The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1906-03-23

tured girl. II haven't earned this" he
ADMITTED. Il don't deserve it. It's too
EG0od to be true, but Barnett will ap-
prove. Anyhow, HnEgoing to enjoy it
while cam = -
f. Nevertheless, this sense of being q
sneak and 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. Glow do you happen to be
out here, Mr.. Raymond2' r.
he replied Sbluntly: II don't know. I
came here six years ago because I
hadn't any trade and the cattle bust
ness was attractive, and I've been here
Lever SINCE" n ~ ~ -. es s~,a gt
s"But you are wasting your time and
talents" s.a.. ..,-.,:. .,.,.4
|, For moment he ;meditated a. jocular
reply, but at last gravely said: II
know it. I've felt like 4 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 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 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 II see IL it fis prepared"
Ann interposed. "Oh, no! I'm not.so
helpless as that: Let me take the light
I Wilde very well, never fear L:
He yielded to her. "1'll, get you some
water, and T hope there are some cleal,
towels. Let me0know If. there ia 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 -t0lerable.."'- ,,,-.,,..~-.,.,,..
'I'm quite sure it will do" she said
definitely and entered the room.
Raymond turned to Louis. young
ster, can you shootT' : -"
Not very we'll"
LEARN. A man going round this
country with a young woman wants to
be prepared for war. He may never
have any need Of 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
sign commanding silence.
Ann reappeared with 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, "Now, which bag is
yours? I'll pass that I'M
'This one. But where are you and
Louis to sleep?">
fright here" He caught at sort Of
frame hung upon the wall. It fell and
was transformed into bunk. fright
here, close beside your door, I'll put the
youngster. I'll not take much sleep to-
night. The boys will need some hot
coffee when they come in" He walked
to the door and stood there looking
away toward the fire. ''I'm afraid
they've an all night job Of it. The
mountain wind II springing up" :
IT you really feel that you ought to
so'-she began rather feebly. /
Would you feel safer II I stayedT'.
His voice possessed a note Of tender
ness % he asked this question. His
tall form, outlined In the outer dark
ness, again appealed to her with power.
\ She hesitated. II never was among
I mean have never been separated
from my kind ID this way before.
ana 2. city sdweller, and, confess, l am
Z little nervous"
: .'Then you'd like me to stay?" he In
sisted.
!, "Yes, l wish you would"
Then l will do so. I'm sure Barnett
will excuse me when he knows
Something's whip, pistol-snapped
far out in the darkness, little Shaping
sound, a puff of dust rose from Ray
mond's broad breast, and he put his
hand to his heart with quick, inward
gasp Of pain. "Oh!'
"What was that?" asked Ann.
7 He swayed back against the door
frame, and a yellow white rallor came
over his face. "SSone one has touched