Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-02-21

Cant you rustic little grub for the
company, Jack?"
Raymond CURLY replied, "Pll try
hard"
Baker, who was gaining self control,
turned to Ann. I'VE have to humor
our cooks out here. They're scarce and
mighty uncertain in their minds-stop
and Shy at nothin', like a locoed steer"
Louis clapped his hands. "Oh, isn't
the talk good, Ann. And these chairs
aren't they tine!" -.
Cook made 'em," said Baker. Hes
handy as bootjack with TOOLS"
Ann ignored the chairs, but studied
the cook, whose curiously absorbed,
sullen yet deft movements interested
her. He appeared to be about thirty
years Of age, and his lean, powerful
figure dignificd the rough and dust
stained clothes he wore. His profile
was stern and manly, but his chin was
youthful. His eyes she had not yet
seen.
Raymond, on his part, was fairly
abashed by the grace and youthful
charm of his visitor. She reminded
him, as she stood there calmly looking
about the grimy walls, of the stories he
had read of princesscs visiting the huts
of their peasantry. She was of good
height, but the proud lift Of her head
made her seem taller than she was,
and the cut Of her gown, the color of
her gloves and hat, told Of good taste
and the service of the best tailors and
milliners. Great Scott" he said to
himself. She's an up to date beauty.
What will do to feed herY" And, i'm
perturbable as he looked, his heart
sank within him, and If he could have
fled honorably he would have done so
instantly.
Raymond took no pains to be noise
less or dainty in his work, but every
moment told. He slcshed out the cof-
feepot and sliced the bacon and stirred
up the fire, all with a grace and quiet
dignity which opened AIMS eyes in an
effort to understand him. His hands
We're noticeably fine, and the poise Of
his head expressed strength and pride.
He was very brown, almost as brown
as the leather cuffs he wore on his
arms.
Once, when he passed out of hearing,
she turned to Baker suddenly and ask
ed: why does your cook wear spurs?
An affectation, suppose"
Baker flushed and stammered. "Well,
no; he has to help with the cattle once
in awhile"
Raymond called to Perry, who was
seated on the doorstep. Perry, jump
your horse and round up a dry cotton
wood snag. This brush is of no sort
Of use. want hot fire."
Louis beamed on Ann. Hes talking
just like Walker Owens heroes"
Ann silenced him. FLUSH! He'll hear
you"
Baker, quite ready to take fall out
Of Raymond, interposcd: "He's little
hard at first, but reel sociable when
YOU git him started. He's shy as rab-
bit when they's any company round"
Raymond uttered cough which
made Baker start. 81 guess I'll go out
and see what that driver has done with
his horses
Louis sprang up. "Fn go, too, If you
don't mind, sis"
As Ann looked round the low ceiled
room in which the flies buzzed her eyes
fell upon little case of books in the
corner. For lack of something better
TO do, she rose to inspect them. She
was surprised to find them mainly es-
says, and wondered who of these men
read Emerson and Burroughs. One of
them was book of verse. Raymond's
name was on the fly leaf.
How handsome the cook isl" was
her inward exclamation as she return
ed to her seat. She was not one of
those who sit in silence when they wish
information, and, lifting her voice a
little, she said:
Il understood Mr.. Barnett to say that
you had woman to cook for you!''
Raymond shifted stove lid, Eve
did"
where is she?"
"Gone-a week ago"
Isn't there any woman about tive
place."
He peered into the coffeepot. "No
one but you"
Ann sat in silence for a moment. 81
didn't understand. Mr.. Barnett said
Raymond Strengthened and looked at
her somberly. "If Burnett paid a little
more attention to his ranch and less to
polo wrote him, more than week
ago, that Jonesy was pullin' his
freight" He returned to his cooking.
Ann composedly went ON, "Was Jones
the name Of the foreman?"
mo, lie was assistant; but he was
married. and his wife was our dough
twistcr He's gone to Skytown gold
camp. The whole country is full O. the
fever"
Ann. with a note Of sympathy in her
voice, said: II don't like to see big.
strong man cock. Do you get extra
pay for it!"
Not a cent. We all take turns ut
it, to tell the honest truth"
Il hope you're the best COOKE"
A'"S "ouiuA Dc Sl llS uluCII, luuy.
cook in self defense"
Ann opened her eyes at the slgnifi-
canoe of this phrase. "Then you don't
10 it as IA business"
mot by whole row O. steers. Do
you like prunes and rice?" he asked
hastily.
Ann looked into the dish which he
held out toward her and gravely re-
piled: II don't think l ever ate any.
You don't mean they're cooked to-
yether?"
"That's what. 1t sure makes u ELL
ng combination,"s said he, dishing some
out before her. u ~
Il can well believe it." she replied.
with humorous information. "Let me
taste it. Perhaps I'll like it." AS She
libbled a little Of the mess from! the
spoon she glanced up at him with q
lueer little smile that made the room
vhirl before his eyes. ut seems nu-
:ritious mixture"
He recovered himself. "Oh, it's
hearty mess, all right. My cooking
sn't fancy
II beg your PARDON" Ann hastened
o explain. 81 didn't mean to critioica