The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-10-07
eoaId sympathize with her longing for
that faraway land. Yes, Missoula was


that faraway land. Yes. Missoula was
sure to come that way tomorrow.
He was waiting for them on the next
afternoon. and Teddy was swung up
on the saddle In jiffy. But now It
was the big policeman who talked.
while Missoula listened In shy silence.
His name was Jones. "They used to
call me Shorty down In the Panhan-
die because | was so tall" he explain
ed. with a laugh. mo. they don't do It
here" In answer to her questioning
look. ut wouldn't be healthy for
them. The men on the force call me
Jim. haven't any pals up here
Jim had come to New York with
some full blood cattle. But the attrac-
lions Of the big city proved too much
for him. and after debauch OF sew
eral days he had come to himself only
to find that the rest Of the crew had
gone back. and he was left alone.
adrifi. There had been some hard
days. Jim spoke OF them hesitatingly
and with shamed flush on his tanned
cheek.
But then got on the force-on ac-
count Of my riding-and I've been on
over a year. can't complain of the
pay. and the works light enough. But
get such longing for the sun shining
In a perfect blue sky and my pony
picking his way among the holes OF a
dog town--the little beggars sitting up
and scolcing at you as bold as you
please and then scrambling down
through the mesquite bushes into a
water hole-and letting him drink as
much as he pleases and then riding on
I'LL the sun sets as It never does up
here. bands OF light playing right
across the sky and purple glow over
everything. Well. when I get TO think
Ing Of all that get uneasy-like and
tired Of all this crowding. Some fine
morning the feeling will be extra
strong. and then"-he laughed-''the
force will be losing one Of its orna-
ments."
Missoula was looking up eagerly.
Her eyes were as blue as the Texas
sky Of which be spoke and wide with
longing. You will be going back.
too. some day. Miss Missoula." be said
softly.
She caught her breath sharply. like
one suddenly walked from a dream.
"Yes." she said dispiritedly. Il s'pose
so-when Mis- Barker's ready to CO."
The three met often after that Ted
dy had come TO look on Jim Crow as
one OF his possessions. while Missoula
and bis master had become the best Of
friends. and meanwhile tardy spring
was breathing new life into the half
thawed slopes OF the park. Timid
grass blades appeared.
The afternoon sun shone down warm
ly and showed Missoula engaged In re-
straining Teddy from picking spray
Of the enticing burning bush" The
tall policeman came mp during the al
tercation. As they walked on together
be preserved an unwonted silence.
Springs about here" Missoula OBJ
served NJ last. .Pye been thinking how
the prairie must look by NOVELIST one
biz flower bed"
Jim looked of across the treetops
with eyes unseeing Of their delicate
ven Of leaves. live been thinking.
too" be said. "and just can't stand
the city any longer. I'm going back
west Mlssoula's face paled.
I'D have gone long ago II II hadn't
been FOR you. Mlssouln" He looked
down now aud as be saw her agita-
tIon went on easerly; Il won't 60 now
unless you win 20 too. I've been saw
Ing money. and I've written out. so
there's a position ready Won't you
90. Mlssoulai'
Mlssoula's face blushed a rosy red.
but she met his ardent gaze frankly.
lies. III 20. Jim" she said. Il trust
you. Teddy's getting so old now he
won't be missing me. And. oh. Jim.
we'll he going back 20 the west to-
gether" There was n choke In her
voice.
Jim drew her 10 him. and II was
well that the path was deserted or OBJ
servers might have been scandalIzed
by the spectacle OF one Of the force
who had quite forgotten his dignity.