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

joy.
Ann cut in with a grave face, belied
by something in ner voice. Il didn't
suppose a foreman would stcop to
cook"
The young fellow frowned. whats
that?"
Ann went on, II think it's nice of you,
Mr. Raymond, to abase yourself to the
rim of a kettle"
Excuse me, lady, BUT He looked
about for Baker.
Ann interposed. NThat's twice you've
called me lady No real cowboy ever
does that, I'm told, SO you must be an
impostor."
Raymond's face flushed with anger.
"See here! What has that fat jackass
been saying to you about me"
Ann, calmly smiling, made her
charges specific. You're not the cook
You're called Robert Raymond. You're
the foreman and graduate Of Har-
var university, like all superior cow
boys, and you have gallantly volun-
teered to cook in order that we might
eat. Now, isn't this true?''
RAYMOND was stunned for moment,
but as she went on his head lifted, and
into his eyes leaped a 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
say?"
"He told us all about your fight with
your rival It 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,
faint smile auivered at the corners OF
his lips as he bowed gracefully. Miss
Rupert, permit me to astonish you still
more. Ny name, though alliterative, is
nv own. have never killed a man
he looked toward the door-"that IN
credible ass will be my first. l am not
a graduate of Harvard, and l did not
leave my native town between two
days. Does this disappoint you"
sMost deeply. Are there no mitigat-
Ing circumstances!
.None whatever. | am hopelessly
commonplace. I'm. not even cowboy.
I'm foreman of hay ranch"
seYou destroy our dreams. But these
books are yours"
Raymond's eyes wavered. ''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
horse and pitch hay. I make 1t point
not to air my other accomplishments
He was interrupted by a. series OF
faint wells, 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 tllat-1ndians?'
RAYMOND smiled at Ann. ''No, only
bunch Of cowboys passing" He
stepped to the door to study their ap-
proach. sIt's mob Of Williams men.
I don't know what they're doing here"
The rush and trample Of hoofs swept
nearer, and a group Of FIVE drab col
ored horsemen drew up at the hitching
pole with loud outcries, each man set
ting his pony on end with a wrench at
the reins.
Hello. Bobv' shouted the leader.
"Howdy, boys-howdy? he replied
coldly. 1t was plain he was not well
pleased by their inopportune call.
"Got anything to eat:" asked one OF
them as he staggered up.
"Sure thing. Tidy up and come H."
Raymond, turning to Ann, said gently:
perhaps you and the boy had better
step into the other room. This gang is
coming in
They're not dangerous:"
.No, but some Of them are not fit to
eat in the presence Of a lady,
"Louis will want to see your guests"
Every WELL" replied Raymond and
turned to meet his visitors, who ap-
peared fresh from a hasty toilet.
"Come right in. boys. What's the best
word from over the ridges?
The man who entered first was big,
rawboned, wide mouthed, freckle faced
fellow, who gaped in amazemept as he
caught sight Of Ann. Hello! WHAT'S
all this:'' he asked, hunching the man
next him.
|. The insolent vulgarity Of his tone
brought flush Of anger to Raymond's
face. "Shut upr' he commanded In
low voice. Then added in explanation,
Some Of Barnett's folks visiting the
ranch.n ct the moment he hated them
all with a sudden realization Of their
essential cheapness and their filthy
manners.
AS they took seats each man glanced
at Ann with furtive, dev0uring eyes,
and she thrilled under the scrutiny as
she would have done beneath the glare
of a wolf. She had sudden sense Of
danger. Il am getting close to the ele-
mental man." she thought, and by con-
trast Raymond assumed new interest.
Though his clothing was almost as
rough as theirs, his face and voice be-
trayed good blood and refinement She
wondered whether Wayne Peabody