Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-02-02


The young foreman turned toward
the house. from which the faint strains
of "Aunie Laurie" came plump
light haired young fellow of about thir
ty sat tilted back in his chair, with one
leg thrown across the corner of the
table. playing mouth organ
Hello. Robr' he called.
Raymond was in bad humor. Put
up your plaything, you monkey. and
listen to me a moment"
whats up?"
Raymond pointed at the letter. Read
that Nice thing the old man works on
u.s." His Indignation and disgust deep
ened into n growI. This settles II.
I'm going to pull out"
The other man composedly took UP
the letter whats he done now"
Going to quarter a crazy kid on us,
New York degenerate, who'll be a
confounded nuisance every hour of the
day And that isn't all-the kids sister
is coming down to stay Il few days
here his dismay was fairly comical-
Ito get the lad settled
Bakers eyes widened. and his fat face
heightened. Not comm today?"
| 'InaI = WHAT.
"And us without no woman round"
Raymond broke forth again: That's
it, now You'd suppose Barnett would
at least read my letters. 1 told him
last week that old Jonesy and his wife
We're going up to Skytown."
well. we're in for it. We can't turn
q woman out on the plain. Jack, you
| slovenly whelp, set to work and clean
I'D the mess you've made. Perry, go
rope some snags for Il fire. Hustle,
nowr'
Baker began to read the letter aloud
| in monotonous, painful way, while
Raymond moved about the room, pick
ing up the litter.
Ny Dear Robin sending you n new
| hand and visitor. They are cousins and
nice people. The lad is not very strong.
| and I'm sending him down to you to get
an upward turn. He's crazy on the sub
ject of wild animals and cowboys and is
very clever artist. He'll want to have you
pose for him
Raymond came over and seized the
stove lid litter as if to break Bakers
head. We're to cook and purvey like
boarding house keepers and doctor like
nurse at Il health resort, and in addi-
ton we're TO pose for a delicate youth
who thinks we're material That set
ties me. I'm going up TO Sky and take
shy at mining"
Baker broke forth into q slow drawl
Hadn't you better strike a few atti-
tudes SOS to be in practice when the
boy comes?"
Raymond throttled him half in ear
nest. I've Il mind to wiring your
mol 10 SaiH fbroI1 0lr biS tanth Thor,
suddenly releasing him, he again com
manded him to clear away his dishes.
Baker was not yet finished with the
letter. Hold on. Don't be in Il rush.
l hain't got to the girl yet That's what
interests me. Miss Rupert will only
stay Il few days to get the lad set
tied"
'She can't stay too quick to suit me"
Bakers voice took on a little more
expression as he read Barnett's APP
peal. NOW, don't be cranky, old
man. The RupertS are good stuff. and |
on Mrs. Barnetts account -
ENDS up by laying me under obliga- |
ton to his wife, knowing mighty well |
I'd do anything for her. Well. I'll do |
it, but l reckon the atmosphere won't |
bake a cake while she's here. I'll leave |
you and Dutch to do the talking. |
That'll chill her cold"
Baker began to show alarm. Not
by hatful. Right here is where l
take i sneak
Raymonds brow darkened and his
eyes threatened. NO you don't. my
Christian friend and neighbor. You
remain right here and do the honors.
You will pass for the boss. I've got
to cook.
Great Peter, you mustn't do that
can't carry it through. I'm no
spieler.'
play the mouth organ for her"
''Oh, see here, you're joshin'."
You won't find it any josh You've
been getting gay with me lately and
need discipline. You pass for the fore
man. Understand? You amuse the
girl and pose for the boy. while l
knock pots. That is settled. Now take
the pail and rustic some water, and
don't you peep
Perry. entering at the door with an
armful of brush, called out, with quiet
Joy, The sonora has Gomez
Raymond seized him by the arm.
Listen here, Perry. The old man has
written down TO say that he has made
Jack the boss. I'm going to cook Il
few days, and then l leave. You tell
the other boys that Jack Baker is made
foreman, and they've got to obey him.
You sabbe:''
Perry grew solemn of face Il sable
IL you go, co.
Never mind that. Get out there and
lpln take care m the foam and lack |
you go too" He laid a hand on his
back and pushed him through the door
way just as the two seated hack round
ID the corral and drew up to the door. s
.Oh. isn't this fine!' called Il clear, ,
)oyish voice, and a moment later the
.ool, deliberate voice OF girl replied:
''Oh. what blessed relief after the
lot sun of the plain.'' I