Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-01-23

sun. WDen the conner was so near
that they could see he was strange to
them Lancaster gave peremptory
wag of the head, and the two girls
disappeared around corner. TheI
father stayed on watch, bis Jaws work.
ing nervously with the ever present
chew.
The burly man advanced upon thu
lean-to. "Mornin', mornin'," was his
greeting. He made several swinging
bows at Lancaster and took him in
shrewdy from eyes that were round
and close set
The section boss grunted.
Lovely day" observed the other,
with n bland smile. He changed his
tack little, as II he we're going by.
Lancaster hobbled along with him.
"Y-a-a-s," he drawled. Right good.
Some cool"
The stranger agreed by another So
ries of swinging bows. "You got nice
place here place" he continued
affably. He loosened one thumb with
jerk.
Nice 'nough."
The man halted in front Of the shack
and looked 1t over. You're a southern
gentleman" said he, "by your talk"
"Ah am" Lancaster spoke with un-
friendly rising infection.
"Well. we'll" A hand was extended
- fat hand, where sparkled diamond.
Say, now, this Is lovely, lovely. I'm
a southerner myself. sir. Put 1t there"
The section boss hesitated. SO far
Dakota had offered him no compatriot,
He could scarce believe that one stood
before him now. a second then he
gave a pleased grin. "Howdy," he
said. Hope y goin' { settle here.
about"
They shook heartily.
Settle due east of you, SIR was the
answer. My names Braden-Al
Braden. I'm from Sioux Falls"
won't y come iny'
"Ticked t. death"
They entered the shack, Lancaster
leading. Dallas and Marylyn glanced
Up IN surprise from the fireplace and
arose hastily.
M gals" said the section boss, mo.
tlonlng their visitor to a bench.
Braden took 1t. with more swinging
bows and sweep Of his foppy head.
gear. Glad t meet you" he smiled,
"Miss-a-a-a- Miss
Lancaster s they name prompted
the section boss. all in good nature
Lancaster. Glad t meet you both"
Dallas nodded and drew her sisteI
away to the wagon seat in the corner
"Jes firm tn Falls. All think II
said" began their father. hunting his
tobacco plug along the mantel.
yep"
I'm. Any-auy news firm down
tibet way bout this part o. tn coun.
try"
Braden fell to admiring his ring,
NO, sir, no. Didn't hear nothln' par.
ticular."
The section boss fdgeted. "S'pose y
know they s some talk bout a railroad
comm this way" he said carelessiy.
Don't go much on that talk Ten
years. twenty years-maybe. Too early
yet"
Lancaster's face heightened. IA
blinked in dismay.
"My idea" went on Rraden. "is
COWS. Coin T. be a lot Of money fl
EN-, sure as you're alive. Hear Clark's
made good thing of hsn."
Cows" said Lancaster in disgust
COWS don help a country-don raise
tn price o Ian"
Cows or no COWS. your place here's
worth q nice li,tle sum- protested thu
other condescendingl y-"hundered any.
way"
Lancaster stared "Hundered"' ha
cried. You got tn grass staggers.
| Five hundered.'
Braden pursed his lips, his thumbs in
his armholes again. Three Numbered
and fifty. say he compromised. ia
be willin t give you that"
a moment since the section boss had
been dovncast. Now. he gutfawed.
Would "" he asked; would ""
There was a sage CLEAN in his eye.
II would"
Lancaster sucked his teeth impor
family. "Y' couldn't hev it cent short
O. seven numbered an fifty" he de-
clared.
You'll never git it, sir, never. Five
numbered S a spankin' fgger."
BAH
Telling you what's what. There's
thousands Of acres around here just as
good as yourn any day in the week.
But you got this end of the ford. That
makes little difference"
Makes bout fifteen numbered doll
lars diff renee"
1t was Bradcn's turn to laugh. MY
friend, you'll hist to two thousand
pretty soon" he warned. and arose.
Better take five numbered and ifs
when it's offered" He flung out his
hands as II he were feeding hens.
Lancaster got up with him. right
eousy angry. Say. you amt no south
'ner." he cried. "Jes a slick Yank. All
en- see through YOU like winda pane
Braden laughed again. tapping the
shoulder of the section boss. You amt
wise" he confded. "Farmin' out here
with COWS around means fences. But
hang on If you want to. It's your
land" He ended this with tovial
slap and made for the door. From II
be could see the girls He gave them a
magnificent bow. "Mornin'. mornin'.
he said and walked out.
Lancaster went back 10 the hearth.
fairly weak with delight Dallas and
Marylyn Joined him. Wat d y
think" gurged their father Say.