The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-11-11


directly between them. to their evil
dep annoyance The newcomers com
preD -Lsive glance seemed to take IN
everything il the room. and this sta T.
tiOn among the rest. As he passed the
girls one hand removed the broad
6rimmed hat, while the other dropped
19on the youths shoulder and lifted
aim with strong. easy motion high
Into the air. In that position the youth
Vas carried two tables down and drop
ped into another chair with the re-
mark. plainly audible through the
room: There, sonny; that's the cheer
ye'd ought to a took. Now. don't git
fustered an cry. but eat your mush
an molaSseS like 4 nice little boy
should an then run out an play. I'll
take this next cheer, an We'll be lii
tie family sosherble. you an me-
Involuntarily Big Kate smiled her
warm approval of the act. and the
stranger, whose glance was again row
ing about the room. caught the smile
direct. Instantly he rose to his feet
and came straight to her, his face full
of responsive interest.
Thank We for that smile. miss" he
said frankly. It's the first real friend
ly look I've had since / left Texas
This city seems to be mostly on a
stampede, with nobody to round up
Don't it seem that way to ye:"
Il don't know" she answered vague
" eva Dnyar th,r1u-l,t bout u tI,,t
way. But, then, you see. I've never
been out of the city in my life"
Never been out the city" in amaze
ment Good Lord, An I've never
been in one like this before. Say
what do folks do here for amuse-
ment-grasS fed country folks. mean:
Ye see, only come in last night with
a bunch of cattle. an I've got to stay
here a whole week to end up the sale
Whatll | do cvenins an off timeS|
why. there is the bridge" doubt
fully, and trolley rides Strangers
do them, believe Then there are
the theaters."
That's So with jubilant relief in
his voice. I've heared bout the New
York theayters. OF course l must see
them. But Pm feared I'll be like the
bull in the china shop that I've read of
if | try to do the thing alone. | don't
S'pOSe ye'd be-be Wilin' to sort of
start me this first evenin'? Ye see.
I've never been in theayter in all
my life. OF course. | know it amt the
should be introducin's an time to cit
acquainted an all that. but | don't
know single man in all New York
Down to Texas we don't stand much
on ceremony like We do in a city. but
l could put up stake or-or margin
with a policeman or somebody to show
l mean square an am we'll heeled
viii We go?"
Big Kate considered At first her
eyes had returned to her book of Ell
quette, then after a little had gone
up to the frank, boyish face looking
down at her. 1t was an open. manly
face, with straight. honest eyes.
Yes, | will be glad to go" she an
swered. You may call for me lit
tie before s at"-She was about to say
the restaurant, but substituted instead.
with direct look at him-"the cellar
below the Chinese laundry on the cor
ner. My people live in 4 cellar"
The next morning the Texan came
into the restaurant for his breakfast
and stopped at the cashiers desk long
oar than was DorocSor,- ,,, IL. ,,..,,,. go.
and the same at dinner and at supper
At supper he remained long enough at
the desk to obtain Big Hates consent
to 90 with him again to the theater.
The third evening when he stopped
at the desk with his supper check Red
Pete appeared
"Look-a-here. Mr.. Cowboy" he bluS
tered, I'VE don't want any more O
this I'm WilIin' for the men to talk
with Big Kate. for it draws trade, but
it mustn't 90 too fur. | don't want
any more thcater goin'. She's my
promised wife"
The Texan flashed a quick look at
the cashier. She smiled calmly.
Its the old mans promise, Red
Pete" she said serenely, mot mine.
Yes to the Texan, I'm 90 with you.
| thought the cellar would make some
difference. I'm glad it don't"
Red Pete broke into a torrent of
oaths, stamping his feet.
IF he does go with We. it'll be clubs
for him. I've got good friends on the
street"
When he went out the Texan saw
policeman a few doors away. Obey
ing sudden impulse, he went to him
This was unfamiliar ground. and it
might be well to play the game
shrewdly.
Hello, pardner"' he began affably
Reckon you've got a toler'ble broker
range on this street. Plenty o STAN
pedin' an buckin', amt they?"
It's a little rough. if that's what
you mean" replied the officer doubt
fully.
Il s'pOsed so from the way things
boil Well, if ye ever want quiet come
down to Texas, an if We ever come
near the Xxx ranch ask for Many
Horse Charlie-that's me. I'll put tine
world up to We right. Moneys easy
down there. Here. drop this into your
pocket" transferring a note that made
tho nfFioar'c ayaS rIiStap t,T 1,p,t ro.I,