Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-05-01

thP 0riTcr was the tT1fn HguTe oI TYP
sy. while the stout form of Harrington
and slender man wearing derby
occupied the back seat. Trailing be-
hind or galloping proudly on either
side of the vehicle rode the adoring
cowboys. chatting merrily with their
old friend.
At sight of the derby hat frown
crossed Ned's face, and, putting spur
to the unoffending Muggins, the dis
gruntlec young horseman rode of |
down the gulch.
Ellington along" he exclaimed. |
"Yct what right have to be surprised |
or care for that? No doubt Herington
wants to show his prospective son-in- |
law what a fine ranch he has for MS
daughter"
When he had reached the live oak
thicket quite distance away he let
Muggins rest Throwing himself upon
the ground. he surrendered his mind
to Il train of miserable thoughts.
He had lain there a long time, when
suddenly he was aroused from his bit
ter reflections by the clatter of hoofs
over the rocky trail.
Pushing back his sOmbrero from his
eyes, he looked up into the smiling
face of Gypsy, seated upon Slap Dash
her favorite pony.
And this is the way you keep your
| promise?" she said reproachfully.
He scrambled to his feet and, throw
| ing one arm across the saddle on his
pony's back, leaned there till he could
| summon self mastery.
What do you care, Gypsy" he
| finally Intercepted, his eyes stubborn
| ly refusing to meet hers.
Some OF the brightness left the girls
face as she noted the misery on his.
Tell me what it all means, Ned"
she begged AWhy are you not your
self? Why do find you so changed:"
Changed? Heavensr' and he could
not forbear a gesture of Impotence.
You
Here" she interrupted in the scold-
ing tone of her privileged girlhood,
I'VE come all the way from New York
10 pay you visit at Circle II. arrive
and find this on the table," and she
held up a letter. What do you mean
|
leave fathers ranch? He is wild over
it and sent me to find you.'
81 should think Ellington might OBJ
ject to your riding after me-" he re-
marked. his bronze cheeks reddening
with scorn.
ELLINGTON" Then a light broke
over her face. That funny lord
Why, Lord Percy is in England long
ago. Finding me too loyal an Ameri-
can to buy a foreign title. he ended
the long siege and departed"
who came with you and your ia
Their. then:" he inquired.
"Oh. that was Cousin Cyril, who is
just ont OF college and needs the tonic
: of cur mountain ozone
Slipping lightly from the back OF
Slap Dash. she came over to Ned and
in her old way put both hands on his
strong young shoulder
"Now. Ned she said, you won't
leave Circle H. will you? Father needs
YOU
why did you treat ME as you die
in New York; he moodily demanded
, evading the question.
Before Il stranger-and Lord Perc!
: at that?" asked she. laughing rOguish
e ly. IF. sir. you had come to breakfas
e next morning. IL might have treated
you otherwise
He turned. facing her sQuarely
L With one of his strong hands he i'm
E prisoned both of hers and held then
against his breast.
l "What would you have done Tiff
j had Gomez he said breathlessly.
: Her lovely face went very crimson
under the searchlight of his eyes, bu
she answered bravely, Ned. I'd hav
l kissed you right out
. The foothills looked natural again
u The sun shone with it's old time glin
and simmer upon the gray desei
Z sand. He had no longer the feveris
desire to get away to fresh scenes.
I'll stay at Circle ii always, GYPSY
;, since you wish it, and. taking hi
written resignation from her. he tor
it into fragments. Say. sweetheart.
:, he added. putting an arm tenderl
!, round her waist. I'll buy out Bar
tomorrow and We'll rim both ra ne he