The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-08-12

msntsd Dick one evening as we sat as usuel on the little porch. Margaret and the Englishman were inside She had been playing. and now and then the murmur of conversation pactuatea by desultory chords fioated through the .Yes,. I said indifferentiy. I had followed too many of Margarets ad- mirers through the maze of their vart- ous disturbances to be affected by the symptoms of this impossible cowbay. .Jim is only a shareholder in the Victoria; it's owned by an English sym dicate," he went on. shifting his pipe. property in England. but he hasn't any money. stfll. he's an all-round man, and he'd make q darned sight better husband for a girl than some of those | Little willie boys you stand for" I shrugged my shoulders. This s1h- | pect of the cowboy threatened to be- come tiresome-
 Dick pulled vigorously at his pipe. He's too good to be played with. If
 Margaret doent's mean anything why can't she let him alone?' My dear Dick I replied. impa- | tientiy, 1t isn't Margaret's fault that she Is attractive. Your cowboy will
 have to look out for himself. He seems capable of it."
 II FIG was. Early the next day speck appeared uron the horizon which resolved it. self into the made-in Egiand" cowboy Margaret had gone with Dick to dis tant part Of the ranch and sat on the porch alone.
 I admitted srudingly that he was good-looking as he flung himself from lis horse and came rapidly along the path. His riding clothes were worn and shabby, but he wore them like gentle man, and the expression of friendliness on his handsome. bronzed face was dis arming. He swung up the porch steps. two at time. offering his handl in easy. pleasant greeting. Ignoring the hand, I barely acknowledged his pres ence
 He was fair with ans Englishman's fairness this tempestuous cowboy, and he flushed to the roots of his thick. blonde hair as he stood for moment, twirling his sombrero in embarrassed silence; then his eyes met mine de- ternninedly. T am sorry he said gravsly. for I wish to speak to you about--Miss Brewster. Here was case Of Mahomet being net by the mountain. And r. re- turned. ' wish to speak to you on that same subject"
 He took the initiative it seemed the only decent thing to do--to come first to you. I---I intend to ask Miss Brewster to marry me---if she wiils s@ I gasped before the gigantic egotism of the man. T would suggest, then. that you alter your intentions" My voice was icy His coolness provoked me beyond endurance. I refuse to dis cuss it. forbid you to speak to Mars garet." cried.
 Hts determined blue eyes met mine stubbornly. It was absurd that at this crisis momentary picture Of a plung- ing horse and fearless, masterful rider
 khouId come across my memory. Margaret would make an ideal
 ranchman's wife," suggested with fine irony.
 He flushed. T have never intended it --a1ad at least I can offer her certain position, am--
 T am not likely to forget what you are" retorted. nor that she is an heiress. Granting that you are honestly fond of her. would an honorable man place himself in the position of for. tune hunter?'
 "Fortune hunterr' A dull red erepi slowly over his tanned cheeks. "I did not know. Has she a--great--deal--ot noney?y His voice was strained and unsteady.
 Millions" I replied curtly. Really. the man was more mereenary, than I had thought him. I eyed him scofn- fully He caught my expression. Don't think thati You don't under | stand. Everything's changed--but you'll advise me, Do you think I might con- | tinue to see her-if don't NO I said decidedly. because yon would
 But I I.cannot-;
 ''yes, you can"
 The expression on shis face would ] have softened heart of stone T am truly sorry said relenting and hold ing out my hand He smiled rather forlornly as he took it and after a seconds hesitation went slowly away.
 You don't mind if I ride just a little
 way, mother dearT questioned Mar garet.
 was on the porch reading sand I looked up from my book to smile at her
 wistful face. For three days Margaret had gone around looking as though her
 hours had been robbed of their sweet ness since life (and Victoria RanchJ
 had nothing to offer. My heart ached
 for her. but made no sign.
 What does Dick say? Is 1t safe? De be careful" I replied. anxious, yet | hating to refuse her. It's all risht--just a little way" she coaxed.
 To. my dying day I shall remember the picture she made as she stood there, sweet and girlish. in her trim riding, | habit. her soft hair caught in a heavy braid under the stiff little hat. a faint smile touching her mouth and eyes. "very we'll" assented, grudingly. So my dear girl rode away through the yellow sunshine. looking back and laughing and waving her hand eheerily
 as she disappeared beyond the edge of the wood. I never knew how long it was before | became dImly conscious of the pound | ing of approaching hoofs and glanced | up to see a horse and rider tearing down the road on a dead run. Some thing tense about the familiar, broad
 shouldered figure filled me with vague | foreboding. and as he flung himself
 from his steaming horse I rose trem- | bling to meet him.
 1 Where's Dick?'
 His breath came quickly. I've frightened you" he added with quick compunction. There's nothing to alarm you. really. I came to warn | Dick. The men had better keep to- | gether after nightfaIi; I fancy it would | be safer. and 1t would be good idea to | patrol the outskirts of the ranch. Two or three bands of stray. half-drunken
 Indians have been sneaking about and
 they mean mischief" gazed at him in speechless horror I T