Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-02-19

for takin' Josephine off his hands,
The boys laughed. The joke was
upon themselves. as they had expect
cd to hear romantic story of earlier
days.
When the laughter had subsidized
Show Low suggested, of we can't dec
crate the wagon, let's put some fixin's
on the ponies
The proposal was received with more
whoops. shouting and yipping. They
waltzed about the smiling rancher.
"That's WHAT cried Sagebrush en-
Enthusiastically.
Allen grew sarcastic. remarking, 81
reckon you all must have stopped some
time at the water tank"
Renewed laughter greeted this sally
"This is my first weddin'." explained
Sagebrush rather alphabetically.
81 want to know!" exclaimed Allen
in surprise.
I'm tellin' you. | never seed a we'd
din in all my life" replied Sagebrush,
as seriously as If he was denying a
false accusation of serious crime.
Mother used to tell me about her'n.
an often wisht had been there"
Fresno shouted with amusement He
/ had Sagebrush ratified. The coolest
man on the range was clustered by the
mere thought of attending a wedding
ceremony.
Hes plum locoed over this one.
Amt you, Sagebrush?" he drawled
tauntingly.
Sagebrush took his gliding in the bes
of humor. 1t was holiday, and they
were with people of their own kind
Had stranger been present the re
marks would have been resented bit
terly. On this point cowboys are par
ticularly sensitive. In the presence OF
outsiders they are silent, answering
only in monosyllables. never leading
in any conversation, and if any com
ment is necessary they make it indi
rectly.
"W'ell, amt no society bud like yol
are" laughed Sagebrush. The other
joined with him in his merriment owe
Fresnos discontinue. "Weddin's ain
so frequent where come from as the.
is in Californy."
cts the climate" answered Fresno
with a broad grin.
$50 you amt never been at wed
din'?" asked Allen. who was looking
for another opening to have more flu
with Sagebrush.
Again the cowboy became seriou
and confessed: Nope; I've officiate
at several plain killin's an been chic
usher at a lynchin, but this here's m
first weddin', an I'm goin' to tur
loose some an enjoy it,
Sagebrush grinned in anticipatio
of the good times that he knew lay l
store for him at the dance.
You're fixed up as If you was til
main attraction at this event." sal
Allen, looking Sagebrush over car
fully and spinning him around on h
heel.
"Ain't 1 mussed up fne?" answere
, Sagebrush.
You're the sure big turkey" int
rupted Parenthesis.
!. MINIS" laughed Fresno, taking anoth
jab at his friend.
l Their sport was broken up for Il
3 time being by the appearance of Pol
E at the door Of the ranch house. "Hell
boys! she shouted, with the fascina
: ing cordially Of the western gil
wherein the breath Of the plains, Il
Q purity Of the air and the wholesom
: ness Of life are embraced In simp
8 greeting and the clasp of hand.
+ The cowboys took off their hats al
made elaborate bows to the young W
o man. "Howdy, Miss Polly:" tn
- cried.
Il you sure do look pert add
e Sagebrush with what he consider
his most winning smile. Fresno snic
J" cred and hastily brushed back the he
from his forehead.
4 "Wheres JACKIE" she asked the t,
"a men, who at once ranged themselv
IA one on each side of her.
"He did not start with the boy
"a explained Allen. He'll be along sot
q. Polly"
;, "Well, now, when it comes to lot
= ers, what's the matter with Pc
=, Hope?" exclaimed Sagebrush slyly.
Chances of admiration were cast
!, the girl, who was dressed simply a
u plainly in little white gown VIII
Mrs. Allen had made for her for
x wedding. Polly's youth. good natl
C and ability to take care of hers
made her favorite on the ran
q She had no need of defenders, but