The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-03
days ride, the tnlrt party, whose IN
Desirable urasenoA and narSapaI

knowledge of MIR. Moffat's past career
rather seriously interfered with the
latter's flights eff imagination, was VIII
liam Mcneil, foreman OF the Bar W
ranch over on Sinsiniwa creek Nc
Neil Was not much Of q talkeT, having
an impeachment in his speech. and be-
ing a trife bashful in the presence of
a lady. But he caught the eye,-a
slenderly built. reckless fellow,
smoothly shaver, with a strong chin
and bright laughing eyes,-and as he
lOlled carelessly back in his bearskin
chaps" and wide-brimmed sombrero.
occasionally throwing in some cool,
insinuating comment regarding Moi
fats recitals, the latter experienced
strong inclination to heave him over
board. The slight hardening of Nc
NeilS eyes at such moments had thus
far served, however, as sufficient re-
straint, while the unCbservant Miss
Spencer, unaware of the silent duel
thus being conducted in her very pres
ence, divided her undisguised zdmira-
ton, playing havoc with the suscepti-
Bile heart Of each, and all unconscious
ly laying the foundations for future
trouble
Why, how truly remarkable" she
exclaimed, her cheeks glowing It's
all SO different from the east; heroism
seems to be In the very air of this
country. and your adventure was so
very unusual. Don't you think so, Mr..
McNeil?"
The silent foreman hitched himself
suddenly upright, his face unusually
solemn. 'Why-eh-yes miss-you
might-eh-say that. He" with a flip
Of his hand toward the other, 'eh-re-
minds me-of-eh-an old friend"
Indeed? How extremely interest
ing!" eagerly seeming a new story.
Please tell me who it was, Mr. Nc
Neil"
"Oh-eh-knew him when l was a
boy-eh-Munchausen."
Mr. Moffat drew In his head violent
iy, with an exclamation nearly pro-
fame, yet before he could speak Miss
Spencer interviewed.
"Munchausen! Why. Mr. Mcneil,
you surely do not intend to question
the truth of Mr.. Mo1ats narrative?"
The foreman's eyes twi1kled humor-
ously, but the lines Of his face re-
NAMED calmly impassive. "Ny-eh-
reference" he explained. gravely, was
-eh-entirely to the-eh-loc&l color,
the-eh--eypert touches"
OH"
Yes, miss. It's-eh-bad taste out
here to-eh-doubt snybody's word
eh-publicly."
MofTat stirred uneasiiy, his hand
flung behind him, but Mcneil was gaz.
ing into the iady's fair face, appar-
emily unconscious Of any other pres
enCe
But all this time you have not IA
Vored me with any OF your own ad-
ventures. Mr.. Mcneil. l am very sure
you must have had hundreds out on
these wide plains"
The somewhat embarrassed foreman
shook bis head discouragingly,
"Oh, but Just know you have, only
you are so modest about recountlug
them Now, that scar Just under your
hair-really 1t is not at all unbecom-
ing-surely that reveals a story. Was
il caused by en- Indian arrow?"
Mcneil crossed his legs, and wiped
his damp forehead with the back Of
his hand 'Hoof Of q damn pack
mule" he explained. forgetting him
self. "The-eh--cuss lifted me ten
feet"
Moffat laughed hoe-se!y, but as the
foreman Strengthened up quickly, the
amazed girl joined happily in. and his
own face instantly exhibited the con
tagion.
Amt much-eh-ever happens out
on a ranch he said. doubtfully, "eX-
cept dodgin' steers. and-eh-bustin'
broncoes."
Mof1at 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-
GER" he said, cheerfully. That's the
spire Of the new Presbyterian church
sticking up above the ridge"
"Oh. indeed! How glad l am to be
here safe at last"
"How-eh-did you happen to-eh
recognize the church?' asked Mr..
Mcneil with evident admiration.
"You-eh---can't see it from the sa-
loon"
Moffat dIsdained reply, and the
lurching stage rolled rapidly down the
valley. the mules now dashed into a
wild gallop to the noisy accompani-
ment Of the drivers whip
The hoof's clsttered across the mar
row bridge, and, with a sudden swing.
all came to a sharp stand, amid
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
we're Is the Herndon shebang."
The gentlemen inside assisted Miss
Spencer to descend In safety 70 the
weed-bordered walk, where she stood
shaking her rufled plumage into
shape, and giving directions regarding
her lugghge. Then the two gentle
men emerged, Moffat bearing a grip