West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-04-01
CHAPTER XvIrI


Buck has told him. Slim hates me
along with Polly. III yet away from
here tonight"
He met Polly by the mess wagon.
At once she saw that something had
happened Bud was deathly pale. He
trembled when she spoke TO him.
"why. what on earth Is the matterg"
she asked.
Nothing. ~ answered Bud. glanc-
Ing about him as IL seeking some way
TO escape.
You're lookin' mighty pale Are
you sickT persisted the girl
''Slim Hoover-he's back Bud
could scarcely speak. His throat was
parcbed. Beads OF perspiration stood
on his forehead.
''whatr' cried Polly joyfully 'Is
Jack with hmf'
Listen here" exclaimed the young
wooer. "Sllm's heard about our going
to get married, and he's sworn TO
shoot me at sight" 1t was n lame,
haiting explanation, but the best Bud
could Invent on the spur OF the mo-
ment. He wanted to get away 10 have
time TO think
II don't believe itr replied Polly in
dignantly. "Why. Slim
In his excitement Bud would not let
her continue her defense Of the sheriff.
ITS so. He's plumb locoed. The
sun must have touched his brains out
In the desert" he explained, with rapid
Invention. IL don't want any run-in
with crazy man. | might have TO
shoot, and Sims been good friend
OF mine, SO Pm going TO keep out OF
his way for awhile. I'll ride over 10
the railroad"
Say, look here. are you scared OF
Slim HooverT Just let me handle
him." said Polly.
mo. no" expostulated Bud. Cant
you understand? We've been such
good friends. and-and-I can't pull n
gun ON him."
Folly was speechless with surprise.
Here he comes now! shouted Bud
IN hide I'm the wagon herer'
Don't hide!p counseled Polly.
"WhyY"
Bud gave her no answer, for he had
already disappeared under the cover OF
the mess wagon.
II don't like that little bit. Slim
never acted locoed before. I'll have to
be mighty careful. s'pose, for think
n heap of both Slim an Bud"
slim came up TO the wagon with his
face wreathed In smiles. "If 1t amt
Miss Polly" he yelled
Polly. having heard that crazy peo-
pie had 10 be humored, ran to meet
him and threw her arms about his
neck.
You dear, sweet, old red headed
thing" she cried. when did you get
backf Where have you been? Where's
Jackf Have you seen Echof" One
question was piled upon the other by
the enthusiastic girl Slim had tried
TO stop her talking that he might give
answer, but ne might as well have
tried to check sand storm Ont OF
breath and putting. he finally gasped
whoa! Whoa! Yes'm. I've heard
or them Kansas cyclones, but Gln't
never got hit with one afore."
Polly started all over again. AN
Jack-did you find himf Tell me all
about IT,"
See here" answered Slim. II amt
goin' to say nothin' to nobody tIll see
Mrs. PaysonJ
"Oh, pshawr Douted Polly. mot
even to meY"
Not even. What I've got to say she
must hear first. I'm kinder stifT. IL
you don't mind, I'll set down a spell"
Sims face was drawn and worn.
Although he had lost none Of his
weight. he showed the effects OF the
siege Of hard riding aud lighting
through which he had passed.
The mental strain under which he
i'su labored had also worn him down
Polly was more than sollcitous for his
COMFORT Not only did she like the
sheriff, but she was now fencing with
him to protect her sweetheart from his
wrath.
You look tuckered out" she said.
well. | low as maybe j am. Been
In the saddle for two weeks. Kin I
have a cup OF cOmeeT'
Polly began 60 mother him. This ap-
peal for bodily comforts aroused oil
her womanly Instincts. She made him
SIT down and poured the coffee for him.
saying: You sure can. With or with
outT'
IN play Il straight" grinned Slim.
Il reckon you'll have to anyway.
Here you are"
Slim took the cup with "Thankee. "
He drank long aud deeply. Then he
pauseS, made wry face and danced
his feet up and down, as child does
In anger or excitement
Whats the matterY" asked the girl.
with laugh.
If this here's coffee give me tea, an
II us tea give ere coffee" The sher-
IN put down his cup. with n shrug Of
the shoulders.
ITS the best we've got" replied
Polly. "Sagcbrush got IT,"
ooh. that's 81. I thought It tasted
Ike sagebrusb. HOw's Budf' he sud
denly demanded.
Polly glanced nervously at the speak
er.
"All right, ] spose." She tried 10 be
noncommittal. Her nervousness almost
betrayed her.
"Ain't You seen him iatelyf" Slim In.
sisted.
Polly peeped into the wagon before
she answered tho question. Yes
see him every once in awhile"
In an effort 70 change the subject of
conversation and get him away from
All thoughts Of Bud she asked, Say.
slim. whaft boudoirT
"A what wharf suffered slim.
"a boudoir,v Polly repeated.
Slim was puzzled and looked r.