Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-08-10
Joy.
Ann cut in with grave face, belied
by something in her voice. II didn't
suppose a foreman would stoop to
cook


by something in her voice. II didn't
suppose a foreman would stoop to
cook"
The young fellow frowned. whats
thatg'
Ann went on, Il think It's nice Of you,
Mr.. Raymond, to abase yourself to the
rim of a kettle"
Excuse me, Indy, but He looked
about for Baker.
Ann interposed. That's twice you've
called me lady No real cowboy ever
does that, I'm told, so you must be an
impostor." hi
Raymond's face flushed with anger.
"See here! What has that fat jackass
been saying to you about meT'
Ann, calmly smiling, made her
charges specific. You're not the cook.
You're called Robert Raymond. You're
the foreman and d graduate of HAIR
ward university, like all superior cow
boys, and you have CALAMITY volun-
teered to cook III order that we might
eat. Now, isn't this true7"
Raymond was stunned for moment,
but as she went on his head lifted, and
into his eyes leaped spark Of red
light. wait till sight that scoundrel.
You'll have a fine chance to study a
cowboy in action. What else did he
sayY
''He told us all about your fight with
your. rival. 1t was very thrilling. It's
like being character In novel one
self. I'm quite exalted by the thought"
Raymond's eyes ceased to glow, q !
faint smile quivered at the corners Of
his lips as he bowed gracefully. "AIiss
Rupert, permit me to astonish you still
more. My name, though alliterative, is
my own. l have never killed man
he looked toward the door-"that In
credible ass Will be my first. am not
graduate Of Harvard, and did not
leave my native town between two
days. Does this disappoint you?"
''Most deeply. Are there no mitigat-
ing circumstancesT p
"None whatever. am hopelessly
commonplace. I'm not even a cowboy.
I'm foreman Of a hay ranch"
"You destroy our dreams. But these
books are yours?" nssss
Raymond's eyes wayered. "Well, yes
some Of them, but I don't care to
pose as the student rancher. The boys
respect me now because I can ride a
horse and pitch hay. make 1t point
not to air my other accomplishments
he was interrupted by a series of
faint yells, and as they all listened the
swift trample of horses hoofs could be
heard. Louis sprang up, all excite
ment, his eyes glowing.
'sWhat Is that-IndiansY'
|. Raymond smiled at Ann. mo, only
. bunch of cowboys passing" He
slapped to the door to study their APP
proach. TITS mob Of Williams men.
don't know what they're doing here"
The rush and rample of hoofs swept
nearer, and group Of five drab col
cred horsemen drew up at the hitchIng
pole with loud outcries, each man set
ting his pony on end with wrench ut
the reins.
"Hello. Bobr' shouted the leader.
"Howdy, boys-howdyr he replied
eoldly. It was plain he was not well
pleased by their inopportune call.
"Got anything to eatr' asked one of
them as he staggered up.
"Sure thing. Tidy up and come in"
Raymond. turning to Ann, said gently:
Perhaps you and the boy had better
step into the other room. This gang Is
canning In"
They're not dangerous r
"No, but some Of them are not fit to
eat In the presence Of lady"
.Louis will want TO see your guests"
Every WELL" replied Raymond and
turned to meet his visitors, who ap-
peared fresh from q hasty toilet.
'tCome right In, boys. What's the best
word from over the ridgeT'
The man who entered first wa6ia big,
rawboned, wide mouthed, freckle faced
fellow, who CAPPED in amazement as he
caught sight Of Ann. "Hellol What's
all this7" he asked, launching the man
next him. lf
The insolent vulgartU Of his tone
brought flush Of anger to Raymond's
face. "Shut up!" he commanded In q
low voice. Then added In explanation,
"Some Of Barnett's folks visiting the
ranch" At the moment he hated them
all with sudden realisation Of their
essential cheapness and their filthy
manners. Ffsfifis
As they took seats each man glanced
at Ann with furtive, devouring eyes.
and she thrilled under the scrutiny as
she would have done beneath the glare
Of wolf. She had sudden sense Of ;
danger. II am getting close to the ele-
mental man." she thought, and by con-
rast Raymond assumed new interest.
Though his clothing was almost as,
rough as theirs, his face and voice be-
Hayed good blood and refinement. She
wondered whether Wayne Peabody
could stand between such a mob of
ruf1ans and woman. This man Ray
mond dominated them easily.
Louis sat as one enranced studying
| the groupings in the sunset light, which
had begun to dim little To him
these men were heroic. Their physical
hardihood, their siouching grace, their
rumpled hair, their tag ends of kerr
chiefs and greasy belts and cuffs were
all "bang up material" The avid glare
under which Ann shivered was hidden
from the eyes of the boy. but Raymond
took note of every nudge, every wink
that passed, and once or twice he fixed
his eyes on the man they called Spec
kle In look which stayed coarse Jest
upon his lawless lips.
They talked Of the great. new mining
camp on the side of Mogalyon. whereto
they were all bound, They're striking
L oh, {,,% d.