Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1909-03-24
CHAPTER XI.

the songs Oh tue UlIuS IL 1ne
along the Sweetwater had banlshed all l
depressing thoughts, and her mlnd
dwelt on her love for Jack and the
pleasantness of the lines in which her
life had fallen.
Only one small cloud had appeared
on the horizon. Jack had not shareu
with her his condolences In the DUST
ness of the ranch. He told her ne ulu
not want to worry her with such cares.
True. there were times when he was
feeplv distracted but in her presence
his moroseness vanished quickly. care
fullv rs he had tried to hide his secret,
she had, with womans lhtullloh,
seen beneath the surface of things ana
realized that something was lacking 10
complete her happiness.
AS Echo turned toward home. song
sprang to her lips. Polly sp1ed her far
down the trail.
"Bovs. she's COMM" she shouted
TO the men, who were at the DUNK
house awaiting Mrs. Payson's return.
AS they passed the corral they called
to Jack and Allen to join them III the
living room to prepare for the surprise
for Echo.
The party quickly reassembled.
"Good land" shouted Allen, get
somethin' to cover the pianny with!
The punchers rushed in confusion
about the room in vain search.
"Ain't there a plagued thing we can
cover that pianny with?" cried the de-
moralized Allen, renewing his appeal.
Polly came to the rescue of the help-
less men by plucking a Navajo blanket
from the couch. Tossing one end or II
to Show Low, she motioned to him to
help hold it up before the instrument
like curtain.
s'Stand in front of it, everybody
ordered Mrs. Allen, who had lett her
cake baking and hurried in from the
kitchen. polly, spread your skirts
you, too, jim
Allen ran in front of the piano, hold
ing out an imaginary dress in imita
ton of Polly. (Which 1 amt go
none," he cried.
Parenthesis jumped in front of TIT
piano stool, trying vainly to hide
with his legs.
"Parenthesis, put your legs togetn
er," Mrs. Allen cried.
SCI can't, maam," walled the unfol
tunate puncher. He fell on his knee
before the stool, spreading out III
waistcoat for a screen. Mrs. Ale
helped him out with her skirts.
STEADY, everybodyr shouted Jack.
Here she isv' yelled Sagebrush
the door opened and the astonishe
Echo faced those she loved and liked
Echo made pretty picture frame
in the doorway. She wore her ridi1
habit of olive green, from the hem
which peeped her soft boots Her hf
broad. picturesque, typical of t
southwest, had slipped backWai
forming a background for her pref
face. An amused smile played abo
the corners of her mouth.
"WeH. what is it?" she smiled
quiringly.
The group looked at her sheep1sh
No one ventured to answer her gu
ton.
''What's the matter?" she RESUME
you're herded up like a bunch
cows in norther."
Sagebrush began gravely to expla
He got only as far as "This here DC
a birthday when Echo Interrupt
him: "Oh! Then it's a birthday part.
Once stopped, Sagebrush could
get started again. He cleared
throat with more emphasis than
likeness. Striking the attitude of
orator. with one hand appraised ;
the other on his hip, he hemmed
hawed until beads Of perspirat
trickled from his temples.
Again he nerved himself for the
deal.
"Mebbe," he gasped.
Then he opened and closed
mouth, froglike, several times, tai
long, gulping breaths. At last. lool
helplessly about him, he shouted,
shucks, you tell her, jack" He pus
him toward Echo. Jack rested
hand on the table and began, wv
q surprise for you-that is, the
have
"What is it?" asked Echo eagerl.
you've got to call it blind" brol
Sagebrush.
"Guess it." cried Fresno.
az pony cart" hazarded Echo.
"Shucks. nor said Show Low
idea of presenting Echo with any
on wheels.
Echo then guessed, Sewing
chine"
Sagebrush encouraged her. SGT
somethin' like it. Go on, go on"
"Well, then, it's az
Sagebrush grew more excited
raised and lowered himself on his
backing toward the piano. &c
you're gettin' there" he shouted.
ats az
Again she hesitated, to be help
by Sagebrush with the assul
shell do it. Fire away. It's az
"A"-
$50 on"