West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-02-11
GWOOD PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.

Jacks pinto PAGES. It's his regular
gait It's the only pacin' boss around
here"
That's So" he assented. but made
no further comment The full force of
the observation did not strike him at
the time.
Polly began to pump Colonel jim.
There were several recent happenings
which she did not fully comprehend.
At the inquisitive age and a girl. she
wanted TO know all that was going on.
Jacks been actin mighty queer OF
iate," she ventured. ''like he's got
somethin' on his mind"
Jim smiled at her simplicity and jok-
ingly replied. "weil. he's married"
The retort exasperated Polly. She
was not meeting with the success she
desired. "Do hushr' she cried In her
annoyance.
That's enough on any mans mind"
Jim laughed as he sauntered out OF the
door.
"somethin' queer nbout Jack" OBJ
served Polly. seating herself at the
table. HE amt been the same man
since the weddin'. He's all right when
Echos around. but when he thinks no
one is watchin' him he sits around an
sighs."
Jack entered the room at this mo-
ment Absentmindedly he hung his
hat and spurs on rack and leaned his
rife against the wall, signing deeply as
he did so. SO engrossed was he In his
fhnnO hta haN
until he reached the table. He started
In surprise when he saw her Hello,
Pollyr was his greeting. Where is
Echoi"
Polly rose hastily at the sound of his
voice.
Didn't you meet herr she asked
"We got her TO ride over toward Tue
son this mornin TO get her out OF the
way SOS to snake the pianny in with
out her seein' It." Polly glided over To
the instrument and touched the keys
softly.
With admiration Jack gazed at the
instrument.
II came around by Florence" an
swered Jack. with a smile.
Eagerly Polly turned toward him
"See anything OF Bud Lsner she
queried.
mo" Again Jack smiled, this time
at the girls impetuosity.
Hell lose his Job with me II he
don't call more regular" she said
Say. Jack. you amt fergettin' what
you promised-to help Bud with the
money that you said was comm I'm
soon as Dicks share OF a speculation
you and him was pardners inl I'm
powerful anxious to get him away from
Mckee"
Jack had not forgotten the promise;
but, alas, under the goading OF Mrs.
Allen that he should clear OF the mort
gage on his home, he had used Dick
Lanes money for this purpose. In
what a mesh OF lies and broken prom
ises he was entangling himself! Now
he was forced further to deceive trust
ing little Polly In the matter that was
dearest to her heart.
mo. Polly, but the fact is-that spec
ulation isn't turning out so well, after
all"
The disappointed girl turned sadly
away and went out to Mrs Allen In the
kitchen.
Jack removed his belt and gun and
hung them on the rack by the door.
Spying Echo's father at the corral, he
called to him to come into the house.
"Hello, Jackw was Aliens greeting
as he entered, shaking the younger
mans hand.
when did you come overT
"This mornin'," Allen told him.
"Echo's birthday, you know. an the
old lady allowed we'd have to be here
Amt seen you since the weddln'. Got
things lookin' fine here" Allen slowly
surveyed the room.
Jack agreed with him with a ges-
ture Of assent. A more important
topic to him than the furnishing Of a
room was what had become OF Dick
Lane. After the wedding ceremony
no chance had come TO him to speak
privately to Allen.
The festivities OF the wedding had
been shortened Slim had gathered a
posse and taken up the trail OF the
slayers. Jim Allen had Joined them.
The hazing OF Jack and the basty de-
parture OF the bridal pair on horse
back In a shower OF corn. shelled and
on the cob, prevented the two men
from meeting.
The older man had volunteered no
explanation. Jack knew that I'm his
heart Allen did not approve Of his ac-
tions. but was keeping silent because
OF his daughter.
Jack could restrain himself no long
er. "Jim. what happened that nightT
he asked brokenly.
Allen showed his embarrassment.
Meanin' - Then he hesitated.
Dick" was ali Jack could say.
"I seed him. II hadn't he busted
up the weddin' some" was his laconic
answer.
where is hep
Allen relighted his pipe. When he
got the smoke drawing freely he
gazed at Jack thoughtfuliy and an
swered. Hes gone. back where the
come from-into the desert" Jim
puffed slowly and then added, Looks
like you didn't give Dick a square
deal"
Allen liked his son-in-law and was
going to stand by him, but In Arizona
the saying "AlPs fair in love and
war" is not accepted at It's face value
81 didn't" acknowledged Jack. Il
was desperate at the thought Of losing
her She loved me and had forgotten
him. She's happy with me now"
II reckon that's right" was Jim's
consoling reply.
To clinch his argument and soothe
his troublesome conscience Jack con
tinued. "She never would have been
happy with him"
That's what told him" declared
Allen. "He knew II. an that's why
he went away. an Echo. no matter