, 1906-02-14

HARNEI1eS ranch. one of his
X chief amusements, lay at the
head of a valley surrounding
H. ii spring which was the source
of Wildcat creek. The buildings stood
just where the rayine opened out upon
a grassy meadow. 1t was a comforta-
BILE place, shielded from the desert
winds by the low hills to the north,
while a small artificial pond, graveled
and trimmed with cottonwoods and will
lows, gave it enviable distinction
among the bleak and barren farm
steads. 1t was known as he Goldfish
ranch,' for the reason that at one time
Barnett had filled the pond with orna-
mental fish.
At about 8 o'clock of a hot and wind
less July day Il horseman galloped
swiftly up the valley into the yard and
was met Mt the door of the house by a
tall, composed young fellow in broad
hat and spurs.
"Hello, Perry!' he said quietly.
"You made good time"
Perry, a young Mexican, showed a
score of his white teeth in a grin.
Here Is lellef. oolne people coluiiS
TO rancho tonight"
The young man tore the end from the
long envelope and read the letter in
silence. His face darkened. "Wc'l,
that's Il nice case o beans. So they're
on the road, are they?'
ayes; bout fO' miles back"
The young foreman turned toward
the house. from which the faint strains
of "Annle 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, Rob!" he called.
Raymond was in bad humor. Put
up your plaything, you monkey, and
listen to me Il moment"
"What's upY"
Raymond pointed at the letter. Read
that. Nice thing the old man works on
u.s." His Indignation and disgust deep
ened into a growl. This settles it.
I'm going to pull out"
The other man composedly took up
she letter. 'What's he done nowY'
"Going to quarter a crazy kid Oh us,
a New York degenerate, who'll be a
COMPOUNDED nuisance every hour of the
day. And that isn't all-the kids sister
is coming down to stay a few days.
here his dismay was fairly comical-
".to get the lad settled"
Bakers eyes widened, and his fat face
heightened. Not comm todayT
"That's what!'
"And us without no woman round"
Raymond broke forth again: That's
It, now. You'd suppose Barnett would
at least read my letters. l told him
last week that old Jonesy and his wife
were going up to Skytown."
"Well, we're in for 1t. We can't turn
n 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 a fire. Hustle,
now"
Baker began to read the letter aloud
in Il monotonous, painful way, while
Raymond moved about the room, pick
ing up the litter.
My Dear Robin sending you a new
htiliu anu q Ni'liOAs iAtS tAS ~
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 a
very clever artist. He'll want to have you
pose for him.
Raymond came over and seized the
stove lid litter as if to break Bakers
head. Were to cook and purvey like
boarding house keepers and doctor like
a nurse at a health resort, and in addi-
ton we're to pose for a delicate youth
who thinks we're material That set
ties me. I'm going up to Sky and take
n shy at mining"
Baker broke forth into a slow drawl,
Hadn't you better strike a few atti-
tudes SOS to be in practice when the
boy comes?"
Raymond throttled him half in ear
nest. 1--WE a mind to wiring your
neck" he said through his teeth. Then,
suddenly releasing him. he again com