The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-07-24

corral where he proceeded to catch n
mount In n trice he came tearing
through the gate on fiery little black
mare, his long legs dangling In close
proximity 10 the burned grass,
He, too, shot resentful scowl to-
ward the jeering man on the doorstep,
and then he disappeared over the rise
OF ground, his dark figure silhouetted
against the copper glory OF the even
ing sky.
There's Widder Todd a-settin
great store by Rozxy and as mad as n
wet hen at him. So she's maxim up
TO Pink. who's dippy about Miss Hen
ule. Miss Hennie. she's mad at Pink,
and so she tlirts desperate with Roxy,
who's made at the widder. And they're
all mad and jealous of one another,
and II somebody don't shake 'em up
there's bound to be some more mis-
mated marriages In Seven Forks. o
Lordyr' Cummings filed his pipe and
lounger over to the cook house and
/ Joined a social group about the fire.
Roxy Jones did not look at the cop
per glory Of the sunset. With moody
eyes fixed on the well worn trail, he
noted reluctantly the diminishing
miles that lay between him and the
crossroads. Here. instead of pursu
! ing his customary course toward the
town and the domicile Of the fascinat-
| Ing widow. he must turn to the right
and take the cross trail to Porter's,
where Miss Hennie awaited him and
would appear to be disappointed, after
| all, when he did come.
There had been several calls such as
this one was destined to be, and he
frankly confessed to himself that Miss
Hennie bored him. Now, the widow,
Jones swore softly and dug spurred
heel into the little mares flank. There
was an onward rush, and he came
upon the crossroads with scatter OF
loose gravel and flying hoofs.
Seated on the back of rawboned
sorrel was Pink Luscom. His very at
titude suggested indecfslon. The sor-
rel's head was turned toward the town,
while Pink's gray eyes gazed wistfully
up the cross trail which led to Porter's.
His frown deepened as Jones drew his
horse to a standstill and glared aggres-
sively at him.
Jones broke the silence at last.
"Pears like you'd lost the trail" he
sneered, heading his beast up the cross
trail.
Pink WINGED. A dark red settled
down over his bronzed face.
Il reckon can find 1t without any
help from you," be drawled.
II amt seen you tryin' to do It!
cried Jones tantalizingly.
"Mebbe l don't want to. The trail to
Seven Forks amt bad one"
You don't seem in no hurry to take
itr' snapped Jones.
Luscom's hand sought his hip. Il
reckon we might as well have it out
now," he said calmly.
"Pd be plum glad to oblige you"
Jones had whipped out weapon and
wheeled his horse about.
I'D like to shake first, ROXY" said
Luscom gravely, holding out big
brown paw.
Jones grasped 1t eagerly. We've
been good friends up to now, Pink" he
said regretfully, "and I'm sorry It's
come to this, but when two fellers
cross each others trail, why He
paused and looked past his rival to-
ward the town.
Luscom was staring at him furious
ly, and then strange light broke over
his good looking face.
Il say, Roxy. you amt sore about
the widderT
What do you think?" Jones stared
defantly at the other man. Miss Hen
ME, she's all right But she and me
don't set no great store by each other.
She says come, and the wilder says
go, so there amt nothin' for feller
to do"
Luscom was lighting a cigarette with
trembling fingers. There's only one
thing to do, Roxy jones'" be said sol
EMMY. "Just don't cross my trail, and
l won't cross yours. The widder, she
don't want to talk about nothin' but
Roxy, while Miss Hennie and me
uster hit it off first rate, and / reckon
if you'll just move aside I'll pike along
up to Porter's."
Jones grinned happily as they passed
one another, and just as each disap-
peared in a cloud of dust along his
own particular trail two brown hands
were waved in friendly farewell.
y