Golden Valley chronicle. (Beach, Billings County, N.D.) 1905-1916, 1910-03-04

prehensive glance seemed to take In
everything in the room. aud this situa
ton among the rest. AS he passed the
girls one hand removed the broad
brilnmed hat, while the other dropped
upon the youths shoulder and lifted
him with strong. easy motion high
into the air. In that position the youth
was carried two tables down and drop
ped into another chair with the re.
mark. plainly audible through the
room: "There. sonny; that's the cheer
ye'd ought to "a took. Now, don't git
flustered an cry. but cut your mush
an molasses like a nice little boy
should an then run out an play. I'll
take this next cheer, an We'll be lit.
tie family soshcrble. you an me-"
1nvoluntarily Big Kate smiled her
warm approval Of the act, and the
stranger. whose glance was again row.
ing about the room. caught the smile
direct. Instantly he rose to his feet
and came straight to her. his face full
of responsive interest.
''Thank We for that smile, MISS" he
said frankly. Its the first real friend.
~ look I've had since l left Texas.
This city seems to be mostly on a
stampede, with nobody to round up.
Don't it seem that way to ye?"
II don't Know" she answered vague
~. 1--we never thought about 1t that
way. But, then. you see. I've never
been out of the city in my life"
"Never been out the city," in amaze
ment. Good Lord! An I've never
been in one like this before. Say.
what do folks do here for amuse-
ment-grass fed country folks. mean?
Ye see, only come in last night with
bunch Of cattle, an I've got to stay
here whole week to end up the sale.
What'll do evenin's an off times?"
"Why. there is the bridge" doubt
fully. land trolley rides. Strangers
do them, l believe. Then there are
the theaters."
'"rhat's so" with jubilant relief in
his voice. 1--WE heared bout the New
York theayters. OF course must see
them. But I'm feared I'll be like the
bull in the china shop that I've read Of
If try to do the thing alone. l don't
s'pose ye'd be-be willin' to sort of
start me this first evenin'? Ye see.
I've never been in a theayter in all
my life. OF course. know it amt the
real proper way"-hurriedly. "There
should be introducin's an time to git
acquainted an all that, but l don't
know single man in all New York.
Down to Texas we don't stand much
on ceremony like ye do in a city. but
I could put up stake or-or margin
with a policeman or somebody to show
l mean square an am we'll heeled.
Will ye go?''
Big Kate considered. At first her
eyes had returned to her book of Ell
quette, then after little had gone
up to the frank, boyish face looking
down at her. 1t was an open. manly
face, with straight. honest eyes.
Eyes. l will he glad to Co." she an
swered. You may call for me lit
tie before s at''-she was about to saw
the restaurant, but substituted instead,
with a direct look at him-''the cellar
below the Chinese laundry on the cor
ner. My people live in cellar"
The next morning the Texan came
into the restaurant for his breakfast
and stopped at the cashiers desk long.
er than was necessary on his way out,
and the same at dinner and at supper.
At supper he remained long enough at
the desk to obtain Big Hates consent
to go with him again to the theater.
The third evening when he stopped
at the desk with his supper check Red
Pete appeared.
"Look-a-here. Mr.. Cowboy" he blus.
tered, 1--WE don't want any more O.
this. I'm will.n' for the men to talk
with Big Kate, for it draws trade. but
1t mustn't go too fur. l don't want
any more thcater goin'. She's my
promised Wife"
The Texan flashed quick look at
the cashier. She smiled calmly.
tits the old mans promise, Red
Pete" she said serenely, mot mine
Yes" to the Texan. "I'll 60 with you
I thought the cellar would make some
difference. I'm glad it don't"
Red Pete broke into torrent OF
oaths. stamping his feet.
III he does go with We. it'll he clubs
for him. I've got good friends on the
street."
When he went out the Texan saw
a policeman few doors away. Obey.
ing a sudden impulse. he went to him
This was unfamiliar ground, and /,
might he we'll to play the game
shrewdly.
Hello, pardner!!" he began affably
Reckon you've got a toler'ble broker
range ON this street. Plenty O. STAN
pedin' an buckin', amt they?"
Its a little rough. if that's what
you nean," replied the officer doubt
fully.
II s'posed so from the way things
boil. Well. if We ever want quiet come
down to Texas. an if We ever come
near the XNX ranch ask for Man,
Horse Charlie-that's me. I'll put tho
world UP to We right. Moneys cas-,
down there. Here. drop this into your
mt g.