The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-04-13

DUCK ITOm Tue EOuuduP' hS J""hSN
carelessly.
Redwood shook his head hopelessly.
1--WE been trying to figure that out
ever since must have got lost, for
was three days getting back here.
and l had nothing to eat
"You can cut that out interJeeted
Peters, grinning. Il found you at Be
dermans, and that's over to the south
east-somewhere near where Chris has
been after his stray critter.'
Mr.. Webb's air of langour Increased.
"Then reckon this young lady can't go
to the dance unless she gets this dress
what the Chlnk Is washing, ehp He
yawned again
Redwood nodded. II reckon It's the
only party dress she's got; she seemed
mighty particular about 1t" he said
regretfully.
And she can't get the dress without
the check" persisted Chris sleepily.
mo checkee, no shirteew returned
Redwood
"You going to the dance"
Mr.. Redwood smiled laboriously and
ran his hand along one leg with pain
full gesture 81 reckon my legs most
too stiff this time. so l guess | won't
be around tomorrow night" he said.
They laughed heartlessly as they
parted for the night
In his own corner of the roughly par
titioned bunk house Christopher Webb
pulled the laundry check from his
IL ,f,.ar inrn
glyphlcs with thoughtful eyes. It'll do
II" he said suddenly. ~ reckon she'll
be mighty grateful to the one who
brings back her party dress. | expect
its a pretty thng-all frills and fur
bellows and lacy stuff, like what Annie
used to wear" His dark eyes became
almost black with a sudden intensity
of emotion, and his brows knitted pain
fully. Il wasn't cut out for a book
keeper or for city life. If she'd only
have seen that my coming into the
open was my call TO what could do
best. but she gave me the go by, and
here | am. I'm n darned sight better
off in some ways than | was there In
Denver. I've got health and I've got
ranch I'll buy some day, but | haven't
got herr
His head dropped n little, and then.
as If aware of his weakness. he threw
back his shoulders and laughed softly.
NO need to keep that other girl away
from the party" he said In low tone
as he proceeded to make an elaborate
Z
afforded.
1t was past midnight when he let
himself out of the door and made his
way into the corral. 1t was the work
] of moment to catch up mount. This
time 1t was a rawboned sorrel with
a long raking stride that carried his
rider over the trail with remarkable
swftness. At 10 o'clock the next
morning Christopher Webb dismount-
ed stlny from the sorrel and entered
the door of q Chinese laundry in the
Furnishing town of Cactus Branch.
In his hand he carried a laundry
check, and when he came forth he
bore n large and squashy looking
bundle. which he placed carefully be
fore him when he remounted.
\ brief stop for breakfast and then
he was back on another trail. this
time the one leading toward the Lone
Horn He knew Jim Traymore slight
ly, had met him three years before
when Chris had first come out into
the open, as he called his departure
from the city. but he had not seen
~ l. haI han rd hnf n
was married now and taken the Lone
Horn.
At o'clock he clattered up to the
yerunda of the Lone Horn ranch
house and shouted In a stentorian
voice.
laundry
There was delighted shrek from
within and light footsteps on the
wooden floor of the hall. Then
slender form gowned In pale blue cot
ton darted across the veranda and
held up eager arms for the bundle
a lovely golden haired girl with visit
full blue eyes and sadly dropping
mouth. who did not see Christopher
Webb's amazed face. She saw moth
ing save the bundle and tall. kindly
disposed cowboy who had ridden out
Of his way TO obllge her.
"IIoW can | thank you she was
beginning when Christopher spoke
from the shadow of his broad hat.
annie he said In q low tone.
Annie Lee looked Mt him for mo-
ment,. and then, dropping her head
against his knee. she cried softly for
awhile. Elsie married Jim Traymore
year ago." she explained. land
came out here to visit them. l didn't
know where you were, Chris, but |
felt somehow If l was out In this
country l might be near you anyway.
have wanted you so!'/
! When Christopher broke the news
to his comrades at the Three Forks
he added. laughing, 81 reckon that
there occasion will demand a billed
shirt, eh. boys?"
$50 do. so do urged Henderson
eagerly. Seems like wedding
oughter break that there billed shirt
hoodoo."
"You got any laundry checks up
your sleeveT demanded Peters Of
Henderson. "You speak kind of wish