The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-05-25

night" he said emphatlcally. ~ amt
had my hands on her for three months.
If the Wilder Clancy has the con-
science to claim this critter with FIVE
brands to its credit, why, she's the
widders meat"
Amt been ironed for some spell"
remarked Gabriel, critically surveying
the heifer.
She'll go forth tomorrow with an
unmistakable brand" said Crane sig
niflcantly.
Then you're not going to send It
back to Mrs. Clancy?" inquired Harry
Barry
Not until the Lone Bull mark Is
agln her once more" And Crane flap
ped the lines about his horses neck and
moved forward. the other struggling
behind In friendly converse over divers
matters of interest.
They did not hear the soft thud of
small hoofs behind them, and 1t was
not until clear, bell-like voice sound
ed close at hand that they all turned
and stared at girl riding a buckskin
pony.
She was Enthusiastically pretty girl.
She sat her horse with careless grace.
Her hair was red, and her skin WAS
pink and white, with q powdering OF
tiny freckles across her lovely nose.
Tipped back on her mass OF radiant
hair was a wide soft black hat. Her
riding skirt was black. and Der shirt
waist was crisp and white. From the
peak Of her hat to the tip of her little
brown riding boot she was a picture to
admire.
The Lone Bull boys gasped and whip
ped Off their hats. Harry Barry ma
neuvered for a position close to the
newcomer and got 1t.
She surveyed the startled group with
soft gray eyes that wandered from one
to another with friendly interest until
at last they alighted on the mildly pro-
testing form of the red heifer.
What are you doing with my heif
er?' she asked gently. She looked at
Crane reproachfully.
Your heifer7" repeated Crane stu
pidly.
"Of course it's mine. saw you run
ming it off my range. am surprised!
l am surprisedr
This here Is a lost critter," protest
ed Crane wildly. ut belongs to who
ever brands it. l saw 1t running away,
and | went after it,"
aaIttc INV boiPar en;1 tho ,rIrt ont,,,r,-
You see, I'm Mrs. Clancy, and this
helfer was grazing on my range when
you drove her off"
Crime blushed violently and looked
at his mates. They were all sitting
open mouthed, wide eyed, absorbed In
the pretty picture made by the charm
ing widow--all save Harry Barry.
That handsome youth had dismounted
and was stroking the nose of the buck
skin pony with an air of delightful In
Iimacy.
Il beg your pardon, mn'am.'' STAN
mered Crane at last. 1T was some
thing in the nature Of joke. This here
red heifer has been branded by every
outfit in the county
"Oh, no." smiled the widow sweetly.
II am sure you're mistaken because
this red heifer only arrived two days
ago. My cousin in Wyoming sent her
to me as birthday gift If you will
examine her you Will see That she
bears only two brands-the Double b
of my Cousins ranch and my own,
Three Stars"
Silently Crane slid to the ground
and inspected the belligerent creature.
When he looked up u sheepish grin
widened his face
You're right. Mrs. Clancy, and
humbly beg your pardon. Might ask
W hat became of the red heifer that
grazed with your bunch last week.
The widow dimpled. "Oh. some OF
the men from the Circle 9 outfit ran
her off my range last Saturday night,
she said demurely.
Then our works cut out for us,
said Crane grimly. Them Circle C
chaps has got two brands on her. and
we can't let 'em have another one.
Shall l drive the critter to the corral,
liza an, VI luln hci iOOsC HVlG
perhaps Mr.. Barry will drive her
to the corral" hesitated the widow
Clancy with a heeting smile at that
youth, after he has introduced me to
my neighbors."
After general Introduction. which
took place amid much laughter and
merriment, the Lone Bull boys declar-
cd that the old trail that led TO the
Three Star ranch must not be allowed
TO remain grass grown,
Pears like I'd noticed it was being
trod some" drawed Gabriel with a
side glance at Harry Barry
Harry Barry smiled defiantly, and
the widow blushed as she shook hands
with all of them. II hope you'll all
help to keep that trail clear" she call
ed back as she rode away with Harry.
you bet we WILL" they sent back
In lusty chorus.
As the two graceful figures went
away, the red heifer prancing ahead OF
them, Gabriel fetched a long sigh.
Him next. suppose" he said
First Jim, then Tim here, and now
It's Harry Barry"
Three Star ranch" unused Jim
Lewis with all the sentiment becoming
a newly welded man The widow
Clancy Is Certainly one starr
And 1t looks like Harry and the