The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-08-01
HAMLIN GARLA Nd
copYR1eHr. 1905, HAnl1N eARLANl

She turned to the din purple range,
crumpled into ridges and slashed With
deep valleys. .sThey may be alluring
to you, laddie, but they scare me-a lit
tie. Well, perhaps you'll be able to go
and see what they are ike by and by,
when you are stronger
perhaps Rob will take me. I would
sot be afraid Of anything with him.
He's a splendid type. Don't you think
sop
Ann smiled, but answered doubtfully,
sHe seems ane, resolute fellow" Her
sisterly anxiety reappeared. "But l
don't like to leave you here, Buddie.
These men, the best OF them, seem
rough and reckless I think you'd bet
ter go back with ple-really do
.sOh, no. I'm all right here, sis. Rob
will lcok after me- It's just what l
need"
sMaybe it is for the best, but I have
q feeling that something is going to
happen to you I don't like to go back
without you III stay on day or two
longer anyhow. want to find out
more about conditions here. I have a
queer feeling at my heart. l don't
want to leave you. Let us go in"
A kerosene lamp stood among the
dishes, and the driver Of their team
and two late coming horsemen and the
Mexican boy were all eating together.
RAYMOND was not to be seen, and Ann
realized, with a pang of dismay, how
wholly she was depending upon him.
s:Without him I shall be scared" she
admitted to herself The other men
paid very little direct attention to her
beyond moments awkward pause
and lowering Of their voices. They
continued to discuss the fire and their
days work. It was plain that they
were Of different temper from the
crowd Raymond had thrown from the
door, and yet they were not prepossess-
ing.
The hveryman, a short, dirty and
very assertive man Of small wit, was
maintaining himself against one OF the
riders in an argument. Il punched
cattle all over them hills he was say
ing. s..I know it's all another fake like
that old Mount Horeb business in 20.
It's nothin' but a cattle range-a lot O.
smooth hills
sBut they've found the gold. They
can't. be no question about it now. I've
got a brother up there, and he writes
me-
q .sThey told the same kind O yarns
about Horeb, and see how it turned out.
They amt an ounce O. gold in this
whole Rampant range. 1t amt the
right kind O formation"
s.Well, I'm goin' up there anyhow" :"
said Baker, .'as soon as Barnett can
fiji my place.
$50 AN IT, said one Of the other cow
boys, a dark, smileless fellow nearly
forty years Of age
They're talking about Sky camp"
whispered Louis, ''the new mining
town"
The talk among the men shifted again
to discussion Of the fire, 81 hope
Bob won't order us out to fight it to-
night. I'm tired as dog" said one OF
the men.
1sThe way I put it up is this,'' bleat-
ed the liveryman: .sThat fire started
from somebody campin' ever 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"
"Weli, wen know when Rob gets
back replied Baker, and Ann in
ferred from this that Raymond had
ridden away to locate the fire, and
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 vigil, 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
work, when shout outside announced
Raymond's return. The lad rushed to
the door. ''Oh. Ann, come quick he
called Z moment later Here he
comes, Oh, can't be ride
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. Wei find Williams over
there with some water barrels. Hustle
now. I'll be along little later. Tom.
you take charge till come
With groans and half jocular curses
the weary men, loyal to their duty,
scattered to rope fresh ponies and
gather up such material as they had
for lighting fame, while Raymond
came 10 the door and brusquely SAID
to Ann: 'Tll leave Bake; to look after
you, Mss Rupert. l hope you won't
mind