The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-01-21
CHAPTER K.
1--WE weeks had passed since the
marriage of Echo and Jack. On
her return from the honeymoon

the Tortilla range the young wife set
to work, and already great changes
had been made in the ranch house on
the Sweetwater. Rooms were repa-
pered and painted The big center
room was altered into a coy living
room. On the long, low window, Civ
ing an outlook on fields of alfalfa, corn
and the silver ribbons Of the irrigation
bitches, dainty muslin curtains now
hung Potted geraniums filled the SILL
and in the unused fireplace Echo had
placed jar of ferns. A clock ticking
on the mantelpiece added to the cheer
fitness and nominees Of the house. On
the walls horns of mountain sheep and
antlers of antelope and deer alternated
with the mounted heads of puma and
buffalo. Through the open window
one caught glimpse Of the arms of a
windmill and the outbuildings Of the
home ranch. Navajo blankets were
scattered over the floors and seats.
Echo had taken the souvenirs Of the
hunt and trail which Jack had collect
ed and, with woman's touch of re-
finement. had used them for dccora
tive effects. She had in truth made
the room her very own. The grace
and charm of her personality were
stamped upon the environment.
The men Of the ranch fairly worship
cd Echo. Sending to Kansas City.
they purchased piano fer her as a
birthday gift. On the morning when
the wagon brought it over from Flor
ence station little work was done about
the place. The instrument had been
u1paciled and placed in the living room
in EchOs absence. Mrs. Allen, Polly
and Jim rode over to be present at the
presentation. The donors gathered IL
the living room to admire the gift.
which shcIe brayely under the ener
getic polishing of Mrs. Allen.
That's an elegant instrument" was
her observation as she f1icked an imag-
mary speck of dust from the case.
Polly opened the lid, saying. Just
what Echo wanted"
Jim cooked his head as if he were
examining a now pinto pony.
''Sent all the way up to Kansas City
fer it, eh?"
That's right, Uncle Jim" chorused
the punchers.
Now the rooms complete" an
nounced Polly. "Echo's made a big
change around here" The group
gravely followed Polly's approving
glances.
THAT she has assented Mrs. Allen.
Looked like barn when Jack was
bachelor. This certainly is the finest
kind of a birthday present you all
could have thought Of
Josephine III cry in minute, boys"
chuckled Allen.
You hesh up" snapped his wife.
glaring at the grinning ranchman.
Sagebrush poured oil on the rough
ening waters by changing the CONVEX
sation Speaking as If making a dare.
he challenged, What / want to know
is, is there anybody here present as can
rassle tune out of that there box"
No one came forward.
Amt there none of you boys that
can play on a pianny?" he demanded.
i've played on the big square one
down at the Lone Star" gravely piped
up Show Low.
What did you play" asked the in
quisitive Polly.
Poker" answered Show Low Sc
riously. his face showing no trace OF
humor.
"Pokerr' Polly repeated. in disgust.
That's all they ever plays on it"
explained Show Low Indignantly.
Polly grew impatient. This presen-
tation was a serious affair and not TO
be turned into an audience for the ex
ploitation of Show Lows adventures.
Moreover. she did not like to be used
even indirectly as a target for fun
making. although she delighted in
making some one else a feeder for her
ideas Of fun.
Fresno modestly announced he was
something of musical artist.
II low can shake tune out of
that" he declared
Lets hear you" cried Polly, rather
doubtful of Fresno's ability.
''Step up, perfesser" cried Allen
heartily. slapping him on the back.
Fresno grinned and solemnly rolled
up his sleeves. His comrades eyed his
every move closely. He spat on his
hands. approached the piano and
glared fiercely at the keyboard.
My ma had one of them there
things when was yearlin'." he OBJ
served.
Fresno spun the seat of his piano
stool until 1t almost twirled Off the
screw. His actions created the great
est interest, especially to Parenthesis.
who peered under the seat to see the
wheels go round. Fresno threw his
leg over the seat as IL mounting a
horse.
well. boys, what'n you havew he
asked. glancing from one to the other
In imitation of the manner Of his
friend. the pianist In the Tucson