Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-08

"I say I've notion to take up som,
 land" repeated Lounsbury. "Righ'
 east of you wouldn't be a bad idea
 The sod's wonderful hereabouts--nt
 stumps, no stones, and the loam''
 thick Look in the coulee--you car
 see there how far it is to the clay
 That's why she wore down SC deep",--.
 "Thet arroyo?"
 Yes l believe I'll just pick out q quarter near it. Could plant a store anyway when the track comes.'
 Vas, certainly" said Lancaster He passed Dallas, giving her a help less, apprehensive stare. But shucks, An wouldn' be in such a tar mel hurry ef An was you. Spring plenty O time
 Lounsbury swung round sharply "Spring!" he exclaimed in amaze ment. Il hope that hasn't been your plan, sir man cant file too soon. ''
 Dallas leaned toward Lounsbury again, and her lips parted. But a quick, peremptory gesture from hel father interrupted. "Mar'lyn," he cried, his eyes warning the elder girl. Hook out fer thet coffee. It's a-bilin over'
 And Dallas saw that her father did not trust the storekeeper-perhaps feared hin-and that he did not wish his own neglect to be known.
 But a hint of the state of affairs at fha c1o oo1y bod a1 1rao I bury's mind. As Marylyn rose to pour the coffee he quickly changed the subject Forts a quiet place these days,' he observed, acepting a cup. 'Wolder when the troops Il be back"
 The section boss slipped at his saul Ger. An don carry on 10 dealins with Yankee soldier trash" he an. swered curtly. They keep they side O tn river. an we-all keep ourn.''
 Lounsbury laughed. Well" he said, you'll find when the redskins get nasty that the army blue looks pretty good"
 The other shrugged.
 The storekeeper tapped the holster hanging upon thigh. Il carry pop gun regular" He set down the cup pulled at hi sboot legs and arose.
 ''Ah reckon Ah c'n hol, my own sah," Lancaster's pride was touched
 No doubt of it" assured the youn. ger man, preparing to go, II hope he continued, that you'll call on me at any time--if you need more provi- l sions, say"
 Lancaster did not 1lisunderstand the offer of credit, Thank y, he re- piled stiffly, but We certainly get 'nough t las through
 Lounsbury remembered now shall compared with the orders of other wintering settlers. was the Lancaster stock, and thought. tC1, now likely it was that every posserby would be fed ! with true southern hospitality, thus the supply. But he re. trained from making any further St g. gestion. He bade the family goodby little at parting beside the younger girl.
 Miss Marylyn." he said. before another winter you'll be the l elle ot the town of Lancaster"
 She put her hand in his Iashfully
 And Miss Dallas?" His voice en- treated a little.
 Il hope youll be the biggest store. keeper" she said.
 To Lounsburys surprise. he saw trace of fun lurking in her eye. An, you've forgiven mel" he declared fri. 
 But she made no answer as she turned away.
 The next momnlt Ee was cl'lOringI toward the coulee crossing.
 Marylyn watched him go. When, having disappeared into the ravine, he came into sightagain on the farth. er side he turned in his saddle and saw her. He took off his hat and waved it. She answered with a fare we'll signal and stood looking after him, until distance dwarfed horse and rider to dot
 On the storekeeper's departure the shack became a scene of action. Lan- easter gave over walking the floor and collected bedding for a journey was called in to prepare box of food for her father-potatoes from the coals of the fireplace, cured pig meat from the sOuse barrel, bread md a jug of coffee-while Dallas taught the mules. gave them some yrain and a rubbing down with straw Fisps and greased the wagon wheels Al being made ready. the section boss ook leave of his daughters. urging I hem to keep within the next day s when the surveyors came up and 10 I ieny his going. Then with Ben and Betty at smart trot he set of for 1 Bismarck and the land office. When he was gone the squat shack , 'n rhe bend became yigilant. Cease S essls ifs eyes covered the stretch oi . oad between ferry landing and cou. |.