Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-02-02
~

| ldru ut nrSt, Dut reel SociaDfe Wnen
you git him started. He's shy as a rab-
bit when they's any company round"
Raymond uttered cough which
made Baker start. II guess I'll 60 out
and see what that driver has done with
his horses"
Louis sprang up. 'T'll go. too. IL you
don't mind, sis"
AS Ann looked round the low ceiIed
room in which the flies buzzed her eyes
fell upon little case OF books In the
corner. For lack OF something better
to do, she rose to inspect them. She
was surprised to find them mainly es-'
says, and wondered who OF these men
read Emerson and Burroughs. One Of
them was book Of verse. Raymond.s
name was on the fly leaf.
How handsome the cook isr' was
her Inward exclamation as she return
ed 10 her seat. She was not one OF
those who sit in silence when they wish
Information, and, lifting her voice a
| little, she said:
Il understood Mr.. Barnett to say that
you had woman to cook for your"
Raymond shifted stove lid. I'VE
did,
WI mere Is SneE
"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 a moment. al
didn't understand. Mr.. Barnett said
Raymond Strengthened and looked at
her somberly. IF Barnett paid little
more attention to his ranch and less to
polo / wrote him. more than a week
ago, that Jonesy was pullin' his
freight" He returned to his cooking
Ann cOmposedly went on. WAS Jones
the name Of the foremanT'
NO. he was assistant; but he was
married. and his wife was our dough
twister. He's gone to Skytown gold
camp. The whole country is full O. the
fever"
Ann, with a note of sympathy in her
voice. said: 81 don't like to see a big.
strong man cook. Do you get extra
pay for lt?'
Not cent. We all take turns at
it, to tell the honest truth"
Il hope you're the best COOKE"
THAT wouldn't be saying much, Indy.
1 cook in self defense
Ann opened her eyes at the signifi-
canoe of this phrase. Then you don't
do it as IA 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 / ever ate any.
You don't mean they're cooked to-
geiher?"
That's what. It sure makes a I'LL
ing combination" said he, dlshing some
out before her.
Il can well 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
spoon she glanced up at him with a
queer little smile that made the room
whirl before his eyes. lit seems q nu-
tritious mixture"
lie recovered himself. "Oh, it's q
hearty mess. all right. My cooking
ISN'T fancy
Il beg your pardon" Ann fastened
to explain, Il didn't mean TO criticise.
didn't intend TO hurt your feelings.
| III sure it's very tasty dish
"Oh, don't blame you; but, you see.
were not running summer hotel ex-
ictly. Still, We'll make you as com
Portable 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. II
iidn't say that. lady"
But you meant il. I'm not obtuse.
know when / am out of place.
hall flee tomorrow
She was forcing his hand, as he well
NEW. but he remained gravely sim
DE. III be sorry If our grub or any
hing else should scare you out"
She changed the subject quickly. 81
an see that Louis is TO be perfectly
appy down here. / am glad / came
shall feel much more resigned 10 his
icing here now that / have met Mr.
raymond and YOU"
Raymond remained inexpensive.
Your brother is an enthusiast, / be.
ieve you said. He'll be more charita-
lie than-than you, for instance"
Ann didn't like his emphasis. II
ont wonder at your resentment. Our
oming is an imposition, but if I had
nown-please he kind enough 10 ad-
ait that 1 didn't know how you were
ituated."
Raymond resumed his cowboy man.
er. Now. lady, you let that go. |
ont blame you a hair You're here,
nj Ill see-I mean, the boss will see
Te1l all see-that the boy is treated
lght, and I'll guarantee that be gets
air share of what's going. I'm not
pologizing, but hope you won't take
$ on the wrong slant. / hope you'll
ONE often. You brighten up the place
Ann drew herself up. 81 don't under
tand you, Mr.
call me cOok-ME. Cook Anything
oes out here
Ihey were now squared before each
ther, he with q malicious smile Iurk-