The Lamar register., 1908-07-01

thing done to his hands or hair. Jonesy
was no exception. He went around to
Mary Browns early the next morning,
but early as he was, Turkey and nine
others were ahead Of him, so he went
away fully decided to come back later.
Having nothing else to do. he went to
the next best place. and visited the art
gallery.
When he emerged from the art gal.
lery a short time later he couldn't
help but notice how everybody was
headed for the station. or course, he
knew by that that the train was due.
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. 1t 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 June
bride. Indeed, she seemed rather
melancholy. and in tears.
The cowmen looked at each other, at
any interference. II 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. I'm course. 1t amt
nobody's business II you and Mary is
just runnin' away"
Yes. 1t is" came a 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 of with our Mary. She's got ter
give her consent. We don't know but
what you're kidnapin' Of her to hold
US up fer ransom
loud cries Of: That's right! II
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 man who wore boiled
shirt. She seemed on the point Of ad-
dressing her admirers. but low word
from Jonesy induced her to remain
silent.
Jones then showed himself forward
and made q speech.
you fellows are q set of suckers"
he said. What do you care where
Mary Brown goes?"
Turkey Bills chest expanded as he
broke In with an answer. Care!
may as well tell you this here Miss
Brown"-with the emphasis on the
Mss-"is ingaged ter marry me. I'm
the bully boy that cares some"
Every man on the platform turned
fiery gaze on Turkey. Some instinc-
lively dropped hands on their holsters.
Some were amased. II looked tricky,
and like an unbeatable deal.
The voice of Jones. In loud, full.
lunssd. derisivs laughter. broke the H.
lsnce.
Engaged to marry you, Ell! Well,
that's good! That's one reason why
shes going back east with me. She's
under arrest. She ran a matrimonial
bureau before she came here. has one
husband living. and is engaged to IL
other gents back there. from all Of
whom she's got money. And all the
backwoods counties aren't heard from
yet; but I'm closing the polls tight
now. I'm an oficer. and reckon I'm
due 70 get about $4,000 reward for this
trip. and. by the way, I'm much
obliged 70 you for the pass. It helped
some!"
Jones opened the Pullman door and
pushed Mary inside. politely bowling
and lifting his hat to the Socorroans
az he disappeared. The conductor
waved his hand high in the air and
the wheels revolved while Soeorro
stood stunned and spsechless In utter
bewilderment
They stood and watched the last ves-
tigs of smoke and dust as the train
pulled out Of sight. Then Skink Bill
inSs planted himself In front Of Tur-
key Bill and said very gently: "Pard.
Wo8 y0 YIN bOOuN lubt pciu iuBh8Co9
mot by a hellufasight!" came the
sturdy response. An, what's more.
although we was keepin' 1t a clost Sc
cret, being under promise. give her
5000 to buy a Engagement ring with"
More blank amaxement, and then
loud voices In speech. A close tally
disclosed the fact that of ~ men pres
ent, 10 had furnished various sums for
the same purpose; 10 had promised
absolute secrecy, and the eight others
outside the engagement guild had
loaned sweet Mary Brown money with
which to bring out her little brothers
and sisters from the east
Turkey Bill silently stepped to the
edge of the platform. drew from a
pocket in his shirt three-by-four
photograph Of Mary Brown. which he
tore to tatters and scattered to the
winds. Twenty-six other men lined
themselves up and followed his sx-
ample.
Twenty-seven men filed-Indian
fashion-to the "Cowman's Rest" and
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