West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-02-18
CHAPTER xI.

tho cuhSulue, the lOWlnk OF
. = 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 I'm the busi-
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 nbstracted. but In her presence
his moroseness vanished quickly. Care
fully as he had tried TO hide his secret,
she had, with a woman's intuition.
seen beneath the surface OF things and
realized that something was lacking to
complete her happiness
AS Echo turned toward home a 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
about the room in vain search.
"Ain't there a plagued thing we can
cover that pianny with2" 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 IL
to Show Low, she motioned to him TO
help hold 1t up before the instrument
like n curtain.
'Stand I'm front OF Il, 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 plano. hold
Ing out an imaginary dress In imita-
ton OF Polly. Which amt got
none." he cried
Parenthesls Jumped in front Of the
plano 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 a screen. Mrs. Allen
helped him out with her skirts.
STEADY, everybody shouted Jack.
Here she is! yelled Sagebrush as
the door opened and the astonished
Echo faced those she loved and liked.
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 a background for her pretty
face. An amused smile played about
the corners Of her mouth.
We'll, what is IT." she smiled In
quirlngly.
The group looked at her sheepishly.
No one ventured to answer her ques-
ton.
whats the matter7" she resumed.
You're herded up like a bunch of
cows In a norther."
Sagebrush began grayely to explain.
He got only ms far as "This here bein'
birthday" when Echo interrupted
him: "Ohl Then It's birthday party7"
Once stopped, Sagebrush could not
get started again. He cleared his
throat with more emphasis than po-
likeness. Striking the attitude Of an
orator, with one hand upraised and
the other on his hip he hemmed and
hawed until beads OF perspiration
trickled from his temples.
Again he nerved himself for the or
deal.
'Mebbe," he gasped.
Then he opened and closed hts
mouth, froglike, several times. taking
Tong, gulping breaths. At last, looking
helplessly about him. he shouted, "Oh,
shucks, you tell her, JackF' 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 TT" asked Echo eagerly.
you've got to call It blind" broke IN
sagebrush.
Guess t." cried Fresno.
"a pony cart" hazarded Echo.
"Shucks, nor 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 It. Go on, 20 on"
"Well, then, it's a.
Saeebrush grew more excited. He
raised and lowered himself on his toes.
backing toward the piano. GO 81;
you're gettin' there" he shouted
ITS a.
Again she hesitated, to be helped on
by Sagcbrush with the assurance:
shell do It. Fire away. It's a.
a.
eco on
Sagebrush IN his enthusiasm backed
too far into the blanket screen. HIS
spurs became entangled. To save him
self from = fall he threw out his hand
behind him. They struck the polished
cover Of the instrument, slid or. and
Sagebrush sat down on the keys with
an unmistakable crash.
"A piano" cried Echo exultantIy.
who done thatT' demanded show
Low angrily.
Parenthesis from his place on the
floor looked at the mischief maker In
disgust "SagebrushF' he shouted.
"Giyin' the hull thing away" snarled
Fresno.
Show Low could contain himself no
longer. Going up to sagebrush. he
shook his ast IN his face. saving:
You're the limit. You ought 10 bo
herdin' sheep"
The victim Of the accident humbIy