Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-08-10

DesN ASNSAASA
ed: "Why does your cook wear spurs ?
An aftectation, I suppose"
Baker flushed and starnmered. swell
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 dry cotton
wood snag. This brush is Of no sort
Of use. want a hot Are"
Louis beamed on Ann. 'He's talking
Just like Walter OWENS heroes"
Ann silenced him. "Hushi He'll hear
you"
Baker. quito ready to take a fall out
Of Raymond, interposed: Hes a little
hard at first, but reel sociable when
you git him started. He's shy as a rab-
bit when they's any company round"
Raymond uttered a cough which
made Baker start. II guess I'll 60 out
and see what that driver has done with
his horses"
Louis sprang up, "I'll go. too, Il you
don't. mind, Sis"
As Ann looked round the low cailed
room In which the files 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 VINO OF these men
read Emerson and Burroughs One OF
them was book Of verse. Raymnnd.s
name was on the ~ leaf.
How handsome the cook is!' 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:
II understood Mr. Barnett to say that
you had woman to cook for your"
Raymond shifted stove lid. eve
did"
'Where is she?"
"Gone-a week ago"
isn't there any woman about the
placer
he peered into the coffeepot. me
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 Barnett 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, he was assistant; but he was
married, and his wife was our dough
twister. 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 cook. Do you get extra
pay for 1T"
mot cent. We all take turns at
it to tell the honest truth"
II hope you're the best cookf
'That wouldn't be saying much, ledy.
I cook In self defense"
Ann opened her eyes at the signiA-
canoe Of this phrase. 'sThen you don't
do 1t as IA business"
"Not by q whole row o steers. Do
You like prunes and ricer' he asked
hastily.
Ann looked into the dish which he
held out toward her and gravely re-
Piled: II don't think I ever ate any.
You don't mean they're cooked to-
gether3"
That's what, It sure makes fill,
ing combination" said he, dishing some
out before her.
II can well believe It, !" she replied,
with a humorous intonation. LET me
taste 1t. Perhaps I'll like Il" As she
nibbled little Of the mess from the
spoon she glanced up at him with a
queer little smile that made the room
whirl before his eyes. IT seems nu-
tritous mixture"
He recovered himself. ooh, it's a
hearty mess, all right. Ny cooking
isn't fancy
81 beg ycur pardon" Ann FASTENED
to explain, st didn't mean to criticise.
I didn't intend to hurt your feelings.
I'm sure it's very tasty dish"
"oh, don't blame you; but you see,
we're not running summer hotel ex-
actly. Still, well make you as COM
Portable as we can while you stay"
by which you mean to hint you hope
I won't stay long" She was frankly
amused.
he became very sincerely grave. 81
didn't say that, lady"
-But you meant 1t. I'm not obtuse.
I know when / am out Of place. /
shall flee tomorrow"
She was forcing his hand, as he well
knew, but he remained gravely sim
pie. "I'll be sorry IL our grub or any
thing else should scare you OUT
She changed the subject quickly. 81
can see that Louis Is to be perfectly
happy down here, am glad I came.
I shall feel much more resigned to his
being here now that / have met Mr..
Raymond and you
Raymond remained inexpensive
.Your brother is an enthusiast, 1 be.
lleye you said. He'll be more charita.
BILE than-than you, for instance"
Ann didn't like his emphasis. 81
don't wonder at your resentment. Our
coming is an imposition, but IL I had
known-p please be kind enough to ad-
init that I didn't know how you were
situated"
Raymond resumed his cowboy man
ner. Now, lady, you let that 60. ]
don't blame you hair. You're here,
and I'll see Il mean, the boss win see
We'll all see-that the boy is treated
right, and I'll guarantee that he gets q
fair share Of what's going I'm moi
apologizing. but hope You won't take
Us or the wrong slant. hope you'll
come ten. You brighten up the place