Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-04-27

on, boys. Make this your home. Every
thing goes, and the Sweetwater outfit
u always welcome"
The foreman was the first to pull up
In front Of the house. "Hello. Uncle
Jimw he cried.
"Hello, Sagebrushw answered the
colonel, a broad smile Illuminating bis
face. Holding his pipe in one hand, he
licked his lips at the thought Of 'lick.
ering up" without the invention Of an
excuse for his wife. Then he Joined in
a hearty laugh with the men about the
corral as he heard the grunts and
stamping Of plunging mustang. A
cow pony had entered into the spirit of
the occasion and was trying to toss his
rider over his head.
Fresno, one Of the Sweetwater's 8
cowpunchers, was the victim Of the
horses deviltry.
His predicament aroused wild shouts
Of mirth and sallies Of the wit Of the
corral.
Hunt leather, Fresno, or he'll buck
you clean over the wall" shouted
Sagebrush.
"Grab his tallw yelled Show Low.
with a whoop.
"All over" was the chorus as Fres-
no, with a vicious jab of his spurs and
jerk Of the head, brought the ami
NAL into subjection.
"Come right in, boys" called Allen.
"Let the greasers take the horses"
With shrill shouts, whoops and much
laughter the guests crowded about
the ranchman.
Each wore his holiday clothes. New
handkeSchiefs were knotted about
their necks. Fresno had stuck little
American flags in the band Of his hat
the crown Of which he had removed.
81 want head room for the mornin'
after" he had said
Show Lows chaps were conspic-
uously new, and his movements were
heralded by the cracking of unsoftcn-
ed leather.
Last Of the band was Parenthesis.
short, bOwlegged, with face tanned
and scanned by exposure. The cow
boys ran stiffly, toelng slightly inward
Long hours in the saddle made them
apparently awkward and really un.
graceful when on the ground.
They greeted Allen with hearty en
thusiasm, slapping him on tIH t,-,;
poking him in the ribs and win:
him from one to the other with cries
Of "Howdy, Uncle Jim"
"Howdy, Sagebrush? Hello. Frcsac,
Waltz right in. Show Low. CID -
see you all" cried Allen as lie ia turn
brought his hand down with ringing
slaps upon shoulder and back.
Meantime Parenthesis hoped about
the outer edge Of the ring, seeking IN
entrance. Failing to reach his host.
he crowed, "How de doddle do" to at
tract his attention.
Allen broke from the ring. Graspii.
Parenthcsis by the hand, he said:
"I'm tolerable, thankcc, Parcnthesis
Where's JackI Didn't lie come over
with you?'
"What-the boss? Amt he got here
yetY asked the foreman. Tall ana
lean, with hardened muscles, Sage
brush Charley was as 1.-the rs Il rGr-
ther on horseback. His first toy had
been rope with which, as Il fodder,
he had practiced Oh the dcgs ana
chickens about the ranch yard. lie
could not remember when he could not
ride. Days Oh tue roundup, hours vi
watching the sleeping herd in tie night
watch. had made him quiet and self
contained In his dealings with men.
His eyes looked out fearlessly Oh the
world. All Of his life he had handled
cattle. Daily facing dangers on the
long drives or IN the corral, lie schooled
himself to face emergencies. Acquir-
ing self control. he was trusted and
admired. When Lyman, the old fore
man Of the Sweetwater. resigned, Jack
Payson promoted Sagebrush, although
next to Bud Lane he was at the time
the youngest man in the outfit. He
made his employers interests his own.
At the mention Of Payson's name he al
ways became attentive. With shade
Of anxiety he awaited Aliens answer.
NO" replied the ranchman, looking
from one Of his guests to the other.
"Why, he started three hours ahead
Of usw explained Parenthesis.
With a challenging note in his tones,
as IL his word was disputed, the host
answered. "Well, he amt showed up"
The little group had become silent.
Arizona was In a period Of unrest.
Rumors Of another Apache uprising
were growing stronger each day. Then
Payson was successful and therefore
despised by less fortunate men ever
eager for q quarrel.
After moments thought Sage