The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-05-14

Ot INC room, Dut there was tiny space
for the tive men at opposite ends OF ths
car and room enough 10 sleep In II one
should be very tired,
Men from The ranch had accompa.
MED tho train as far as San Francisco
and had fed tho horses before the
train had pulled out. The only thIns
10 b. done during the night was 10
quiet any horse that might become
ssstlsss. and at II he could 10 10 sissfi
and turn the watch over 10 his fellow.
Because Billy had paid over to the
foreman $40 In addition to the pay
due hlm he was given car In which
inc travellers we're experienced tour.
lists, racers OF the western circuit be-
INK sent east 10 be- sold ~ hunters,
and II was not difficult matter 10
keep them quiet
When the train stopped he could hear
the yenrllngy In the ears behind stamp
lux about. aud he was glad that he had
been given a quiet car.
Even NJ II WAS he was kept busy,
aud sleep came quickly to tired eyes In
spite OF the novelty OF his surroundings
and the fnct that hls head was pillow.
Cd upon wIsp OF hay spread over the
grub box. through which the smell OF
cold ham filtered.
There wnn plenty Of work in the
morning. too, feeding and watering
ak horses aud rubbing them down,
and lie was glad enough when the
train slowed down and the welcome
shout OF "cofYecT' echoed along the
line.
There was full quart OF the taffy
colored liquid In each cnn. and with
that and brend aud ham Billy made
breakfast TINT would hnyc surprised
the attendants NJ his fayorIte club
Ey THE time the next stop came he
had hls stalls cared for. aud the fresh
coffee came ns n welcome reyiyer He
bad wondered nt the announcement
that there would be coffee at frequent
stops, but the day was not half over
before he realized that II was needed
Five days later tired ana dirty but
exceedingly cheerful young man drove
up 10 the door OF the taludon resi- (
deucn on Fifth avenue just as the head |
OF that house was sitting down 10 bis
breakfast. II required mn argument
with a new footman 10 convince him
that the caller wns not required to 20
10 the slide entrance. but at his voice
the elder Nnladon came running into
the hall
"Bless my soul" be puffnd after
Billy had told his tale In brief Didn't
you get my check
Billy thrust n paper into his hand.
IT came the day left" he said, but
4 sort Of spoiled the Idea, aud pre-
tended that did not get II. Now
want a bath aud breakfast. and then |
want TO see II ! cannot 20 down to the
station IN time TO meet the Brockmans.
The Chicago express was three hours
ate when II pulled into the huge arch
III shed aud Miss Brockman was In no
iminble frame of mind M she descend.
ri 10 the Platform. There had been de.
ay. and six days on the train even In
statero0m ~ not pleasant
For a moment she stared M n we'll
.ru1tned young man possessed himself
u her hand bag anl turned 10 help her
mother down the steps. aud II was not
IHtil they had headed for the ferry
hat she found her voice. {
How did you get here no quickly" !
h. demanded
Il came the northern way" he ex'
laiucd, 'And had Il special
Miss Brockman turned away 10 hide
or disappointment. u might have !
nown you would do something like
iat," said she codly, Il suppose that
on wired for money"
There was check at the hotel r
hen got to san Francisco" he ex-
IaIned wlckedly. II had II In my
ocket when said goodby TO you In --
akland. | thought you would like n
irprise"
1T was not surprise. II was the
Spected." she corrected. II had hoped
y sermon had sunk In" 81
He made no explanations until they d
ere In the carriage which had waited +
Twenty. third street. Then Billy NJ
ancd forward. :.
Il should have explained" he began, y y
hat the special was for the Ora ranch VI
rises for the sale at the garden. OF
as n hostcr, and brought the check OF
ok with me-" ..- ".- M
She leaned forward and kissed him, 4,
the surprise OF her mother. ~
Billy" she cried impulslveIy, ''you -
~ take that check and buy me ',
AL. Al. IA st |