Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-03-19

the sunshine, the lowing of
4 \ the cattle on the hills and
the songs Of the birds in the trees
along the Sweetwater had banished all
depressing thoughts, and her mind
dwelt on her love for Jack and the
pleasantness of the lines in which her
life had fallen.
Only one small cloud had appeared
on the horizon. Jack had not shared
with her his condolences in the BUSH
ness Of the ranch. He told her he did
not want to worry her with such cares.
True, there were times when he was
deeply distracted, but In her presence
his moroseness vanished quickly. Care
fully as he had tried to hide his secret,
seen beneath the surface of things and
realized that something was lacking to
complete her happiness.
AS Echo turned toward home q song
sprang to her lips. Polly spied her far
down the trail
"Boys, she's COMM" she shouted
to the men. who were at the bunk
house awaiting Mrs. Payson's return.
AS they passed the corral they called
to Jack and Allen to join them In the
living room to prepare for the surprise
for Echo.
The party quickly reassembled.
Good land" shouted Allen, get
somethin' to cover the pianny with"
The punchers rushed In confusion
oh In, TN, nh
"Ain't there plagued thing we can
cover that PLAINLY with?" cried the de-
moralized Allen, renewing his appeal.
Polly came to the rescue of the help
less men by plucking a Navajo blanket
from the couch. Tossing one end Of 1t
to Show Low, she motioned to him to
help hold it up before the instrument
like curtain.
"Stand In front of it, everybody"
ordered Mrs. Allen, who had left her
cake baking and hurried In from the
kitchen. "Polly, spread your skirts
you, too, Jim"
Allen ran in front of the piano, hold
Ing out an imaginary dress in imita-
ton of Polly (Which amt got
none," he cried.
Parenthesis jumped in front Of the
piano stool, trying vainly to hide it
with his legs.
"Parenthesis, put your legs togeth-
err" Mrs. Allen cried.
II can't, ma'am," walled the unfor-
tunate puncher. He fell on his knees
before the stool, spreading out his
waistcoat for screen. Mrs, Allen
helped him out with her skirts.
4 Steady, everybody" shouted Jack.
Here she is!' yelled Sagebrush as
the door opened and the astonished
Echo faced those she loved and liked.
i Echo made pretty picture framed
in the doorway. She wore her riding
habit Of olive green, from the hem Of
which peeped her soft boots. Her hat,
broad, picturesque, typical of the
southwest, had slipped backward.
forming background for her pretty
face. An amused smile played about
the corners of her mouth.
well. what Is it2" she smiled In
quiringly.
The group looked at her sheepishly.
No one ventured to answer her ques-
ton.
whats the matter?" she resumed.
: you're herded up like bunch Of
cows in norther."
sagebrush began gravely to explain.
He got only MS far as This here bein
birthday" when Echo interrupted
him: "Oh! Then it's birthday party p
Once stopped. Sagebrush could moi
get started again. He cleared his
throat with more emphasis than pc.
likeness. Striking the attitude of an
orator, with one hand appraised and
the other on his hip, he hemmed and
hawed until beads of perspiration
trickled from his temples.
Again he enerved himself for the or.
deal.
"Mebbe." he gasped.
Then he opened and closed his
mouth, froglike, several times, taking
long, gulping breaths At last looking
helplessly about him, he shouted, ooh
shucks, you tell her. Jackv He pushed
him toward Echo. Jack rested his
hand on the table and began, We've
a surprise for you-that is. the boys
have
what is it?" asked Echo eagerly.
you've got to call 1t blind" broke II
Sagebrush.
"Guess It," cried Fresno
"a pony cart" hazarded Echo.
"Shucks. no" said Show Low at the
idea Of presenting Echo with anything
on wheels.
Echo then guessed. Sewing ma
chine"
Sagebrush encouraged her. That's
somethin' like 1t. Go on. go on"
sWell, then, It's a.
Sagebrush grew more excited. HI
raised and lowered himself on his toes
backing toward the piano. go 1t
you're gettin' there" he shouted.
> Its a.
e Again she hesitated. to be helped OF
!, by Sagebrush with the assurance
> "Shell do it. Fire away. It's a.
"A"-
+ "Go on"
f Sagebrush In his enthusiasm backed
e too far into the blanket screen. Hi
r spurs became entangled. To save him
y self from fall he threw out his hant
: behind him. They struck the polished
g cover of the instrument, slid off, an,
8 Sagebrush sat down on the keys witt
g an unmistakable crash.
j "a piano." cried Echo exultantly.
"Who done that?" demanded SHOW
Low angrily.