The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-07-25

| YOU laQ WOLQ2u 10 COOh LUZ you
Raymond shifted stove lid. I'VE
did"
where is she:'
| "Gone-a week ago."
isn't there any woman about the
place"
He peered into the cofeepot. "No
Dne but you.''
Ann sat in silence for moment. Il
didn't understand. Mr.. Barnett said''-
Raymond Strengthened and looked at
her somberly. eff Barnett paid little
more attention to his ranch and less to
polo I wrote him, more than week
ago, that Jonesy was puilin' his
freight" Ee returned to his cooking.
| Ann composedly went on. 'Was Jones
the name cf the foreman?"
| mo, he was assistant; but he was
! married, and his wife was our dough
twister. Hes gone to Skytown gold
camp. The whole country is full o the
fever"
Ann, with note Of sympathy in her
voice, said: sI don't like to see a big,
strong man cook. Do you get extra
pay for it"
.sNot a cent. We all take turns at
! 1t, to tell the honest truth.
ST hope you're the best cook?'
4That wouldn't be saying much, lady.
cook In self defense
Ann opened her eyes at the signih-
canoe Of this phrase. ''Then you don't
do 1t as IA business"
.'Not by a whole row O. steers. Do
you like prunes and rice?' he asked
hastily.
Ann looked into the dish which he
! held out toward her and gravely re-
Piled: 81 don't think I ever ate any.
You don't mean they're cooked to-
gether?"
sThat's what. 1t sure makes fill
ing combination" said he, dishing some
out before her.
81 can well believe it." she replied,
with a humorous intonation. Let me
taste it. Perhaps I'll like it, AS she
| nibbled little of the mess from the
spoon she glanced up at him with a
! queer little smile that made the room
wairl before his eyes. 'It seems nu-
tritious mixture
| He recovered himself. "Oh, it's a
! hearty mess, all right. Ny cooking
isn't fancy
81 beg your pardon" Ann fastened
! to explain, 81 didn't mean to criticise.
I didn't intend to hurt your feelings.
I'm sure it's a very tasty dish.''
"Oh, don't blame you; but, you see,
we're not running a summer hotel ex-
aefly. Still, We'll make you as COM
Portable as we can while you stay"
| "By which you mean to hint you hope
I won't stay &ng." She was frankly
amused.
He became very sincerely grave. 81
didn't say that, lady ~
But you meant it. I'm not obtuse.
(; I know when I am out Of place.
shall fee tomorrow
| She was forcing his hand, as he well
knew, but he remained gravely sim
pie. II be sorry if 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 L have met Mr..
Raymond and you.''
| Raymond remained inexpensive.
teYour brother is an enthusiast, be-
lieve 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 if I had
known-please be kind enough to ad-
nit that I didn't know how you were
! situated
Raymond resumed his cowboy man
ner. ''Now, lady, you let that so. I
don't blame you hair You're here,
and I'll see-I mean, the boss will see
well all see-that the boy is treated
right, and I'll guarantee that he gets
/ fair share Of what's going. I'm not
apologizing, but hope you won't take
! us Oh luG WIUuS Slliul AOpC OQ IL
come often. You brighten up the place
wonderfully"
Ann drew herself up. 81 don't under
stand you, Mr.
'Call me cook-A1r. Cook. Anything
goes out here
They were now squared before each
=, other, he with a malicious smile lurk-
ing at the corner of his mouth, she
with dark and puzzled brow.
"Of course, you cowboys are all
strange to mel mean your manners
and customs-but my roommate at col
lege told me good deal about this life.
She was from Colorado"
He betrayed new interest. "What
was your college? Smith p
Ann lifted her eyebrows in surprise.
'No. What made you think it was?"
Raymond began to retreat. "Oh, I
don't know. You seemed about that
style. l mean to say, you carry your
self like Smith college girl that came
| down here once with Mrs. Barnett"