the boy had better step into the other room. This gang is coming in.
 "They're not dangerous?"
 "No, but some of them are not fit to eat in the presence of a lady,
 Louis will want to see your guests"
 Very we'll" replied Raymond and turned to meet his visitors. who ap peared fresh from nasty toilet. "Come right in. boys. What's the best word from over the rdgei"
 The man who entered first was big, rawboncd, wide mouthed, freckle faced