Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-01-16

y2aAxW snow behind them. They
turned, and there was Lounsbury.
fairly bursting to tell his good news.
When he had told II he was anxious
TO get away again, for by quick re-
treat the two girls might be saved the
knowledge Of the Clark episode and
he q very probable second insult. But
the evangelist. having DO wish TO tat
tie about Lancaster. yet hoping that
the elder girl would learn what her
father had done and administer de-
served rchukc, urged him in.
The storekecpcr did not consent TO
enter the shack, however, until Dallas
added her invitation. and then he went
reluctantly. Tic was accustomed TO
courtesy there on the frontier. The
plains bred men that he knew instinc-
lively took him at his real valua ton
and treated him accordingly The men
Of more conventional strata (the pro-
fessional men of Bismarck and those
who ofTicered at thc posts UP and down
the river freely bestowed their friend
ship upon him. The lavlcss element
respected him, too. and showed that
respect by letting him severely alone.
He shrank from placing himself where
man like Lancaster crippled, old
and therefore beyond dsciplining -
could have the chance to repeat an
affront. And he shrank Al the thought
of a clash-it meant pain for two he' y
less women. Nevertheless he yiclde'
The streamers We're gone from the
he ia Il "a & rnirl-
" as they had come Once more UNI
der dome Of cobalt, the river flowed
black between it's fringe of trees and
the prairie stretched white and still.
4 bright fire and a swinging coffee
nail welcomed the three as tho door
swung wide, and the section boss, who
was urging Marylyu to ''rustle som-
grub" trrned with tcsty word. But
he fell sileut when he saw Lounsbury
and edged into the dusky shelter Of
TIC hed.tLs.!a.
The s.orekeepcr nodded to him.
shook hands 0bsently with the yong
,er girl and took Il bench. HIS face
looked less iuli than usual and was
lighted by no hearty smiles
Little was said until breakfast was
ready quick breakfast Of bacon.
pone nuti coffee. The three men warm
I'd tic II selves. The girls moved be-
tween fireplace and table. But when
the pistss were set and the coffee
poured David Bond asked for the story
of Matthews doings, of the affair at
the saloon, the meeting with Colonel
Cummings and the council Dallas
and Marylyn heard 1t from where they
stood together, before the blaze. Lam
caster heard it, though he pretended
not to, eating and drinking the while
with angry smacks.
Lounsbury paid no attention to the
section boss-in fact, before his recital
was done. he had forgotten him. He
talked quietly and without boasting
his face now turned to David Bond
now to the girls.
And you think" said the evangelist
when the story was finished. "~cu
think that Matthews will drop hie
claim TO the bend2"
Lounsbury arose as If to go and for
the first time since his entrance looked
squarely at Lancaster. This Is what
think" he answered. In Dakota. if
man jumps land that hasn't been i'm
proved, all he's got to do Is 10 hang on
to it-don't have TO rasSlr with any
fine points Of law. This far west OF
stuffed chairs there's n whole lot OF
public sentiment" He crossed the room
and picked up coat and cap.
"Of course" added David Bond
following the law would strengthen
the case"
"Of course"
The section boss adjusted lis
Crutches and stood up. "You-all seen
{ be settlin' it 'thout any o my lip
he said and laughed mockingly.
1--WE have your interests at heart
replied the storekeeper.
Lancaster ground his teeth Now
that all danger was past he felt no
gratitude for The routing Of Matthews
and the strategy at the Troopers De
light. He could only feel that his pu
thorlty in his own home was threat
ened. He turned his back,
Lounsbury glanced at the girls They
were watching their father appeal
ingly.
81 should say went on Lounsbury
"that we have the interests OF YOU
daughters at heart" His hand rcachel
for the latch.
"Mr Lounsbury!' Dallas made 4;
swift step toward him.
Now the section boss came about
1.ounsbury was reminded of the day
On the plowcd strip, for he saw tina
Lancaster was all a-tremble and pant
Ing as If spent with hard run. IN
gall" be cried sternly.
Dallas stepped back and touched hcl
fathers arm. And her remonstrauc'
was the remembrance of that othc,
lay. "No, no, dad" she cautioned /,
J low voice; mo. no."
Lancaster's breast heaved. He swal
lowed with an effort and scowled from
one to another OF the four
David Bond came forward, address
Ing Lounsbury. will you tell ms
your name?" he asked. Il want t,
remember you. You are not soldier
Do you belong at Clark's'-
did y size him up fer COW
punch?" broke in Lancaster. "Huh
WAL, All never did"
Lounsbury's face dyed to deel
scarlet. mop he said. And why?"
Again the section boss gave shrill