Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-06
THE SQUAW MAN
A NOVEL 1uLiE OPP FAvERsHAM.
toopyrsh, y BroJ

the place. seemed Indifferent to the I'M
speakable desolation OF the ranch. He sat
on a log that lay before the door of the hut
and was used for social intercourse or wood
splitting. He was intent on braidtng strands
of buckskin, the ends of which were held
by little Hal. who had grown into win
some little lad. and was the pet OF all the
men and his fathers constant companion.
Across the river. toward the west, the
same desolation met the eye. Even the
sage-brush and scrub-oak seemed to have
abandoned life in despair, and the Bad
Lands stretched lifeless to the foothills OF
the capped Unta peaks Even more
poignant than the cruel ugliness OF the
place was the feeling that the great gaunt
bird of failure brooded over the entire
ranch
AS Bill clumsily twisted the braid the
child eagerly watched him.
is 1t for me sure, Bll?" he asked as he
slid close to the big fellow.
Yes. old man." Bill answered, as he
stopped to pat the dark head. This Is
going to be for you. and there amt any
old cowpuncher can beat Bill making
Quirt. No. Stree.
While he talked lightly to the child his
mind was busy with unpleasant thoughts:
The boys We're about to strike for their
money. Their wages had been overdue for
the wall by disease among the cattle, had
been unable to satisfy them. So far there
had been no outbreak, but Bill expected 1t
every moment
FOR Gays 5lln Ittu HdTuly Spohtl. Iudl
there was some important decision about
to be made by him, Bill guessed. he sat
and played with the child. but in reality
this was only ruse by which he might
keep close to the place and await develop
ments. From down the road he could hear
the men coming and calling to him, but
he gave no sign. he went on knottlns the
strands and steadied little Halls hands
when the child grew tired of holding the
quirt.
Shorty was the first to arrive. carrying
his Mexican saddle and lariat. On his
diminutive face was stamped an aggressive
pugnacity. He was followed by Andy;
Grouchy slouched In last, whiting at a
piece of wood. AS Bill surveyed them he
knew that they had been talking things
over and had arrived at some conclusion.
They had been good workers in their time
with him, and he knew even now, at heart.
that they were not bad. but that life had
tried them severely with it's failures and
t1isappointments. He waited for them to
speak. There moments silence,
then Shorty, as he flung himself down on
the bench. said:
Say. Bill. spose you know the boys is
gettin' nervous bout their money, don't
you?"
Bill just looked up. and then went on
with his work he answered. "Tomor-
rows pay day" He would not anticipate
them in their rebellion: he would make 1t
hard for them to declare themselves.
That's what" Shorty went on.
We'll. it's time to get nervous day after
tomorrow. And stu Bill braided tne
leather.
They're goin' to make trouble if they
don't git it," Shorty acted as spokesman
Grouchy and Andy only nodded their
heads in approval of their leaders words
Bill stopped his work as he picked Hal
I'D in his arms Are they?' he said
Well, / reckon Jim Carston and me can
handle that bunch" He spoke as though
the others were not present.
Maybe you kin: maybe you kim. Shorty
rato he flung the saddle against the
walls OF the cabin.
"Und say, Bill-und say-tomorrow's pay
day"
Andy's voice trembled as he spoke. He
was a gentle-mannered German, and the
sight of Hal was not a god incentive for
him to fight against the boss.
Hal began to listen and to look from one
to the other. Bill noticed the childs look
of inquiry, and set him on the ground.
Son. you run in and help your mother
with the milking" He slapped his hands
together as though a great 5oy We're IN store
for the child who laughed with glee as he
hurried across to the stable
The men waited for Bill to say some
thing but he only stood twisting straw
about in his mouth and pulling his hat
brim.
Again Andy's courage rose and he walked
close to Bill. Tomorrow pay day. Bill
Us it? Do tell. Amt you discoverer!
Say. Andy, you're neglectin the north pole
a little"
This time it was Grouchy who answered.
We'll l want NINE and he viciously dug
his knife into the hitching post.
Fill looked from one to the other. Surely
they would be reasonable: he would try
them.
Boys. it's seven years since the boss
bought this ranch. and he's had uphill
fight. Every ones done him. He bought
when cattle was higher than they've ever
been since, and you know what last winter
did for us: but he amt ever hollered and
the top wages he paid YOU at the start he's
been Dayin you ever since"
"Oh, what's the use." Shorty interrupted
The money is owed us. The only ques-
ton is. do git it?"
Backed up by Shorty, Grouchy began
again. We'll. want mine
Only gentle Andy was silent. He could
hear little Hal laughing as he played in
the cowshed.
Bill dropped his persuasive tone as he
wheeled around on the men. and In a sud
den blaze said
We'll you know CarstOn and you know
me. If you're lookin for trouble. we won't
see you go away Disappointed He
squared his shoulders as he spoke "Oh
shucks!' He looked at the bows again
IT'S no use" he began more good
ly. ITS the business that's no good Moth
in in it. The packers has got us skinned
to death. They pay us what they like for
for beef. Hell,'' he grunted. as he turned
on his heel I'm goin' into the ministry"
This time Grouchy's well. l want mine
was extremely faint.
Before the others could speak again Bill
quickly called. Here's the boss now" and
signaled the men to be silent.
(To be Continued Tomorrow