West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-03-25
CHAPTER XVII


he had against her-withcNt consider
ing that she would be more than wo-
man II she failed to harbor resentment
against the man who had prevented
her from calling her husband back
from the desert
In the absence Of Slim both Bud and
Mckee had attained q feeling of Sc
curity In the matter OF the Terrill muir
der. Mckee had already ventured to
use some OF his share OF the robbery
In gambling. Bud had not yet con-
vinced himself either OF the right or
the advisability Of spending his share.
Both conscience and fear advised him
to keep the blood money intact. He
carried 1t with him wherever he went
aud became In time quite pleased with
himself because OF his compunctions In
doing 30. He was even pharisaical
about McKee's gambling. No; when
his mind had become clear about keep
Ing II he would make an honest use of
IL, such as investing I'm a saloon In
Florence. When, however, he suggest
ed to Polly that dispensing liquors over
bar and running a faro game on the
side would be congenial OCCUPATION
suited to their talents she sat down
forcibiy upon his aspiration. and they
finally compromised on Polly's propo-
sition to conduct livery stable In Tue
son, where. Polly felt, though she did
not say so to Bud, that Sheriff Hoover.
with whom she had been flirting too
dangerously, would not be In evidence.
as In Florence.
foily, however, was greatly puzzled
over Buds confidence In his ability to
raise the wind that would launch this
delectable but TO her mind illusory en-
terprise. In moment OF weakness he
intimated that he already had the mon
ey I'm hand.
How did you get itf" she demanded.
Saved It." he said.
When she asked him how he could
have saved the thousand dollars de-
nanded for the stable out of his sal.
airy of $40 month he replied:
by economizing. I've cut or my
chewing tobacco"
THAT cost you but two bits a week.
an you've taken up cigarettes at a
dime day." said observant Polly. "I
know what you've been doin'. You've
been gambfin'."
Gross nay heart, Polly, / haven't"
said Bud. and Polly, who had no great
objection TO using money won at cards
SO long as she did not positively know
the fact, discontinued her objections
and resumed the delightful occupation
OF castle building. The home she had
In view consisted OF three rooms over
the livery stable
II want red carpet In the front
room an wall paper like that at Bow
ems store. with hosses Jumpin' gates
On IT,
Don't you think there will be a lit
tie too much horse there, Polly, with
the stable under us and the smell com
Ing upY'
"sho, Bud, you can't have too much
hoss. Why, II was the boss smell about
your clothes that made me fall In love
with you" exclaimed the enthusiastic
horsewoman. She continued:
AN want yellow plush furniture
set, an photograph album to match,
an center table, an Rock of Ages
picture, an boudoir"--
A boudolr was beyond the ken OF
Bud. He knew nothing OF housekeep-
Ing. This must be one of those strange
articles the mystery OF which ne would
have to solve before he could feel that
he was really a married man.
What the devil Is a boudoirr' he
tsked
II don't know what It is. but all rich
women have them"
Bud took both OF Polly's hands In his.
Looking her fondly in the eyes, he
said: "Then, by thunder, I'll get you
two OF 'em. Wen raise the limit when
we furnish that shack. I'm the hap
piest man IN the country"
"Well,.you ought to be-" laughed Pol.
~. Just see what you are gettin'.
I've got TO chase myself back to the
house. You're ridin' night herd tonight.
aIn't your" she added
Yes. I'm on the cocktail tonight.
am going 10 bunk down here. I'll be up
1T the house at sunup. and we can 60
over to Florence together"
"I1l have breakfast ready fer you.
Rope my pony for me. Will your"
Bud was smiling and happy again.
All Of bis troubles were forgotten. "An
right" he cried rs he started to mount
Say. you're awful forgetful, aren't
your asked Polly demurely.
Bud looked about him, slightly be
wildcred Then he realized his over.
sight lie ran to Polly's side and tried
to kiss her, but she motoned him
aside, saying. TOO late You lose"
But ! didn't know" siammered Bud
Next time you'll know On your
wayg' airily commanded the girl.
Buds face darkencd "Oh, we'll
goOdby"
Polly looked after him, perplexed and
angry. His surrender to her whims
without fight nettled her.
"Goodby yourself" she snapped.
He's the most fOrgetfu man I ever
loved. n ! thought he was n gamblin'
man I'd get divorce from him before
! married him. would sure" muir.
INJURED Polly as Bud disappeared to.
ward the corral.
Polly's musing was Interrupted by
the return Of Buck Mckee.
rs Bud Lane over herey' he asked.
You must have passed him Just now
He's Just got IN from night herdin'"
II thought seed him comm this
way. When's the weddln' bells goln'
to ring1"
Polly flushed Next month. Then
you'n lose Buds company fer good. !"
she answered dehantly.
Wen. ! haln't been dom him much
good" Buck assented. I'm goin' back
hf,eno fhctsof.