Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1906-04-06

tern matters, leave New York for
the Rockies. Wayne Peabody,
who loves Ann, sees them off. Ann
dislikes the west. liam and
Louis goko visit the ranch of Don
Bartlett, their cousins husband.
III-Ann and Louis are received
at the ranch by Rob Raymond,
the foreman. Raymond has Il dis
pute with drunken cowboy. ~ and
V-LouiS takes an enthusiastic
liking to Rob.
Inc men showed back one by one ana
with sly. curious glanceS at the girl,
sitting SO cold and white and still
against the wall, went out TO smoke
and discuss her with the driver. Bak-
err, mindful of his duties, remained.
Don't be uneasy, miss. One of us will
stay here anyhow"
Louis was looking over his sketching
material, his mind busy with plans for
work, when Il shout outside announced
Raymond's return. The lad rushed to
the door. "Oh, Ann, come quick! he
called moment later. Here he
comes! Oh, can't he rider
Ann reached the door just as Ray
mond dashed up and swung from his
saddle. His voice was not loud, but
it was stirring Boys, the fire is
climbing the ridge, and we've got to
fight it. Gather Up your blankets and
gunny sacks. Well find Williams over
there with some water barrels. Hustle
now! Ill he 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
fer fighting flame, while Raymond
came to the door and brusquely said
to Ann: "I'll leave Baker to look after
you, Miss Rupert. l hope you won't
mind"
"Oh, certainly not" said Ann as firm
~ as she could.
I'D like to go alOngw cried Louis.
"May Il"
you're needed right here" Raymond
sternly replied. Were likely to be out
all night, and Your sister needs YOU"
Couldn't Baker go in your place.?
asked Ann very quietly.
"Jack isn't very energetic. No; it's
my duty"
ct0Vn6
Ann said. IF 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 a fire.
you're not the boss. You're only the
cook"
His face lighted up. "True enough"
After moments hesitation he added:
Every well consider me your protector
and cook. Baker is in for it," And
he went away filled with a. delicious
sense Of having suddenly been hOnored
above his desert.
Ann was accustomed to men who
flew to do her bidding, but this instant
victory over the big rancher pleased
her unaccountably, and she laughed
softly, acknowledging a glow Of con-
fdence and relief in the promise of his
presence
Out by the corrals the trampling
and snorting of eX';ted 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. 1t rose
straight into the air for hundreds Of
feet, then spread away into long,
level cloud. showing that the wind had
hot yet begun to fan the flame.
At last the men were all mounted
and, with final command from the
boss, spurred away into the gloom,
complaining weary, but faithful. Ray
mond felt little foolish as he faced
che liveryman from Wallace.
mo, I'm not going-at least not until
I get Barnett's people fixed for the
night. You'll have to bunk in the tool
shed, l reckon"
That's all right. III curl down close
to my team. I don't want to run any
risks with a 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 first" the little man replied
very seriously.
Raymond walked slowly toward the
house, filled with guilty joy, In
stead of night Of hard riding and Ia
borious wet bag swinging he had Civ
en- himself the pleasure of sitting in
conversation with beautiful and cul-
tured girl. Il haven't earned this" he
admitted 81 don't deserve it. It's too
good to be true, but Barnett will APP
prove. Anyhow, I'm going to enjoy it
while / cam
Nevertheless, this sense Of being
sneak and 4 cheat threw over him a
gloomy and preocccupied air which
vexed Ann, who began to question him
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