Mower County transcript., 1907-09-11

Mcneil crossed his legs, and wiped
+ his damp forehead with the back Of
his hand. "Hoof of a damn pack
mule" he explained, forgetting him
self. "The-eh-cuss lifted me ten
feet"
Moffat laughed hoarsely, but as the
foreman Strengthened up quickly, the
amazed girl joined happily in, and his
own face instantly exhibited the con-
tagion.
"Ain't much-eh-ever happens out
on ranch,'' he said, doubtfully, Eek
cept dodgin' steers, and-eh-bustin'
broncoes."
Moffat had his head craned out of
the window once more, in an apparent
determination to ignore all further
frivolous remarks. Suddenly he point
ed directly ahead.
"There's Glencaid now, Miss Spen-
cer," he said, cheerfully. "That's the
spire of the new Presbyterian church
sticking up above the RIDGE
ooh, indeed! How glad am to be
here safe at last!"
"How-eh-did you happen to-eh
recognize the church?" asked Mr..
Mcneil with evident admiration.
loon"
Moffat disdained reply, and the
lurching stage rolled rapidly down the
valley, the mules now lashed into a
wild gallop to the noisy accompani-
ment of the drivers whip.
The hoof's clattered across the mar
row bridge, and, with a sudden swing,
all came to sharp stand, amid a
cloud Of dust before a naked yellow
house.
Here's where you get. out, miss"
announced the Jehu, leaning down
from his seat to peer within. ''This
yere is the Herndon shebang."
The gentlemen inside assisted Miss
Spencer to descend in safety to the
weed -bordered walk, where she stood
shaking her ruffled plumage into
shape, and giving directions regarding
her luggage. Then the two gentle
men emerged, Moffat bearing a grip
case. handbook, and basket, while
Mcneil supported a shawl-strap and q
small trunk. Thus decorated they
meekly followed her lead up the mar
row path toward the front door. The
latter opened suddenly, and Mrs.
Herndon bounced forth with vocifer-
Gus welcome.
"Why, Phoebe Spencer, and have
you really come! I didn't expect you'd
get along before next week. Oh, this
seems too nice to see you again; al
most as good as going home to Yer.
mont. You must be completely tired
out"
Dear Aunt Lydia; of course I'm
glad to be here. But I'm not in the
least tired. I've had such delightful
trip" She glanced around smilingly
upon her perspiring cavaliers. ooh,
put those things down, gentlemen
anywhere there on the grass; they
can be carried in later. It was so
kind of you both" @
"Hey, there!" sang out the driver,
growing impatient, IT you two gents
are amin to go down town with this
outfit, you'd better be pilin' in lively,
fer can't stay here all day" .-
Moffat glanced furtively aside at
Mcneil, only to discover that indi-
vidual quietly seated on the trunk.
He promptly dropped his own grip. y
Drive on with your butchers carr" "
he called out spitefully. II reckon it's
no special honor to ride to town."
The pleasantly smiling young wom-
an glanced from one to the other, her
eyes fairly dancing, as the lum bering
coach disappeared through the red
dust.
zr How very nice of you to remain"
she exclaimed. Aunt Lydia, I am 80
anxious for you to meet my friends,
Mr.. Moffat and Mr.. Mcneil. They
have been SO thoughtful and entertain
ing all the way up the Bear Water,
and they explained 50 many things
thatsI did not understand.
s She swept impulsively down toward
them, both hands extended, the bright
glances Of her eyes bestowed impair
TALLY.
To be Continued.
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