The Delta independent., 1911-04-07

forest and you won't get into any fur
ther trouble with me. And as fol
being shot up by the cowmen, you'll
not be disturbed on any national for
est There never has been single
herder shot nor Il sheep destroyed on
this forest
I'm mighty glad to hear that" re.
piled Edwards, with sincere relief
I've had my share of shooting up
and shooting down. All ask now is
quiet and the society Of sheep | take
kind of pleasure in protecting the
fool brutes. It's about all I'm good
for"
He did indeed look like man in the
final year of life as he spoke. Better
turn in Cavanagh said In kindiier
tone. I'm an early riser
The old fellow rose stiff1y and, lay
ing aside his boots and trousers. rolled
into his bunk and was asleep in three
minutes.
Cavanagh himself was very tired
and went to bed soon after to sleep
dreamlessly till daylight. He sprang
from his bed and after a plunge in the
stream set about breakfast, while Ed
wards rose from his bunk groaning
and signing and went forth to wrun-
gle the horses. rubbing his hands. and
shivering as he met the keen edge of
the mountain wind. When he returned
breakfast was ready. and again he ex-
pressed his gratitude.
Haven't you any slickerT' asked
Cavanagh. 1T looks like rain"
NO; I'm run down pretty low" lie
replied The truth is. Mr. Ranger. |
blew in ell my wages at roulette last
week"
Ross brought out a canvas coat. well
worn. but serviceable Take this
along with you. It's likely to storm
before we reach the sheep camp. And
you don't look very strong. You must
take care of yourself"
Edwards was visibly moved by this
Kindness. Sure you can spare it?'
Certain sure: I've another" re
turned the ranger curtly.
II was hardly more than sunrise as
they mounted their ponies and started
on their trail. which led sharply up.
ward after they left the canyon. The
wind was strong and stinging cold
Taking pity on Edwards. who was
shivering. Cavanagh turned of .he
trail into sheltered nook behind some
pine trees.
How do you happen to be reduced
to herding sheep?' he asked. You
look like a man who has seen better
days"
Edwards. chatting his thin fingers to
warm them. made reluctant answer
ITS long story. Mr.. Ranger. and 1t
concerns n whole lot of other people
some Of them decent folks-so I'd
rather not go into it,
|, John Barleycorn was involved,
reckon"
"Sure thing. He's generally always
In it."
You'd better take my gloves. It's
likely to snow in half an hour Go
ahead. I'm a younger man than you
are
The other made a decent show Of re
sistance, but finally accepted the offer,
saying: You certainly are white to
me. l want to apologize for making
that attempt to sneak away that night.
/ had powerful good reason for not
staying any longer"
Ross smiled little "You showed
bad judgment-as 1t turned out"
Il sure did. That girl can shoot. Hei
gun was steady as a doOrknob. She
filled the door Where did she learn to
hold a gun like that?'
ssVIar fnfbar tanubt har .n .s,.
"She wouldn't remember MEAN old
cuss like me-but I've seen her with
Wetherford when she was a kidlet. I
never thought she'd grow up Into such
queen. She's wonder. Lie looked
sick to me- She ought to send her girl
away or get out. As you say. the Fork
Is no kind of place for such n girl"
He spoke with good deal OF feel
ing. and the ranger studied him with
deepening interest. He had taken on
dignity In the heat OF his protest. and
both manly and admirable.
you're Just the kind Of n figure to
catch n girls eye. She likes you.
could see that. but you've got n good
opinion of yourself You're an edu.
Gated man. DO you intend to marry
her"
See here. Mr.. Sheep Herder. you
better ride on up to your camp" And
Ross turned to mount his horse
"Wait minute" called the other
man. and his voice surprised the ran
ger with note Of authority. II was
terribly taken with that girl. and I
owe you whole lot, but I've got to
know one thing. l can see you're full
of her and jealous as bear OF any
other suitor. Now, want to know
whether you intend to marry her or
whether you're just playing with her"
Ross was angry now. what in
tend to do Is none Of your business"
ITO be continued