Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-08-10
HAMLIN GARLAND
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
nARNETTS ranch, one Of his
TX chief amusements. lay at the
head Of a valley surrounding
spring which was the source
OF Wildcat creek. The buildings stood
just where the rayine opened out upon
q grassy meadow. It was comforta-
|tb1e place, shielded from the desert
Winds by the low hills to the north,
while a small artificial pond. grayeled
and trimmed with cottonwoOds and VIII
lows, gave it enviable distinction
among the bleak and barren farm
steads It was known as the Goldfish
RANCH" for the reason that at one time
Barnett had filled the pond with orna-
mental fish.
AT about 8 o'clock of hot and wind
less July day horseman galloped
swiftly up the valley into the yard and
was met at the door of the house by a
tall, composed young fellow In broad
hat and spurs.
Hello, Perry!'' he said quietly.
AYou made good time"
Perry, a young Mexican, showed a
score of his white teeth in a grin.
Here is letter. Some people coming
to rancho tonight
The young man tore the end from the
long envelope and read the letter In
silence. His face darkened, .'Well,
that's a nice case O. beans. So they're
on the road, are theyp
Eyes; bout To- miles back"
The young foreman turned toward
the house, from which the faint strains
of annie Laurie" came. A plump,
light haired young fellow of about thir-
ty sat tilted back in his chair, with one
leg thrown across the corner Of the
table, playing a mouth organ.
Hello, Rob!'' he called.
Raymond was in bad humor. .Put
up your plaything, you monkey, and
listen to me moment"
whats up?p
Raymond pointed at the letter. Read
that Nice thing the old man works on
u.s." His indignation and disgust deep
ened into growl. ''This settles it,.
I'm going to pull out"
The other man composedly took up
the letter. whats he done nowi'
"Going to Quarter crazy kid on us,
a New York degenerate, who'll be
COMPOUNDED nuisance every hour Of the
day. And that isn't all-the kids sister
Is coming down to stay few days.
here his dismay was fairly comical-
to get the lad settled"
Bakers eyes widened, and his fat face
Heightened. Not comm today?"
aThat's whati'
sAnd us without no woman round"
Raymond broke forth again: That's
II now. You'd suppose Barnett would
at least read my letters. told him
last week that old Jonesy and his wife
were going up to Skytown."
s'Well, we're In for It We can't turn
q woman out on the plain. Jack. you
slovenly whelp. set to work and clean
up the mess you've made. Perry, go
rope some snags for fire. Hustle,
nowr'
Baker began to read the letter aloud
In monotonous. painful way, while
Raymond moved about the room, pick
ing up the litter.
My Dear Robin sending you new
hand and visitor. They are cousins and
nice people. The lad is not very strong,
and I'm sending him down to you to get
an upward turn. He's crazy on the sub
ject Of wild animals and cowboys and Is a
very clever artist. He'll want to have you
pose for him
Raymond came over and seized the
stove lid litter as II to break Bakers
head. Were to cook and purvey like
boarding house keepers and doctor like
nurse at health resort, and In addi-
ton we're to pose for a delicate youth
who thinks we're material That set
ties me. I'm going up to Sky and take
a shy at mining"
Baker broke forth into 9 slow drawl,
"Hadn't you better strike few atti-
tudes SOS to be In practice when the
boy comesf'
Raymond tlIrottled him half in ear
nest. 1--WE a mind to wiring your
neck" he said through his teeth. Then.
suddenly releasing him, he again COM
manded him to clear away his dishes.
Baker was not vet finished with the
letter. .sHold on. Don't be in rush.
hain't got to the girl yet. That's what
interests me. Miss Rupert will only
stay few days to get the lad set
tied
"She can't stay too quick to suit me-"
Bakers voice took on little more
expression as he read Barnett's ap-
peal. Now. don't be cranky. old
man. The Ruperts are good stuff, md
on Mrs. Barnett's account -
ENDS up by laying me under obliga-
ton to his wife, knowing mighty well
I'd do anything for her. Well. I'll do
It. but / reckon the atmosphere won't
bake q cake while she's here. I'll leave
you and Dutch to do the talking.
That'll chill her cold"
Baker began to show alarm. Not
by hatful. Right here is where l
take q sneak"
Raymond's brow darkened and his
eyes threatened. mo you don't, my
Christian friend and neighbor. You
remain right here and do the honors.
You viii pass for the boss. I've got
to cook. |"