, 1906-02-21

fNC9 Ohs am III M III "'SA
2@Ann and Louis 90 10 visit the ranch
of Don Barnett, their Cousins husband.
CONTINUED.
She was forcing his hand, us he well
knew, but he remained gravely sim
pie. I'm 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. | I'm glad | came.
/ shall feel much more resigned to his
being here now that have met Mr..
Raymond and you
Raymond remained Inexpensive.
"Your brother is an enthusiast, | be-
1ieve you said. He'll be more charita-
Bile ~than-than you, for instance"
Ann didn't like his emphasis. ~
don't wonder at your resentment. Our
coming is an imposition, but if / had
known-please be kind enough to adj
nit that | didn't know how you were
situated"
Raymond resumed his cowboy man
ner. "Now, lady, you let that go. |
don't blame you Il 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 Il
fair share Of what's going. I'm not
apologizing, but | hope you won't take
us on the wrong slant. | hope you'll
come often. You brighten up the place
wonderfully"
Ann drew herself up. Il don't under
stand you, Mr.
"Call me cook-Mr. Cook. Anything
goes out here
They were now squared before each
other, he with a malicious smile Turk
ing at the corner of his mouth, she
with dark and puzzled brow.
'Of course, you cowboys are all
strange to mel mean your me
and customs-but my roommate at col
lege told me Il good deal about this life.
She was from Colorado
He betrayed new interest. 'NNhat
was your college? Smith p
Ann lifted her eyebrows in surprise.
mo, What made you think it wasY'
Raymond began to retreat. "Oh, |
don't know. You seemed about that
style. | mean TO say, you carry your
self like II Smith college girl that came
down here once with Mrs. Barnett"
He caught up the water bucket. Eek
cuse me Il minute. I'll run down to the
spring and get some water" His go
ing was equivalent to flight.
Ann smiled composedly as she slipped
her coffee. which WAS very good in
deed.
Louis burst in ut the door. sis, you
ought to see the corrals out here. They
have ninety head of horses! Think of
that, And I'm to ride all / want to-"
Baker, who appeared just behind
him, put in Il drawing word: "'Peared
like he wanted to ride four to once,
like a circus nan Are you gettin'
somethin' to eat, miss?'
"Oh, yes, indeed
Louis, throwing down his cap in imi-
tation of Raymond, cried out. I'm
hungry
Ann turned to Baker. Mr.. Fore,
man, isn't there something mysterious
about your cook? Part of the time he
speaks like Il MAJ of the world and
part of the time like Il rancher. l
think he's playing a part, and playing
it badly"
What makes you think SOP asked
Louis. '"Ihey say he's Il bully rider"
They amt zone better, miss" re-
piled Baker, who began to look a little
uneasy.
Ann pursued her point. Il think
he's one of those romantic cowboys
who have seen better days-perhaps an
English nobleman in disguise"
Baker was always ready when a
chance TO get even with Raymond Of
fered itself. He puckered his plump
face into a frown of deep concern. 81
guess you're some right, miss, but he
amt no English lord, l don't think.
We never inquire very close into a
mans pedigree out here if he can ride
a cayuse and flip a gun. But he's
American, all right, and a good cook"
is Cook his real name?"
Baker became cautious. Did he say
his name was Cook? If he did, that
goes. I'm not in the habit of disputing
him."
mo, he didn't tell his name, but he
intimated that l might call him Cook.