Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-02-09
CHAPTER III (Continued.)

W information. and lifting her voice | little she said:
 fI understood MT. Barnett to say that you had a woman to cook for you?'
 Raymond shifted stove lid. "We did"
 'Where is she?"
 "Gone-a week ago"
 Isn't there any woman about the placer"
 He peered into the coffeepot "No one but you"
 Ann sat in silence for moment. "I didn't understand. MT. Barnett said"-
 Raymond strengthened and looked at her somberly. If Barnett paid little more attention to his ranch and less to polo I wrote him, more than week ago, that Jonesy was pullin' his freight" He returned to his cooking.
 Ann composedly went on, "Was Jones the name of the foreman?' {, "No, he was assistant; but he was maUled, and his wife was our dough kwister. He's gone to Skytown gold camp. The whole country is full O the 4eVDr."
 l.Ann, with a note of sympathy in her voice, said: 'I don't like to see big, strong man cook. Do you get extra pay for it?'
 Mot cont. We all take turns at Jt, to tell the honest truth" "I hope you're the best cook?" That wouldn't be saying much, lady. cook in self defense"
 Ann opened her eyes at the signifi- canoe of this phrase. Then you don't do it as a-a business"
 ''Not by 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: Il don't think I ever ate any. tYou don't mean they're cooked to- gether:'
 -sThats what. It sure makes a fill ing combination said he, dishing some out before her.
 1I can we'll believe it." she replied, with humorous intonation. Let me taste it. Perhaps I'll like it." As she nibbled little of the mess from the
 
 queer little smile that made the room whill before his eyes. Tt seems d n,l- tritious miXture.'
 He recovered himself. "Oh, it's a hearty mess, all right. My cooking isn't fancy"-
 'l beg your pardon" Ann hastened to explain, .I didn't mean to criticse didn't intend to hurt your feelings I'm sure it." q very tasty dish"
 "Oh, don't blame you; but, you see. we're not running summer hotel ex- actly. Still, we'll make you as con- fortable as we can while you stay"
 By which you mean to hint you hope won't stay long, She was frankly amused
 He became very sincerely grave. "I didn't say that, lady"
 But you meant it. I'm not obtuse. l know when I am out of place. shall flee tomorrow"
 She was forcing his hand, as he we'll knew, but he remained gravely sim- pie. "Ill be sorry if our grub or any thing else should scare you out"
 She changed the subject quickly 'I can see that Louis is to be perfectly happy down here. am glad came l shall feel much more resigned to his being here now that I have met MT. Raymond and you"
 Raymond remained inexpensive our brother is an enthusiast I be- lieve you said. He'll be more charita- ble than-than you, for instance"
 Ann didn't like his emphasis 'I don't wonder at your resentment Our coming is an imposition but if had known-please be kind enough to aa- init that l didn't know how you were situated"
 Raymond resumed his cowboy man. her. 'Now, lady, you let that go. don't blame you d hair. You're here, and I'll see-I mean, the boss will see we'll all see-that the boy is treated right, and I'll guarantee that he gets q fair share of what's going I'm not apologizing, but l hope you won't take us on the wrong slant l hope you'll come often. You brighten up the place wonderfully"
 Ann drew herself up. T don't under stand you. Mr.
 Gall mo cook k-Mr Cook. Anything goes out here
 They were now squared before each other, he with a malicious smile l,lrk ing at the corner of his mouth she with dark and p1IzZled brow.
 .'Cf co'!rse, Nou cowboys are all strange t3 mel meau y0ur manners and customs but ny roomniajp ;,t col letse to!G Iec# 5saaI deal a.,u, ths life She was from Colorado.
 He betrayed HeW interest. "N-haf vas s'9,il' oeIleses SMath*"
 tnu lifted hale eyebrows in surprise s,;0 What made yaa thHsk it wl~::, R.e$uIona begun h retreat. 90h. i don't l08w. 1oa seemed about litat stylc. moan to say, you carry Esan= self I.Ke s'uith =c3l5eSe girl that cf1sse# down here ollee with Mrs. Barnett. lie caught up tAe water bucket "EN- cuSe me q minute. I'll run down to the