Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-03-16
CHAPTER X.

fulness 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
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-
6nement, had used them for decora
the room her very own. The grace
and charm of her personality were
stamped upon the environment.
The men Of the ranch fairly worship
I'd Echo. Sending to Kansas City,
they purchased piano for 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
nnpacked and placed in the living room
and Jim rode over to be present at the
presentation. The donors gathered in
the living room to admire the gift,
which shone bravely 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 Jimv' chorused
the punchers.
"Now the rooms complete" an
nounced Polly. "Echo's made big
change around here" The group
gravely followed Polly's approving
glances.
"That she has, assented Mrs. Allen
Looked like barn when Jack was q
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 dare
he challenged, "What want to know
Is, is there anybody here present as car
rassle tune out Of that there box?"
No one came forward.
"Ain't there none Of you boys that
can play on pianny?" he demanded.
1--WE 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.
"Poker!' 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 t.
be turned into an audience for the ex
ploitation Of Show Lows adventures
Moreover, she did not like to be used
even indirectly as target for fun
making, although she delighted in
making some one else feeder for hel
ideas Of fun.
Fresno modestly announced he was
something Of musical artist.
II low l 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 l was a yearlin'," he OBJ
served
Fresno spun the seat of his piano
stool until it almost twirled off the
screw. His actions created the great
est interest, especially to Parenthesis
who peered under the seat to see tn,
wheels go round. Fresno threw hi!
leg over the seat as If mounting ,
horse.
well, boys, what'll you have?" h
asked, glancing from one to the othe
in imitation Of the manner of hi
friend, the pianist in the Tucson
honkytonk, on lively evening.
1.-THE usual poison" absently answer
ed Show Low.
Sagebrush struck him in the breas
with the back Of his hand. "Shut up
he growled.
Turning to Fresno, he said, "Give u
the-er-'The Maiden's Prayer"
Fresno whisked about so quickl,
that he almost lost his balance. Gaz
ing at the petitioner in blank amaze
ment, he shouted, 1.-The what?"
Sagebrush blushed under his tan. i
q most apologize voice he said, "Wel
that's the first tune my sister learne
to play, an she played it continuous
which Is why left home"
I'D sure like to oblige you, bu
maidens' prayers amt in my repetory,
explained the Modified musician.
Fresno raised his finger uncertainl
over the keyboard, searching for Ike
! from which to make start. Th