The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-01-22
CHAPTER NJ.

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 bust
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
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 song
sprang to her lips. Polly spied her far
down the trail.
"Boys, she's COMM she shouted
to the men. who were az 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.
Coed land" shouted Allen. get
somethin' to cover the pianny with
The runl hers rushed il confusion
about the room in Il vain search.
"Aiu't there plagued thing we can
cover that pianny 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 it
20 Show Low, she motioned TO him to
help hold it up before the instrument
Ike 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-
lien OF Polly (Which I amt got
nore" he cried
Parenthesis jumped in front of the
piano stool. trying vainly to hide it
with his legs.
'Parenthess put your legs togeth-
err" Mrs. Allen cried.
81 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, everybodyw shouted Jack.
CHI ;cp
the door opened and the astonished
Echo faced those she loved and liked.
Echo made a 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
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 a bunch of
COWS in a ncrther."
Sagebrush began gravely to explain
He got only us far as This here bein
birthday when Echo interrupted
him: "Oh, Then it's a birthday party?'
Once stopped. Sagebrush could not
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 nerved himself for the or.
deal.
''Mebbe." he gasped.
Then he opened and closed his
mouth. froglike. several times. taking
long. eulping breaths. At last. looking
helplessly about him. he shouted, 'Oh
Shucks. you tell her. jack 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.
II on We got TO Call III DilIu. DTUkc ii
Sagebrush.
Guess it." 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 1t. Go on. go on"
"Well, then, it's a.
Sagebrush grew more excited. He
aised and lowered himself on his toes,
sacking toward the piano. go 1t;
,ou're gettin' there" he shouted.
Its a.
Again she hesitated, to be helped on
by Sagebrush with the assurance;
shell do 1t. Fire away. It's a.