Woodruff County news. [volume] (McCrory, Ark.) 1901-1910, 1908-12-31
THE WIRE CUTTERS
BY GRACE MacGOWAN COOKE
ygz
Copyright, by Bobbs- Merrill Coz

boy ball are apt to be vigorous
Elmer Holden leaned upon a table
in the entry, then looked up with alien
eyes upon the flannel-shirted, tall-boot-
ed men; he surveyed with little more
favor the few women present. The
west is a siren that grips you hard,
or sickens you; and Elmer Holden,
three months from his Ohio home, was
trying to persuade himself that he
was at the point of nausea.
Suddenly the dust was laid and
with a half-smothered exclamation
Of establishment, Holden recognized the
girl he had travelled with from Chica-
go to Socorro; the girl who had been
companionable, kindly, ready to listen
to his plans and aspirations, but who
had refused to give her name, assert
ing with cheerful good humor that
they were certain to meet again. And
here she wasi
1t is not etiquette to seek introduce
tons at a cowboy dance; so much
INSTRUMENTATION as he was-knew.
AS her partner resigned her, he made
his way to the girl and boldly claimed
her for the next dance, whatever it
might be.
II think you promised it to me the
last time ] met you," he ventured, and
there was a laughing challenge in his
eyes.
When the dance was over, his part
ner declared herself too tired to dance
again, and they went together to the
porch of little adobe,
you knew you were going to see
me again; you meant it, when you said
we were to be near neighbors?" said
Holden.
Yes, knew l was to be your near
neighbor-your nearest neighbor," re-
turned the girl, with a sudden rush of
color.
Spiritually yes. Materially
wish you were. I've certainly got the
toughest set on the ranch next me
that you ever heard Of"
They fell naturally into their old
relation. The girl knew the country
and the life; Holden did not; he has
tened to bring her his perplexities and
problems for consideration. He did
not know how suddenly white she had
grown when she answered:
THE Bradleys? Do you find them
such awful people,"
"Oh, l was warned-I was told that
I'd have trouble with jeff Bradley, and
that the only chance for peace was to
make it so hot for them they'd be
glad to let me alone"
What have these desperate Brad
leys done to you?" the girl asked with
a touch of asperity.
Holden felt that he was accused of
having quarreled with the Bradleys
because he had expected to. Jeff tried
to borrow money of me the first week
l was here" he began He thought
l was tenderfoot enough to lend it to
him. The younger boys, Alfred and
Harry, annoy me any way they can
drive cattle through my range, and
water them at my fenced tank"
Are you fencing the big tank?" in
quired the girl, in startled tone.
put up across that pasture that will
shut out the Bradleys, l rather think"
The girl rose with a little con-
strained laugh. so you don't want
any Bradleys on your ranch?" she com
mented. I'm tired 1 believe I'll go
in"
"Oh, come" he demonstrated, come,
my kind little friend-my only one, al
most-you're not going to run away
and leave me like this-you haven't
even told me what your name is, nor
where I'm going to call on you-for
you know I'm coming don't you?"
The girl glanced up at him. In the
half-light that came through the small
windows she did appear worn and
tired. Anybody here will tell you my
name" she said, nervelessly. 1T isn't
important about me. T'-there was a
resumed-'I think ought to tell you,
Mr. Holden, that this thing of fencing
smaller owner out from tank which
has always been upon the open range
"a tank which never goes dry-is a
cruel piece of business. The Bradleys
may be as contemplate as you think
I'm not defending them. The sister
does the best she can and l know
she hopes great things for the little
fellows, ALT and Harry. Jeff Bradley
is bad lot" with sudden bitterness;
"but-well, l wouldn't fence them out
from the tank; he's sure to make re-
prisals. And quarrel like that"
Somebody inside called out:
Miss Mary! Mary Armitage!" and
the girl turned, flashing a wan little
smile at her companion 81 must be
going" she said.
Holden followed her to the door.
protesting. but am [ not to see you
again; TO be let to call upon your"
I'll be back in a moment" said
Miss Armitage, and was gone. Nor
could Holden find her again.
MARY Armitage," returned Holden's
ranch boss, in answer to his inquiries.
mo, she doesn't live out here any
more; she's been teachin' in Socorro
CT Y,oOptbc Che loot oopoo down