West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-02-11
CHAPTER Y.

- marriage or Echo and Jack. On
her return from the honeymoon
In the little hunting cabin In
the Tortilla range the young wife set
TO work, and already great changes
had been made I'm the ranch house on
the Sweetwater. Rooms were repa-
pered and painted. The big center
room was altered into a cozy living
room. On the long, low window, CIV
Ing an outlook on fields OF alfalfa, corn
and the silver ribbons Of the IRRITATION
ditches. dainty muslin curtains now
hung. Potted geraniums filed the sill.
and In the unused fireplace Echo had
placed jar Of ferns. A clock ticking
on the mantelpiece added to the cheer
fulness and nominees OF the house On
the walls horns Of mountain sheep and
antlers OF antelope and deer alternated
with the mounted heads OF puma and
buhalo. Through the open window
one caught glimpse OF the arms Of a
windmill and the outbuildings OF the
home ranch. Navajo blankets were
scattered over the floors and seats.
Echo had taken the souvenirs of the
hunt and trail which Jack had collect
ed and, with woman's touch OF re-
finement, had used them for decora-
tive. effects. She had In truth made
the room her very own. The grace
and charm OF her personality were
stamped upon the environment.
The men OF the ranch fairly worship
ed Echo. Sending to Kansas City,
they purchased a piano for her as a
birthday gift. On the morning when
The wagon brought It over from Flor
ence station little work was done about
the place. The instrument had been
unpacked and placed I'm the living room
In Echos absence. Mrs. Allen, Polly
and Jim rode over to be present at the
presentation. The donors gathered I'm
the living room TO admire the gift,
which shone bravely under the ener-
getic polishing OF Mrs. Allen.
That's an elegant instrument" was
her observation as she iicked an imag-
mary speck of dust from the case.
Polly opened the lid, saying, "Just
what Echo wanted"
Jim cooked his head as II he were
examining a now pinto pony.
Sent all the way up 10 Kansas City
fer II, eh?"
That's right, Uncle Jimv chorused
- incners
y the rooms complete" an
6ouhced Polly. "Echo's made a big
8change around here" The group
gravely followed Polly's approving
glances.
That she has, Gssented Mrs Allen
Looked like barn when Jack was
bachelor. This certainly Is the finest
kind OF birthday present you oil
could have thought Of"
Josephine II cry I'm a minute, boys"
chuckied Allen.
You hesh upr snapped his wife.
glaring at the grinning ranchman.
Sagebrush poured oil ON the rough
ening waters by changing the conver-
sation. Speaking as II making a dare,
he challenged, what want to know
is. Is there anybody here present as can
rassle tune out of that there boxT
No one came forward.
Amt there none OF you boys that
can play on a piannyT' he demanded.
I've played on the big square one
down Mt the Lone STAR" gravely piped
up DDOW LOW.
what did you playY asked the In
quisitive Polly.
u Poker" answered Show Low Sc
riously, his face showing no trace Of
humor.
''Pokerr' Polly repeated. In disgust.
That's all they ever plays on it."
explained Show Low Indignantly.
Polly grew impatient. This presen-
tation was a serious affair and not to
be turned into an audience for the ex-
ploitation OF Show Lows adventures.
Moreover, she did not like to be used
even indirectly as a target for fun
making, although she delighted I'm
making some one else a feeder for her
IDEAS of fun.
Fresno modestiy announced he was
!. something Of a musical artist
II low can shake n tune out Of
that" he declared.
Let's hear you" cried Polly, rather
doubtful OF Fresno's ability.
"step up. perfesser." cried Allen
heartily. siapping him on the back.
Fresno grlnned and solemDly rolled
up his sleeves. His comrades eyed his
every move closely. He spat on his
hands, approached the piano and
glared hercely at the keyboard.
Ny ma had one OF them there
things when I was a yearlin'," he OBJ
served.
Fresno spun the seat Of his piano
stool until II almost twirled on the
screw His actions created the great
est interest, especially to Parenthesis,
who poered under the seat To see the
wheels go round. Fresno threw bis
leg over the seat as n mounting a
horse.
Well, boys. wbat'n you haveT' he
asked, glancing from one TO the other
Ia imitation Of the manner Of bis
friend, the pianist I'm the Tucson
honkytonk. on lively evening.
The usual poison" absently answer
ed Show Low.
sagebrush struck him In the breast
with the back Of his hand. shut up"
he growled.
Turning to Fresno. he said. give us
-er-~'The Maiden's Prayer"
Fresno whisked about 80 quickly
that he almost lost bis balance. Gaz-
Ing az the petitioner I'm blank amaze.
ment. he shouted, The whatY'
sagebrush blushed under his tan. In
most apologetic voice he said, "wen.
that's the FIRST tune my sister learned
20 play, an she played it continuous
which is why left home"
ia sure like to obllge you, but
maidens' prayers amt IN my repetory. ("
explained the mollified musician.
Fresno raised his finger uncertainty
over the keyboard, searching for q key
from which to make a start. The
group watched him expectsntly. AZ