The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1910-02-03

lie. too. shot a resentfui soowl TO
ward the jeering man on the doorstep,
and then he disappeared over the rise
OF ground. his dark figure silhoutted
against the copper glory OF the even
ing sky.
There's Widder Todd settin' great
store by ROXY. and as mad as a wet
hen at him; SO she's maxim up to
Pink, who's dippy about Miss Hennie.
Miss Hennie, she's mad at Pink and
so she hirts desperate with Rozzzy,
who's mad at the widderl And they're
all mad and jealous of one another.
and III somebody don't shake 'em up
there's bound to be some more mis-
mated marriages In Seven Forks! o,
lordyl"
ROXY Jones did not look at the COP
per glory of the sunset. With moody
eyes fixed on the well-worn trail he
noted reluctantly the diminishing miles
that lay between him and the cross
roads.
Here. instead OF pursuing his GUS
mary course toward the town and the
domicile OF the fascinating widow, he
must turn to the right and take the
cross trail to Porter's, where Miss Hen
ME awaited him, and would appear
aid come.
There had been several calls such
IS this one was destined to be, and he
frankly confessed to himself that Miss
Hennie bored him. Now, the widow!
Jones swore softly and dug a spurred
heel into the little mares flank. There
was an onward rush. and he came up
on the crossroads with a clatter of
loose gravel and flying hoofs.
Seated on the back of a rawboned
sorrei was Pink Luscom. His very at
titude suggested indecision The sor-
rers head was turned toward the town.
while Pink's gray eyes gazed wistful-
ly up the cross trail which led to Por-
ter's- His frown deepened as Jones
drew his horse to a standstill and
glared aggressively at him.
Jones broke the silence at last.
Pears like you'd lost the trail!" he
sneered, heading his beast up the cross
trail.
Pink WINGED. A dark red settled
down over his bronzed face.
Il reckon 1 can find It without any
help from youi" he drawled.
Il amt seen you trying to do it,"
cried Jones tantalizingly.
"Mebbe l don't want to. The trail
to Seven Forks amt a bad one.
You don't seem in no hurry to take
it," snapped Jones.
Luscom's hand sought his hip. ST
reckon we might as we'll have 1t out
now" he said calmly.
I'd be plum glad to oblige you!"
Jones had whipped out a weapon and
wheeled his horse about.
I'd like to shake, first, ROXY" said
I,lIGROn1
brown paw.
Jones grasped 1t eagerly. We've
been good friends up to now. Pink {"
he said regretfuily, land I'm sorry it's
coem to this. But when two felIers
cross each others trail, why" He
paused and looked past his rival to-
ward the town.
Luscom was staring at him curious
ly. and then a strange light broke over
his good-looking face.
L say, ROXY, you amt sore about
the widder?"
What do you think? Jones stared
defantly at the other man. Miss Hen
ME, she's all right. But she and me
don't set no great store bv each other.
She says come and the widder saws
go. so there amt nothing for a Teller
to do"
Luscom was lighting a cigarette with
trembling fingers. There's only one
thing to do. ROXY he said solemn
iy. lust don't cross my trail and I
won't cross yoursl The wilder she
don't want to talk about nothin' but
Roxy, while Miss Hennie and me ulster
hit 1t off first rate-and I reckon If
you'll just move aside I'll pike along
up to POrter's."
Jones grinned happily as they pass
ed one another, and Just as each dis
appeared in a cloud of dust along his
own particular trail two brown hands
were waved in friendly farewell.
When he heard the news Dock Cum
mings waved deprecating hand
What else could you expect from
rellers What wore whit wing collars
and criss-cross baby blue neckties?" he
as ked.
M