, 1906-02-14

stay Il few days to get the lad set
tied"
"She can't stay too quick to suit me-
Bakers voice took on Il little more
expression as he read Barnett's ap-
peal. CHOW, don't be cranky, bic
man. The Ruperts are good stuff, and
on Mrs. Barnett's 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 | reckon the atmosphere won't
bake a cake while she's here. I'll leave
you and Dutch to do the talking.
Thatll chill her cold"
Baker began to show alarm. Not
by Il hatful. Right here is where !
take IL sneak"
Raymond's brow darkened and his
eyes threatened. mo 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!
l can't carry it through. Pm 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 muse 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 ut the door with an
armful of brush, called out, with quiet
joy, THE scnora has comet"
Raymond seized him by the arm.
Listen here, Perry. The old man has
written down to say that he has made
Jack the boss. Pm going to cook a
few days, and then | 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. 81 sable.
If you go, l 60"
Never mind that. Get out there and
help take care of the team, and, Jack,
you go too" He laid Il hand OF his
back and pushed him through the door
way Just as the two seated hack round
ed the corral and drew up to the door.
"Oh, isn't this fine!" called a clear,
boyish voice, and a moment later the
cool, deliberate voice of a girl replied:
"Oh, what a blessed relief after the
hot sun of the plain!"
Then Baker was heard to say, with
elaborate courtesy: "Shall | help you
out, miss? | reckon you are the friends
Of the old mani mean Barnett" And
a moment later the young girl stood in
the doorway looking out at the plain.
Raymond gave her but one glance from
the corner OF his eyes, but her firm,
well balanced body and calm. high
bred face touched him with admiration.
His resolution to be disagreeable weak
ened, though he kept about his work.
81 lever knew how grateful the shade
of a tree could be-" Ann said partly to
Louis and partly to Baker. Is it al
ways so fiercely bright hereY"
"Oh, no; this is an unusual spell. |
mean it is rather
She was now aware of Raymond
moving s~ullenly about in the gloom
wherein the stove sat. He was dressed
in a light tan, loosely fitting shirt and
brown trousers without braces. His
spurs ratified at his heels as he walked
to and fro, 1.-THE and powerful. He did
not look up-did not appear to notice
what was going IN, bit came and
went at his work, def and absorbed.
Louis was instantly delighted with
the room. Isn't this ripping!" he ex-
claimed as he studied its furnishings.
won't this make a strong background
for an illustration? Only that stove
Isn't it too bad?-that's all out of key.
Why don't you have a fireplace, Mr..
RaymondY' he asked, turning to
Baker.
Raymond gave Baker a glance, and
the plump one waded in: TOO little
wood in this country. Cook, draw up
a chair for the lady"
Raymond's eyes flashed with a silent
menace, but he did as he vas told, and
as he put the chair down for Ann he
busted it with his hat.
Louis was husky voiced with joy.
did you see that, Ann? I'll have to
work that in somewhere"
Baker continued, in the same tone,
Cant you rustic a little grub for the
company, JackT'