The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-08-01

..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. ssBut 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. True enough"
After a 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
few to do her bidding, but this instant
victory over the big rancher pleased
her unaccountably, and she laughed
j softly, acknowledging glow Of con-
fdence and relief in the promise Of his
presence
! Out by the corrals the trampling
and snorting Of excited ponies could be
heard mingled with the muttered oathsy
of the men as they hurriedly roped and
saddled. The sky was darkening rap
idly, and the pillar of smoke already
! glowed like a brazen tower. 1t 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 fame.
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
the liyeryman from Wallace.
..No, 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. 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 cayortin' around. They
had just liquor enough aboard to make
'em reckless. I'd advise you to look out
for old Turkey Egg there. He hasit in
for YOU
Raymond was unimpressed. They're
halfway to Wallace by this time, and,
besides, Speck is a 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, filed with a guilty JOY. In
stead of a night of hard riding and Ia
borious wet bag swinging he had Civ
en- himself the pleasure Of sitting ID
conversation with a beautiful and cul-
tured girl. ,..I haven't earned this he
admitted. 81 don't deserve it. It's too
good to be true, but Barnett will ap-
prove. Anyhow, I'm going to enjoy 1t
while can
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 in her
coachman. How do you happen to be
out here, Mr., Raymond"
He replied bluntly: 81 don't know. I
came here six years ago because I
| hadn't any trade and the cattle busi-
ness was attractive, and I've been here
ever since"
But you are wasting your time and
! talents"
!, For moment he meditated jocular
! reply, but at last gravely said: Il
| know it. I've felt like dough boy for
some time, and-well, I'm just about
! decided to try my luck up at the big
camp. I wish you would take a letter
/ to Barnett and be sure that he reads it.
I want him to send another man down
here to take my place. But, see here,
you're both tired and want to so to
bed He rose and lighted second
lamp. Mrs. Barnett's bed is in this
room'-he opened door on the side
opposite-"I'll see if it is prepared
Ann interposed "Oh, no. I'm not so
helpless as that. Let me take the light.
1 will do very we'll, never fear
! He Welded to her. sI'll get you some
water, and I hope there are some clean
towels. Let me know if there is any
thing else I can do
You are very thoughtful.
I'VE try to keep that room ready, so
that when the folks come down it will
be tolerable.'
I'm quite sure it will do she said
definitely and entered the room.
Raymond turned to Louis. Young
ster, can you shoot:'
Not very Well
Learn. y man going round this
country with a young woman wants to
be prepared for war He may never
have any need of a gun, and then
again. unexpected, he may. A gang Of
hoboes like that today is dangerous
when they get to drinking, and it
stands a man liz hand He made a
sign commanding si!cace.
Ann reappeared with j pitcher i'll her
Iop1 s.Jf yoI,'O fill this fo, D,aEo