Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-12-07

IN N MIDWAY of the even, broad ex-
1--WE panse between shack and gap
EsE~T stood an \ tent, very new.
49, very white and very generous
in dimensions. Like giant my.sh.
room, it had cropped forth during the
night. About it stretched the I'M
touched prairie, all purpling over with
morning glories.
The tent opened toward the river
and was Ranked ON one side by a pie
of short pickets. Their tops dipped the
color of the canvas, their bases nicely
sharpencd for the plotting ont of
ground. Near by. thrown fiat, was
wide board sign, which read in staring
blue letters, "Al Bradcn, Real Estate"
1t was we'll on toward noon before
the tent showed life; then there emerg-
ed from it a bulky mar of middle age
who busted at his high boots as he
came, stretched. drawing his long coat
snug and settled an elaborate vest He
completed his costume by DOMINIC Il
black hat that was of wool and hoppy
Then, thumbs tucked in armholes. he
strolled away toward the I4ancastcrs.
The section boss and his daughters
were lined UP on the warm side of the
lean-to. shading their faces from the
sun. When the conner was 50 near
that they could see he was strange to
them Lancaster gave a peremptory
wag of the head, and the two girls
disappeared around Il corner. Their
father stayed on watch. his jaws work
ing ncrvously with the ever present
chew.
The burly man advanced upon the
lean-tO. "Mornin'. morrin'," was his
greeting. He made several swinging
bows at Lancaster and took him in
shrewdly from eyes that were round
and close set.
The section boss Grunted.
Lovely day" observed the other,
with n bland smile. He changed his
tack little. as if he were going by.
Lancaster hobbled along with him.
''Y-a-a-s." he drawled. Right good.
Some cool"
The stranger agreed by another Sc
rieS of swinging bows. You got = nice
place here place. he continued
affably. He loosencd one thumb with
jerk.
mice 'nough."
The man halted in front of the shack
gentleman, said lie. by your tails
"Ah am" Lancaster spoke with I'M
friendly rising infection.
well. we'll" 4 hand WAS extended
- fat hand, whore sparkled a diamond.
"Say. now. this is lovely. lovely. I'm
n southcrner myself. sir Put ii there
The section boss hesitated. SO far
Dakota had offered him no compatriot
He could scarce believe that one stood
before him now. \ second, then he
gave a pleased grin. "Howdy," he
said. Hope y Goin' t. settle here
about"
They shook heartily.
, Settle due east OF you, SIR was the
answer. My names Braden-A
Braden. I'm from Sioux Falls"
won't v come in:'
'Tickled t DEATH
They entered the shack. Lancaster
leading. Dallas aud Marylyn glanced
up in surprise from the fireplace ant
arose hastily
M gals" said the section boss, mo
tioning their visitor to a bench
Braden took 1t. with more swingin.
bows and a sweep of his flOppy head
gear ''Glad t meet YOU" he smiled
"Miss-a-a-a- Miss
Lancaster S they name" prompted
the section boss all in good nature.
Lancaster Glad t meet you both"
Dallas nodded and drew her siste
away To the wagon seat in the corner
''Jes' firm til Falls, All think Y
said' began their father, hunting hi
tobacco plug along the mantel.
Yep
"Um. Any-any news firm dow
tibet way bout this part o. tn coun
try"
Braden fell to admiring his ring
mo. sir. no. Didn't hear nothin' par
ticular"
The section boss fidgeted. ''S'pose Y
know they : Some talk boat q railrod
comm this way he said carelessly.
v Don't go much on that talk Tel
years. twenty years-maybe. Too earl
yet"
Lancaster's face heightened. II
bliHked in dismay
my idea" went ON Braden, 81
cows. Coin t. be lot of money il
'em, sure as you're alive. Hear Clark
made good thing of his'n.''
"Cowsl" said Lancaster in disgust
"Cows don help a country-don' rails
tn price o. lam
Cows or no cows. your place here