Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-14
CHAPTER XVI.

Impatient OF delay. he started toward the
bunk-house. On his way he met BILL who
informed him that Bud and his men had
gone. Tactfully. Bill avoided any refer
ence to Buds last threats. and Jim was
comforted with the news of the sheriff
departure. 1t only remained now for him tc
send Tabywana in search OF Nat-u-ritch
He found the chief and Baco. and in a few
words told Tabywana that Nat-u-ritch haG
gone into the hills because he had decided
to send the child away that she was very
| unhappy, and that he wished him to go tC
her Cnmoved. the Indian listened and only
at the end of the words that Baco was trans
lating for him made answer that Jim hat
spoiled Nat-u-ritch. that she must obey he,
| master, and that he would insist upon hel
returning at once. But Jim explained thai
he wished her to remain hidden a little
longer, until he was sure that the sheriff
had really left the neigh boring country. as
| he was fearful that Bud Hardy meant mis-
| chief. Through Baco and Tabywana he
| would send her food and clothing. he
| added Gradually he made the chief see
| that this way was the wisest. and Taby-
wanna left, breathing vengeance on Bud.
and swearing that war should follow II
| the sheriff dared to arrest Nat-u-ritch.
Jim found the boys assembled before the
cabin on his return. while Bill was direct
: Ing the hitching of the horses to a wagon
| that was to carry Diana and Hal to Fort
| Duquesne
Everything ready. Bin?" he said.
| bravely
Yes, sir. everything ready"
Jim called to Hal and Diana. who came
| from the house. He picked the boy. up in
| his arms and a sudden terror overcame
| him. He must be alone moment, to
gain the courage necessary to face this
last ordeal.
Take him. BILL" he said while I go
| and get his bag" and he went into the
cabin.
The foreman nodded He held the boy
high up in his strong arms while the men
crowded around him. He must try to
| make 1t easy for the boss; there must be
no tears. Diana and Sir John, from under
the porch where they were standing.
watched the men with the child, and dur
ing the years that followed it was a men,
DRY that often required to them.
Hal on his shoulder-''fellers, he's agoin'
to Duchesne-savvy? Gee whiz, don't 1
wish 1 was goin' to see the soldiers and
flags and drums and brass bands and
everything. Amt he goin' for a fine time
The child answered with glee. ''Sure."
and the mems laughter rang out at the
chhds use Of their own mode Of express
sion.
Carrying the bag. Jim came from the
house. 1T won't hurt anybody to carry
his belongings: it's almost empty"
Shorty shifted as he peered into it..
"'Tain't very full" Then he threw IN it
Jim had given him. Jim saw and under
stood. The men had come for their final
leave-taking OF the boy; they wished to
prove that their luminosity was over, that
they recognized that misfortune had come
to them through no fault of his.
Hold on. Shorty" Jim tried to prevent
the little fellow from getting the valise.
but Shorty took the bag out of his hand
as he snapped:
That's Halls trunk, amt itT'
Yes. but
at amt yourn." Ever aggressive, Shorty
finished. You don't want to fight the out
fit the day your boys agoin away" And
he pushed Jim aside as he carried the
valise over to Grouchy. who was holding
up Misunderstanding jack-knife to the
child.
Say, old man. the slow. numbering
ranchman labored, you wanted this for a
long time I wouldn't give it to you. cause
l was afraid you might cut yourself, but
I've been a-savin' It for you. When you
get bigger, you can make things with It."
Grouchy threw the knife into the bag
while Shorty. deeply touched. muttered.
That's the longest speech Grouchy ever
pulled OFF," After all. the box with its
trinket had been a gift to him: he must
give something to the child that had been
his very own.
admired my saddle for long time"
/. But Jim protested. Shorty, what on
searth is he to do with it?'
And Shorty answered. as he flung his
amt got nothin' to touch it In England
Bill approvingly observed, That's right !;
he's a cowboy and needs real saddle
Quietly Andy pressed forward and diff
sure-the boy you know-und. by golly. he's
got to have something to remember old
Andy by-fadder or no fadder.' AS he
spoke he drew from his belt his revolver
Hal. whose eyes cleaned with joy at this
especially desired gift. Maybe dot don'd
tickle him, eh?'
ANDY, is that sure for me-" Hal
SURE" Andy said "Und say. old man.
It's good one-und say. it's the best ever;
und. by golly. been a good frient to me-
und come in handy some day for you; und
you remember old Andy by dot better than
anything"
Shorty opened the bag and dropped the
revolver in The German held out his
arms and in a trembling voice said kiss
me. you rascal and the boy jumped into
his arms.
Bill. who had been listening and watch
Ing the men. was Juggling at his waistcoat.
and here's an old watch with a horse
hair chain-he's had his eye on it for some
moons. He'd "a had it before" he ex-
planned confidentally to Jim. who was
trying to prevent Bill from loosening it,
only it belonged to my mother" He knelt
down the ground and opened his arms.
And now. old man, give me a long hug
Don't ever forget your side partner" Bill
1elt ne must be careful. The men were
beginning to move away, and surrepti-
tiously to dig their knuckles into eyes that
were showing their emotion
Elated and excited by what seemed play
to him. Hal said, as he patted the fore
man. BE good. Bill" and the men
laughed as Bill answered:
Sure I will-sure-sure"
The horses began to stamp impatiently
as they grew FESTIVE under the attack of
the flies. Diana looked at Sir John They
must start shortly. she knew: but who
would make Jim realize that the final
farewell to the child must be spoken.
Petrie, who through a feeling of delicacy
had kept away from Jim and the boy all
morning. came to Sir John and Diana with
a whispered message from the driver, who
was anxious to make start.
As though divining their thoughts, Jim
went to Bill. who was still holding HAL
He threw his arm around the big fellows
shoulder. Aren't you goin' to drive to the
fort Bill?"
mo. 1 think you need me more than he
does
"Oh. I'll be all right"
Jim's eyes searched the childs face. For
the boys sake he must control the aching
sense Of desolation that beset him.
The cow-punchers silently made their way
up to the wagon and began adjusting its
contents No one noticed the dark. tragic
face Of Nat-u-ritch peer1ng out Of the loft
door down at the child and the strangers
that stood prepared to carry him away.
Returning a short time before from her hid