Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-11-28

-" the pung a boot crunched the
G8zsJ snow behind them. They
turned, and there was Lounsbury.
fairly bursting to tell his good news.
When he had told it he was anxious
to get away again, for by 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 lie knew instinc-
lively took him at his real valuation
and treated him accordingly. The men
of more conventional strata Ghe pro-
fessional men of Bismarck ard those
who Differed ut 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
a man like Lancaster - crippled. old
and therefore beyond disciplning -
could have the chance to repeat an
affront. And he shrank 1T the thought
of clash-it meant pain for two help
less women. Nevertheless he yielded.
c-A, tl,r
sky by then. They had faded as quick
~ as they had come. Once more, I'M
der q 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 rustic some
grub" turned with a testy word. But
he fell silent when he saw Lounsbury
and edged into the d1Sky shelter of
the hearthside.
The storekeeper nodded to him,
shook hands absently with the young
er girl and took Il 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.
ed 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 Matthew'S doings, of the affair al
the saloon, the meeting with Colonel
Cummings and the council. Dallas
and Marylyn heard it from where they
stood together, before the blaze. Ian
caster heard it, though he pretended
not to. eating and drinking the while
with angry smacks.
Lounsbury paid no attention to thu
section boss-in fact, before his recita
was done, he had forgotten him. HI
talked quietly and without Boosting
his face now turned to David Bond
now to the girls.
"And you think" said the evangelist
when the story was finished, ''yol
think that Matthews will drop hi
claim to the bend"
Lounsbury arose as If to go, and 70
the first time since his entrance looke'
squarely at Lancaster. This is wha
think" he answered. "In Dakota,
a man jumps land that hasn't been in
proved, all he's got to do is to hang o
to it--don't have to raSsle with an
fine points of law. This far west @
stuffed chairs there's whole lot G
public sentiment" He crossed the ROOF
and picked up coat and cap.
"Of course" added David Bono
following the law would strengthe
the case"
.'Of course"
The section boss adjusted b
clutches and stood up. "You-all seel
t. 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. No
that all danger was past he felt n
gratitude for the routing of Matthew
and the strategy at the Troopers D.
light. He could only feel that his a,
thority in his own home was threa
ened. He turned his back.
Lounsbury glanced at the girls. The
were watching their father appea
ingly.
81 should say" went on Lounsbur
chat we have the interests Of yol
daughters at heart" His hand reache
for the latch.
"Mr. Lounsburyp' Dallas made
swift step toward him.
Now the section boss came abou
Lounsbury was reminded of the da
on the plowed strip, for he saw thu
Lancaster was all a-tremble and pan
ing as if spent with hard run. 'A
gal!' he cried sternly.
Dallas stepped back and touched h
fathers arm. And her remonstrant
was the remonstrance of that 9th,
day. mo, no, dad" she cautioned
low voice; mo, no."
Lancaster's breast heaved. He sws
lowed with an effort and scowled fro
one to another of the four.
David Bond came forward, address
ing Lounsbury. "Will you tell u
your uameov he asked ct want