The Glenwood post., 1908-04-11

for him, the others. He was their
leader by the natural-born right Of
push and energy, as well as by his
having been the sole participant with
his own cowboys, in the last nights
tragedy. But would ne do well to
keep them waiting? They had already
delayed too long. And yet how could
he leave Williston's little girl like this
even to find Williston?
They are carrying my father
away" she said, with startling dis
tinctness. Don't you hear them? II
you would listen, you could hear them.
Do listen! They are getting faint
now-you can hardly hear them. They
are -fainter-fainter-
She had raised her head. There
was an alert look on her face. She
leaned slightly toward the window.
Good God! A man can't stand
everything" cried Langford. hoarsely.
He tore the knotted handkerchief
from his throat. 1t was as if he was
choking. Then he put his cool, strong
hand to her burning forehead and
gently smoothed back the rough hair.
Gradually, the fixed look of an inde-
scribe horror passed away from her
face. The strained, hard eyes soften
ed. became dewy. She looked at him,
clinging helplessness in her eyes,
but sweet and sane.
Don't you worry, child" he said
comfortingly. They can't help find
ing him. Twenty men with the sheriff
start on the trail. There'll be so be-
fore night. They can't help finding
him. I'm going to stay right here
with you till doc comes. I'll catch
up with them before they've gone far.
I'll send word to the boys not to wait.
Must be somebody around the house,
reckon, besides the old lady"
He started cheerily for the door.
Mr.. Langford."
"Yes?"
please come back"
He came quickly to her.
What is it?'
Mr.. Langford, will you grant me a
favor"
Certainly, Miss Mary. Anything in
this world that | can do for you will
do. You know that, don't you?"
Il am all right now. l don't think
| shall get crazy again If you will let
me sit here by this window and look
out. If | can watch for him, it will
give me something to do. You see,
could be watching all the time for the
party to come back over that little
rise up the road. l want you to
promise me- she went on, steadily,
that l may sit here and wait for
you-to come back"
God knows you may, little girl, any.
way till doc comes"
You are wiser than doc" pursued
the girl. He is good fellow, but
foolish, you know, sometimes. He
might not understand He might like
to use authority over me because l
am his patient-when he did not un-
derstand. Promise that l may sit till
you come back
Il do promise, little girl. Tell him
said so. Tell him
Il will tell him you are-the boss, -
she said, with ptiful little attempt
at a jest and smiling wanly. He will
mind-the boss"
Langford was in agony. Perspira-
tion was springing out on his fore.
head though August was wearing
away peacefully in soft GOODNESS with
drifting depths of white cloud as a
lounging-robe-a blessed reprieve
from the blazing sun of the long
weeks which had gone before.
And then want you to promise
me- went on Mary, quietly. that you
will not think any more of staying be-
hind. l could not bear that. l trust
you to go. You will, won't you?"
Yes. 1 will go. will do anything
you say. And l want you to believe
that every thing will be all right. They
would not dare to kill him now know
ing that we are after them. If we are
not back tonight, you will not worry,
will you? They had SO much the start
of us
Il will try not to worry
We'll. goodbye. Be good girl,
won't your"
Il will try" she answered. wearily.
With last look into the brave.
sweet face, and smothering mad, un-
cowman-like desire to stay and COM
fort this dear little woman while 9TH
ers rode away in stirring quest. Lang
ford strobe from the sick-room into
the kitchen.
Don't let her be alone any more
than you can help. Mother White" he
said. brusquely, 'and don't worry her
about going to bed"
Have a bite afore you start, Mr..
Langford, do" urged the good woman,
Hospitality. You're that worn out
you're white around the gills. I'll bet
you havn't had airy bite O. breakfast"
Il had forgotten-but you are right.
No, thank you, I'll not stop for any
thing now. I'll have to ride like king
dom come. I'm late. Be good to her.
Mother White" this last over his
shoulder as he sprang to his mount
from the kitchen stooD,