The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1906-03-09
T1AH1LIN RLAND

to- explain, II didn't mean to criticise
didn't intend to hurt your feelings
I'm sure it's very tasty dish
'""Ob, don't blame you; but, you see
we're not running q summer hotel ex-
actly. Still, wen 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. 49, ,..s,s..-s,
He became very sincerely grave. II
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. "1'll be sorry IL our grub or any
thing else should scare you out" r..
Is She changed the subject quickly. II
can see that Louis is to be perfectly
happy down here, am glad I came.
I shall feel much more resigned to his
being here now that L have met Mr..
Raymond and you"
Raymond remained inexpensive.
"Your brother is an enthusiast, be-
lieve you said. He'll be more charita-
BILE than-than you, for instance"
Ann didn't like his emphasis. II
don't wonder at your resentment. Our
coming Is an imposition, but If had
known-please be kind enough to ad-
NIT that L didn't know how you were
situated"
Raymond resumed his cowboy man
ner. 'Now, lady, you let that 60. 1
don't blame you 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 a
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. II don't under
stand you, Mr.
"Call me cook-Mr. Cook. Anything
goes out here" ~ = r-i.s,@-; 80
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. - e.
"Of course, you cowboys are all
strange to mel mean your manners
and customs-but my roommate at col
lege told me a good deal about this life.
She was from Colorado" -
He betrayed new interest. ''What
was your college? Smith p - 49,
Ann lifted her eyebrows in surprise.
"No. What made you think it was"
Raymond began, to- retreat. ooh, I
don't know. You seemed about that
style. 1 mean to say, you carry your
self like Smith college girl that came
down here once with Mrs. Barnett"
He caught up the water bucket. OK
cuse me minute. I'll run down to the
spring and get some water" His 60
ing was equivalent to flight. e., d.
Ann smiled composedly as she slipped
her coffee, which was very good in
deed.
Louis burst in at the door. isis, 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 drawing word: "'Peared
like he wanted to, ride four to once,
like a circus man.. Are you gettin'
somethin' to eat, miss?'' ~
"Oh, yes, indeed" "a =, -,
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 a man-of the world and
part Of the time like rancher. Il
think he's playing a part, and playing
1t badly. @'ts~sSt.. -, ~ g. 49,
what makes you think so?'' asked
Louis. .'They say he's bully rider"
''They amt hone better, MISS re-
piled Baker, who began to look little
uneasy. - - g..
Ann pursued her point. II think
he's one of those romantic cowboys
who have seen better days perhaps an
EnglisH noblelnan in disguise"
Baker was always ready when a
CQducc W Sct even VIII INdy AAOuu VI
fered itself. He puckered his plump
face into a frown OF deep concern. II
guess you're some right, miss, but he
amt no English lord, / don't think.
We never inquire very close into
mans pedigree out here if he can ride
a cayuse and flip gun. But he's
American, all right, and good cook"
us Cook his real name" Il
Baker became cautious. "Did he say
bis name was Cook2 If he did, that
goes. I'm not in the habit Of disputing |
him" =. - |
mo, be didn't tell his name, but he
that might call him Cook.
Your name is Raymond, isn't 1T"
Baker was again, slow. to answer.
ibid he intimate that my name was |
s-% I'll. .! !.ss'' Il. -.
Ann after looking at him In silence
gravely, "Of course you're
both having fun with us because we're
from the east and I don't think It
quite nice In you." l*@aE ~ r.
L. - 4,