Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-12-25

Wnen ne nau tOlQ IL ne was ANXIOUS
10 get away again, for by a quick re-
treat the two girls might be saved the
knowledge of the Clark episode, and
he very probable second insult. But
the evangelist, having no wish to tat
tie about Lancaster, yet hoping that
the elder girl would learn what her
father had done and administer de-
served rebuke, urged him in.
The storekeeper did not consent to
enter the shack, however, until Dallas
added her invitation, and then he went
reluctantly He was accustomed to
courtesy there on the frontier. The
plains bred men that he knew tnstinc-
ffvely took him at his real valuation
and treated him accordingly. The men
OF more conventional strata (the pro-
fessional men Of Bismarck and those
who differed at the posts up and down
the river freely bestowed their friend
ship upon him. The lawless element
respected him, too, and showed that
respect by letting him severely alone
He shrank from placing himself where
q man like Lancaster - crippled, old
and therefore beyond disciplining
could have the chance to repeat an
a6rront And he shrank at the thought
Of clash-it meant pain for two help
less women. Nevertheless he yielded.
The streamers were gone from the
sky by then. They had faded as quick
~ as they had come. Once more, I'M
der a dome of cobalt, the river flowed
black between its fringe of trees and
the prairie stretched white and STILL
A bright fire and a swinging coffee
pail welcomed the three as the door
swung wide, and the section boss, who
was urging Marylyn to 'rustle some
grub" turned with testy word. But
he fell silent when he saw Lounsbury
and edged into the dusky shelter OF
the hearthside.
The storekeeper nodded to him,
shook hands absently with the young
er girl and took a bench. His face
looked less full than usual and was
lighted by no hearty smiles.
Little was said until breakfast was
ready-a quick breakfast of bacon,
pone and coffee. The three men warm
cd themselves. The girls moved be-
tween fireplace and table. But when
the plates were set and the coffee
poured David Bond asked for the story
of Matthews doings, of the affair at
the saloon, the meeting with Colonel
Cummings and the council. Dallas
and Marylyn heard 1t from where they
stood together, before the blaze. Lam
caster heard 1t, though he pretended
not to, eating and drinking the while
with angry smacks.
Lounsbury paid no attention to the
section boss-in fact; before his recital
was done, he had forgotten him. He
talked quietly and without boasting,
his face now turned to David Bond.
now to the girls.
"And you think" said the evangelist,
when the story was finished, you
think that Matthews will drop his
elaim to the bend?"
Lounsbury arose as if TO CO. and for
the first time since his entrance looked
squarely at Lancaster. This is what
] think" he answered. "In Dakota, If
q man jumps land that hasn't been i'm
proved, all he's got to do is to hang on
to it-don't have to rassle with any
Ane points of law. This far west of
stuffed chairs there's whole lot Of
public sentiment" He crossed the room
and picked up coat and cap.
"Of course" added David Bond,
following the law would strengthen
the case"
"Of course"
The section boss adjusted his
erutches and stood up 'You-all seem
Z be settlin' it 'thout any O. my lip"
he said and laughed mockingly.
1--WE have your interests at heart"
replied the storekeeper.
Lancaster ground his teeth Now
that all danger was past he felt no
gratitude for the routing Of Matthews
and the strategy at the Troopers De-
light. He could only feel that his au-
thority In his own home was threat
ened. He turned his back
Lounsbury glanced at the girls. They
were watching their father appeal.
hgly.
II should say" went on Lounshury,
that we have the interests of your
daughters al neort" His hand reached
for the latch
MIR. LounsbuIyw Dallas made a
swift step toward him.
Now the section boss came about
L0unsbury was reminded OF the day
on the plowed strip for he saw that
Lancaster WAS all a-trembe and pant
ing az if spent with hard run. M
gall" he cried starnlv.
Dallas stepped pack and touched her
fathers arm. And her remonstrance
was the remonStrauce of that other
day. NO, no, dad" she cautioned IN
a low voice; "no, no"
Lancaster's breast heaved. He swal-
lowed with an effort and Scowled from
ons to another of the four
David Bond came forward, address
ing LOunsbury. VIII you ten me