The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-08-08

your foreman?
9He's a little slow about telling bis
own life story, but he's all right. l
think I know the cause of this shoot
ing. he got into trouble with a couple
of fellows out there, and one of them
has done him"
AS they entered upon particularly
smooth stretch Of road the man at the
wheel relaxed his hold and said, with
deep feeling: .I don't 'tSmind saying that
Pm anxious about Rob. I've grown
mighty fond Of him. Hes not one Civ
en- to condolences, and I've respected
his reticence. I don't know quite why
he is here, but trust him and count
myself fortunate to have him on the
place. He made $4,000 for me last
year on hay and cattle, and must have
a little bunch laid up for himself. I've
felt for a year that I ought to put Bob
into something better. l owed it to
him. Now, if he Dies He broke OF
and bent to his wheel to hide the emo
ton that made his lips quiyer.
It lacked ten minutes Of noon as Bar
nett rose above the last great wave OF
the tawny sea and sighted the clump
Of cottonwoods in which his ranch
buildings sat, and two minutes later he
swept into the yard and up to the door
amid a throng Of singularly silent cow
boys and ranchers. The first one to
speak was Mrs. Scribbins, who ex-
claimed:
Jerusalem, the golden! You hahn:
come from home this nornin' il tha:
doggone thunder cart, have ye?''
That's what. How's Rob-"
"Quiet as mice; but hope ye brought
help"
Barnett rose from his seat stif1y and
climbed painfully down, while Braide
seized his case Of tools and hurried
into the cabin.
Barnett, feeling a small hand grip
ping his arm, turned to meet Louis.
Hello" said he How is Ann?'
"She's all right. She saved Bob's
life" answered the boy.
Ann. who stood just outside the door,
answered very quietly: Il am quite
well. How is Jeannette?'
.I left her feeling very well. But tell
me the, truth, is Rob dying?"
NO. said Ann. But he needs help.
he was shot last evening and has lain
all night in pain. BE is very weak
now"
Barnett hurried into the hot dusk Of
the ranch house, smelling of the dinner,
which was cooking, and bent above his
foreman.
Hello, Rob: How do you feel?'
Raymond whispered, "Oh, I'm ali
right; little weak
The doctor interposed. Clear the
room Of everybody but this woman"
He indicated Mrs. Scribbins. I'VE
must End this bullet"
Barnett turned to the men who filed
the doorway Clear out. boys; the doc
tor wants to be alone now
Raymond smiled a little. ''The bullet
went on. It's in the wall somewhere"
Barnett came to the door and said to
Ann: you better go out under the
trees and rest. You look tired
Twill stay if can be of any use
';We don't need you. Mrs. Scribbins
will help us. Please go. Louis, take her
away till this is OVER
fYo,o hoy, J,o,,,,,ro J,;py toad Of
responsibility, Ann laid her hand on her
brothers arm. ''Come, LOUIS and to-
gether they went out along the little
winding path which led to the spring.
What do you suppose they will do to
him." asked Louis.
Ann turned sick ''Oh, don't know!
Don't speak of it! It's too horrible,"
When they re-entered the cabin Bar
nett met them with smile. The
doctor says Rob's all right He in
sists that Ann saved his life You poor
girl. What night that boy let you
in for. didn't know till ten minutes
ago that you were here all alone and
that Jones and his wife had vamoosed.
hope you'll forgive ne, Ann
"Oh, 1 blame no one but myself"
she weariiy replied Il shouldn't have
come to this miserable. CHASTITY region"
Rob wants to see ycu VIII you
come in and speak to him.
Ann reluctantly followed Barnett in
to the inner room where Raymond,
with his wounds dressed ANA limbs
properly clothed. lay stretched on the
bed. lie was very pale bat his eyes
We're calm and quiet He reached q
feeble right hand toward her, saving
painfully You've 1s-en nli@isty good
to re BY ana by VIII ;ry to thank
you. Wishout YOU would haN.e bied
10 ;ieati.
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