, 1906-02-28

oOiAts IA r.. LIZ a. - ~ ~
fidence and relief in fhe prom & o. Il
presence.
Out by the c~orrals the trnmr:ihg
an a4OttinS vi ) could be
heard mingled 81 s.ered oaths
of the men rs tias A-..-e y roped and
saddled. The Sky WAS o~Iakening 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 Il long,
level cloud, showing that the wind had
not yet begun to fan the flame.
AT last the men were all mounted
and, with a final command from the
boss, spurred away into the gloom,
complaining, weary. but faithful. Ray
mond felt ii little foolish Us he faced
the liyeryman from Wallace.
mo, I'm not going-at least not until
| get Barnett's people fixed for the
night. You'll have to bunk in the tool
iAed. | reckon"
That's all right. I'll curl down close
to my team. | don't want to III any
risks with Il lot of toughs like that
Williams eng tayortin' around. They
had just liquor enough aboard to make
'em reckless. I'd advise you to look out
for old Turkey Egg there. lie has it 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, filled with a guilty joy. In
stead of a night of hard riding and Ia
borious we bag swinging he had Civ
en- himself the pleasure of sitting in
conversation with a beautiful and cul-
tured girl. 81 haven't earned this" he
admitted. Il don't deserve it. It's too
good to be true, but Barnett will ap-
prove. Anyhow, Pm going to enjoy it
while can
Nevertheless, this sense of being a
sneak and a cheat threw over him a
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 blultly: Il don't know. |
came here six years ago because |
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 a moment he meditated a jocular
reply, but at last grayely said: Il
know it. I've felt like a dough boy for
some time, %and-well, I'm just about
decided to try my luck up at the big
camp. | wish you would take n letter
to Barnett and be sure that he reads it.
l 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. Barnett's bed is in this
room"-he opened a door on the side
opposite-"Tl see if it is prepared"
Ann interposed. "Oh, no! I'm not so
helpless as that. Let me take the light.
| will do very we'll, never fear"
He yielded to her. "Ill get you some
water, and | hope there are some clean
towels. Let me know if there is any.
thing else l 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. A 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 in hand He made n
sign commanding silence.
Ann reappeared with a pitcher in her
hand. IF you'll fill this for me?"
with pleasure" he quickly replied.
After filing it and placing it in her
room, he asked: Nov, which bag is
yours? I'll pass that in"
This one. But where are you and
Louis to sleep?"
Right here" He caught at a sort of
frame hung upon the wall. 1t fell and
was transformed into a bunk. Fright
here, close beside your door. I'll put the
y%oungster. I'll not take much sleep to-
night. The boys will need some hot
coffee when they come in." He walked