The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-03-31
Mary and the Lambs
By ROY NORTON
By ROY NORTON


He hesitated between a desire to see
the great daily event or Mary Brown.
Finally he decided this was just his
chance, as probably there wouldn't be
any one at Mary's. He was pretty cum
ming.
Just as the last OF lot OF empty
beer kegs were being put into the
express car the spectators OF the pass
Ing Of the train were fairly petrifed
by the greatest sight ever seen in
Socorro. It was Jones, calm and I'M
coughing. gently but firmly walking
with Mary Brown toward the rear plat
form Of the train. And, worst of all.
Mary didn't look as happy as a June
bride. Indeed, she seemed rather
melancholy, and In tears.
The cowmen lookes at each other, at
Mary and at Jones' Etiquette forbade
any interference, If the couple wanted
to elope. but somehow it was all SO
sudden.
Turkey Bill recovered first, just as
Jones and Mary started up the rear
steps Of the long, dusty Pullman.
see here, Jonesy!" Bill called, in a
half-pleading way. In course, it amt
nobody's business If you and Mary is
just runnin' away"
Yes. It is," came voice from the
rear I'VE amt a-goin' to allow no
short-horn, sheep-herdin' tenderfoot
from away back east in Kansas City
to come rollickin onto this range and
run OFF with our Mary. She's got ter
give her consent. We don't know but
what you're kdnapln' of her to hold
US up fer a ransom"
Loud cries Of: That's right! 1t
don't go--it don't go!" came from
the throng. Mary seemed pleased, and
showed signs Of regret and hesitancy
at taking this rash step under the be-
/ guilements Of a,man who wore boiled
shirt. She seemed on the point Of ad-
dressing her admirers, but low word
from Jonesy induced ner to remain
silent.
Jones then showed himself forward
and made speech.
You fellows are set Of suckers,
he said What do you care where
Mary Brown goes?"
Turkey Bill's chest expanded as he
broke in with an answer Care
Care? You unmanicured Plute!
may as well tell you this here Miss
Brown" with the emphasis on the
Miss-''is ingaged ter marry me. I'm
the bully boy that cares some"
Every man on the platform turned
a fiery gaze on Turkey. Some instinc
lively dropped hands on their holsters
Some we're amazed. It looked tricky
and like an unbeatable deal.
The voice of Jones. in loud, full
lunged. derlsive laughter, broke the 81
lence.
Engaged to marry you, eh? Well
that's good That's one reason VIII.
she's going back east with me- She
under arrest. She ran matrimonial
bureau before she came here, has on
husband living and is engaged to /
other gents back there, from all 0
whom she's got money. And all tn
backwoods counties aren't heard from
& yet; but I'm closing the polls righ
now. I'm an officer, and reckon In
due to get about $4,000 reward for thi
trip, and, by the way I'm muc
obliged to you for the pass. It helpe
some!"
Jones opened the Pullman door an
pushed Mary inside. politely bowin
and lifting his hat TO the Socorroan
as he disappeared. The conducto
waved his hand high in the air an
the wheels revolved while socorr
j stood stunned ana speechless in utte
1ewilderment.
/ They stood and watched the last ve'
g tige Of smoke and dust as the trai
f pulled out of sight Then Skink Bill
ings planted himself in front Of Tu
! key Bill and said very gently: PAR
K was ye lyin' about that bein' ingaged
"Not by a hellufasightl" came II
0 sturdy response. An, what's NOR
although we was keepin' It clost 8
1 cret being under promise, give he
o 5000 to buy a Engagement ring with
More blank amazement, and the
o loud voices In speech. A close tall
5 disclosed the fact that of q men pre-
e ent. 10 had furnished various sums 4
,. the same purpose; l9 had promise
e absolute secrecy, and the eight othe
;. outside the engagement guild hi
# loaned sweet Mary Brown money vii
which to bring out her little brothe
d and sisters from the east.
It Turkey Bill silently stepped to Il
e. edge Of the platform, drew from
o pocket in his shirt a three-by-fo
y photograph OF Mary Brown, which
e tore to tatters and scattered to Il
', winds. Twenty-six other men lint
J. themselves up and followed his 6
ample.
Twenty-seven men fled-lndii
s. fasblon-to the "Cowman's Rest" al
u prepared for the night which was to
g. ...,...at.fo IN Cooorroia d