Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-08-14
HESFsR
HAMLIN GARLAND
Don't be uneasy, miss. one Of us Will


material. his mind busy with plans for
work, when shout outside announced
Raymond's return. The lad rushed to
the door. ooh, Ann, come quick!" he
called moment later. "Here he
comes! Oh, can't he ride!"
Ann reached the door Just as Ray
mond dashed up and swung from his
saddle. His voice was not loud, but
1t was stirring. Boys, the fire Is
climbing the ridge, and we've got to
fight it. Gather up your blankets and
gunny sacks. Wen find Williams over
there with some water barrels. Hustle
now! I'll be along little later. Tom,
you take charge till come"
With groans and half jocular curses
the weary men, loyal to their duty,
scattered to rope fresh ponies and
gather up such material as they had
for lighting fame, while Raymond
came to the door and brusquely said
, to Ann: 'I'll leave Baker to look after
you, Miss Rupert hope you won't
mind"
"oh, certainly not" said Ann as firm
" as she could.
I'D like to go alongr' cried Louis.
May I7'' IS.
you're needed right here" Raymond
sternly replied. Were likely to be out
all night, and your sister needs you"
Couldn't Baker SO in your placer
/ asked Ann very quietly.
Jack isn't very energetic. No; it's
my duty,
That's why I'd rather you stayed
Ann said. ST we should be attacked
by Indians or anything, Mr.. Baker
might be asleep
He laughed. Indians! There aren't
any within 200 miles. Of here"
But You said you'd take care Of us,
+; and Mr.. Barnett has consigned us to
your care.''
He. warmed beneath the allurement
Of her glance. But how would it look
for the boss to remain comfortably at
home while fire.
You're not the boss. You're only the
/, cook"
HIS face lighted up. sTrue enough
After moments hesitation he added:
"Very well, consider me your protector.
and cook. Baker Is in for It" And
he went away filed with delicious
sense of having suddenly been honored
above his desert
Ann was accustomed to men who
hew to do her bidding. but this instant
victory over the big rancher pleased
her unaccountably, and she laughed
| softly, acknowledging a glow Of con-
| ddence and relief IN the promise Of his
(, preseree.
Out by the corrals the tramplina
and snoring Of excited ponies could be
heard mingled with the muttered oaths
Of the men as they hurriedly roped and
saddled. The sky was darkening rap
, Idly, and the pillar Of smoke already
glowed like brazen tower. It rose
straight into the air for hundreds of
feet, then spread away into long.
level cloud, showing that the wind had
not yet begun to fan the flame.
At last the men were all mounted
and, with Anal command from the
boss, spurred away into the gloom,
complaining weary, but faithful. Ray,
mond felt little foolish as he faced
the liveryman from Wallace.
mo. Pm not going at least not until
get Barnett's people fixed for the
night. You'll have to bunk In the tool
Bhed. I reckon"
That's all right. I'll curl down close
to my team. don't want to run any
risks with lot of toughs like that
Williams gang cavortin' around. They
had just liquor enough aboard to make
'em reckless. I'd advise you to look out
for old Turkey Egg there. He has it in
for you
Raymond was unimpressed. They're
halfway to Wallace by this time, and,
besides, Speck Is big bluff anyway.
We're rid Of him forever"
"Well, all Is, when you meet him next
you pull flrst" the little man replied
ysry seriously.
Raymond walked slowly toward the
house, filled with guilty Joy. In
stead Of night Of hard riding and la
borious wet bag swinging he had Civ
en- himself the pleasure Of sitting In
conversation with beautiful and Gull
tured girl. II haven't earned this" he
admitted. II don't deserve 1t. It's too
good to be true, but Barnett will mp
prove. Anyhow. I'm going to enjoy 1t
while cam
Nevertheless, this sense OF being a
sneak and cheat threw over him
gloomy and preocccupied air which
vexed Ann, who began to question him
very much as she would have done had
she discovered unusual powers III her
coachman. How do you happen to be
ont here, Mr.. Raymond n
he replied bluntly: II don't know l
came here six years ago because I
hadn't any trade and the cattle bust
ness was attractive, and I've been here
ever SINCE"
But you are wasting your time and
talents,
For moment he meditated joculnr
reply, but at hist gravely said: II
know it. I've felt like dough boy for
some time, and we'll, I,m just about
decided to try my luck up at the big
camp. wish you would take letter
to Barnett and be sure that lie reads 1t.
want him to send another man down
here to take my place. But, see here,
you're both tired and want to go to
bed" He rose and lighted a second
lamp. Mrs. Barnetts bed is in this
room" he opened door on the side
opposite '.Pll see If it is prepared"
Ann interposed. "Oh. no! I'm not SO