Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-01-26

head of valley surrounding
- spring which was the sourc,
Of Wildcat creek. The buildings stood
just where the ravine opened out upol
grassy meadow. 1t was comforta
BILE place, shielded from the deser-
winds by the low hills to the north
while small artificial pond, gravele
and trimmed with cottonwoods and will
lows, gave it enviahle distinction
among the bleak ana barren farm
steads. 1t was known as the Goldfish
ranch" for the reason that at one time
Barnett had filled the pond with orna
mental fish.
At about 5 O'Clock OF a hot and wind
less July day horseman galloped
swiftly up the valley into the yard and
was met at the door of the house by a
tall, composed young fellow in broad
hat and spurs.
"Hello, Perry" he said quietly
''You made good tine
Perry, young Mexican, showed a
score of his white teeth in grin
Here is letter. Some people coming
to rancho tonight"
The young man tore the end from the
long envelope and read the letter in
silence. His face darkened. well
that's nice case O beans. So they're
on the road, are they?"
Eyes; bout TO miles back"
The young foreman turned toward
ihe house. from which the faint strains
Of annie Laurie" came. A 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 a mouth organ.
"Hello, Robv he called.
Raymond was in bad humor. "Put
up your plaything, you monkey, and
listen to me 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 growl. .'This settles it.
I'm going to pull out"
The other man composedly took up
the letter "What's he done now?"
"Going to quarter crazy kid on us,
q New York degenerate, who'll be a
confoundcd nuisance every hour Of the
day. And that isn't all-the kids sister
Is coming down to stay few days
here his dismay was fairly comical-
"'to get the lad settled
Bakers eyes widened, and his fat face
heightened. mot comm today?"
That's what!'
"And us without no woman round"
Raymond broke forth again: THAT'S
1t, now. You'd suppose Barnett would
at least read my letters. I told him
last week that old Jonesy and his wife
were going up to Skytown."
"Well, we're in for it. We can't turn
a woman out on the plain. Jack, you
slovenly whelp, set to work and clean
up the mess you've made. Perry, go
rope some snags for 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.
MY Dear Robin sending you a 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 II to break Bakers
head. "We're to cook and purvey like
boarding house keepers and doctor like
q nurse ut health resort, and in addi-
ton we're to pose for 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 slow draw,
"Hadn't you better strike a few att
tudes SOS to be in practice when the
boy comes?"
Raymond throttled him half in ear
nest. 1--WE a mind to wiring you
neck" he said through his teeth. Then
suddenly releasing him, he again com
nanded him to clear away his dishes.
Baker was not yet finished with the
letter. Hold on. Don't be in rush
hain't got to the girl yet. That's what
interests me. Miss Rupert will only
stay few days to get the lad set
ted"
"She can't stay too quick to suit me-
Bakers voice took on a little more
expression as he read Barnetts APP
peal. "'Now, don't be cranky, old
man. The Ruperts are good stuff, and
on Mrs. Barnett's account -
Sends 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 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!
I 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 1t any josh You've