Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1909-03-17

her observation as she 11cked an mag |
mary speck of dust from the case.
Polly opened the lid, saying, "Just |
what Echo wanted
Jim cooked his head as if he were
examining now pinto pony.
"Sent all the way up to Kansas City
fer it, eh?"
"Thats right, Uncle Jimv' chorused
the punchers
"Now the rooms complete" an
nounced Polly "Echo's made big
change around here The group
gravely followed Polly's approving
glances.
''That she has, assented Mrs. Allen.
Looked like a barn when Jack was a
bachelor. This certainly is the finest
kind of birthday present you all
could have thought off,
Josephine IL cry in minute, boys"
chuckled Allen.
"You hesh up.' snapped his wife.
glaring at the grinning ranchman.
Sagebrush poured oil on the rough
ening waters by changing the CONVEX
sation. Speaking as if making a dare,
he challenged, What 1 want to know
is, is there anybody here present as can
rassle tune out of that there box?"
No one came forward.
"Ain't there none of you boys that
can play on a pianny?" he demanded.
give played on the big square one
down at the Lone STAR" gravely piped
up Show Low.
"What did you play?" asked the in
quisitive Polly.
"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 il"
explained Show Low Indignantly.
Polly grew impatient This presen-
tation was 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 in
making some one else feeder for her
ideas of fun.
Fresno modestly announced he was
something of a musical artist.
II low l can shake tune out of
that" he declared.
Lets hear you" cried Polly, rather
doubtful of Fresno's ability.
"Step up. perfesser.' cried Allen
heartily. Shaping him on the back.
Fresno grinned and solemnly rolled
up his sleeves. His comrades eyed his
every move closely. He spat on his
hands, approached the piano and
glared fiercely at the keyboard
my ma had one Of them there
things when 1 was a yearlin',' he OBJ
served.
Fresno spun the seat of his piano
stool until it almost twirled off the
screw. His actions created the great
est interest, especially to Parenthesis,
who peered under the seat to see the
wheels go round. Fresno threw his
leg over the seat as if mounting a
horse
'Well, boys, what'll you have?' he
asked, glancing from one to the other
in imitation of the manner of his
friend, the pianist in the Tucson
honkytonk, on a lively evening.
''The usual poison" absently answer
ed Show Low
Sagebrush struck him in the breas
with the back of his hand "Shut up,
he growled.
Turning to Fresno, he said, "Give u:
the er-The Maiden's Prayer
Fresno whisked about so quickly
that he almost lost his balance. Gaz
ing at the petitioner in blank amaze
ment, he shouted, 'The what?"
Sagebrush blushed under his tan. Il
a most apologize voice he said, "Weil
that's the first tune my sister learne,
to play, an she played it continuous
which is why 1 left home"
I'D sure like to oblige you, bu
maidens' prayers amt in my repetory,
explained the notified musician.
Fresno raised his finger uncertainl
over the keyboard, searching for Ike
from which to make a start. TIL
group watched him eXpectantly. A
he struck a note each member of hi
audience jumped back in surprise a
/ the sound. Fresno scratched his hea
/ and gingerly fingered another key
/ After several false starts, backing an
filling over the keyboard, he began t
) pick out with one finger the air 9Th
l Suwanee River"
That's it, Now we're started" b
cried exultantly.
: His overconfidence led him to strik
a false note.
l Excuse me-" he apologize. &c
| the copper on the wrong chip
? Once more he essayed playing til
old melody, but became hopelessly col
| fused
, Darn the tuner he mumbled.
: Sagebrush, ever ready to cheer u
! the failing courage of a performe
| chirruped, "Shuff1e 'em up ag'in al
l begin a new DEAL"