, 1906-02-28

ing.
The liveryman, a short, dirty II
very assertive man of small wit, was
maintaining himself against one of he
riders in an argument. Il punched
cattle all over them hills" he was say
ing. Il know it's all another fake like
that old Mount Horeb business in 10.
It's nothin' but a cattle range-a lot O.
smooth hills
"But they've found the gold. They
can't be no question about it now. I've
got Il brother up there, and he writes
me-
"They told the same kind O yarns
about Uoreb, and sec how it turned out.
They amt an ounce o. gold i'll this
whole Rampant range. 1t amt the
right kind O. formation"
We'll, I'm goin' up there anyhow"
said Baker, "as oon as Barnett can
fill my place"
80 am l." said one of the other cow
boys, a dark, smileless fellow nearly
forty years of age.
They're talking about Sky camp"
whispered Louis, 1.-The new mining
town"
The talk among the men shifted again
to a discussion of the fire. Il hope
Bob won't order us out to fight it to-
night. I'm tired as Il dog" said II of
the men.
1.-THE way l put it up is this" bleat-
ed the llveryman: That fire started
from somebody campin' over on Birch
creek, and it's way beyond the ridge.
It's got to cross that rocky wash be-
fore it can do any damage"
"Nyell, we'll know when Rob gets
back" replied Baker, and Ann in
ferred from this that Raymond had
ridden away to locate the fire, n
heartily hoped he would not be gone
long.
The men showed back one by one and
with sly, curious glances at the girl,
| sitting so cold and white and still
against the wall, went out to smoke
and discuss her with the driver. Bak-
er, mindful of his duties, remained.
Don't be uneasy, miss. One of us will
| stay here anyhow"
Louis was looking over his sketching
material, his mind busy with plans for
Raymond's return. The lad rushed to
the door. "Oh. Ann, come quick" he
called Il moment later. Here he
comes! Oh, can't he rider
Ann reached the door just as Ray
mond dashed up and swung from his
saddle. His voice was not loud, but
it was stirring. Boys, the fire is
climbing the ridge. and we've got to
fight it. Gather UP your blankets and
gunny sacks. Well find Williams over
there with some,water barrels. Hustle
now. I'll be along a little later. Tom,
you take charge till | come"
With groans and half joeular curses
the weary men, loyal to their duty,
scattered to rope fresh ponies and
gather up such material as they had
for fighting flame, while Raymond
came to the door and b%rusquely said
to Ann: an leave Baker to look after
you, Miss Rupert. l hope you won't
mind"
"Oh, certainly not" said Ann as firm
ly as she could.
I'D like to go along!' cried Louis.
May Il"
you're needed right here" Raymond
sternly replied. Were likely to be out
all night, and your sister needs you"
Couldn't Baker go in your placer
asked Ann very quietly.
Jack isn't very energetic. No; it's
my duty"
THAT'S why I'd rather you stayed
Ann said. IF we should be attacked
by Indians or anything, Mr.. Baker
might be asleep"
lie laughed. 'Indians, There aren't
any within 200 miles of here"
But you said you'd TAXI care of us,
and Mr.. Barnett has consigned us to
your care"
He warmed beneath the allurement
of her glance. but how would it look
for the boss to remain comfortably at
home while Il fire.
you're not the boss. You're only the
cook
His face lighted up. True enough
After a moments hesitation he added.
Every we'll consider me your protector
and cook. Baker is in for it," And
he went away filled with a delicious
sense of having suddenly been honored
above his desert.
Ann vas accustomed to men who
flew to do her bidding. but this instant
victory over the big rancher pleased