Putnam patriot., 1911-06-09

least the cause of her troubled face. took this occasion to offer comfort. l His manner toward her had changed l since she no longer had a part In the management of the eating house. and for that reason she did not repulse him as sharply as she had been wont to
 do. He really bore Cavanagh no III will and was, indeed, shrewd enough l 10 understand that Lee admired the l ranger and that his own courtship was | rather hopeless Nevertheless he per sisted. his respect for her growing as 1 be found her steadfast in her refusal 1 to permit any familiarity.
 "See here, Miss Virginia" be cried l as she was passing him In the hall. "I can see you're worried about Ltze-I
 mean your mother-and if I can be l of any use I hope you'll call on me" As she thanked him without enthusi-
 asm he added, "How is she tonight?"
 ..I think she's better"
 "Can I see herr"
 His tone was so earnest that the girl
 was moved to say, 'I'Il ask her"
 T wish you would. I want to say ] something to her
 Lizes voice reached where they stood "Come in, Joe; the doors
 open"
 He accepted her invitation rather awkwardly. but his face was impas-
 sive as he looked down upon her.
 Well, how about it?" she asked.
 Whats doing i'll the town?"
 Not much of anything except talk.
 The whole country is buzzing over this dismissal of the chief forester
 They'd better be doing something about that murder
 They are They're going up there in streams to see where the work was G5ne The coroner's inquest was held yesterday He grinued Parties came to their death by persons un known"
 Lfze scowed "It's a wonder they don't charge It up to Ross Cavanagh | or some other ranger"
 That would be little too raw, even for this country. They're all feeling gay over this change in the for estry head. But, see here. don't you want to get out for a ride? I've got my new machine out here. It rides like silk"
 'I reckon a hearse Is about my kind" she replied darkIy. If you
 could take me up to Cavanagh's cabin
 I'd go." she added. T want to see him"
 "I can take you part way" he in Etantly declared But you'd have to
 ride horse the last ten miles" Couldn't do II. Joe she sighed. These last few days I've been about i IS boneless as an eel Funny the way
 fellow keeps going when he's got something To do that has to be done I'll tell you what. if you want 10 take me and Lee up to Sulphur I'll go you"
 Sure thing. What day?" Not for a day or two I'm not quite mp 10 il just now but by Saturday I'll l be saddlewise again Joe turned joyously 10 Lee. That will be great. Won't you come out for
 spin this minute?' For moment Lee was tempted Anything tO get away from this horri bl,, litts den and the people who in Tested if was her feeling. but she dis trusted Gregg. and she knew that ev- | cry eye in the town would be upon her | If she went and. besides. Ross might return while she was away. No; not today" she replied finally. but her | voice was gentler than 1t had ever l been to him
 The young fellow was moved to ex- | plain hls position to Lize. You don't think much of me. and 1 don't blame | you haven't been much use so far. l but I'm going 10 reform. If had a | girl like Lee Virginia to live up to I'd | make d great citizen. don't lay my arrest up against Cavanaeh. I'm ready | to pass thsl hy And sls for this other l business this free range war in which | the old man k mixed up-I want you
 10 know that I'm against it. Dad l knows his day k short; that's what
 makes him So hot. But he's a bluff | Just fllssy old bluff He knows he | has no more right to the government
 grass than anybody else. but he's go-
 ing to get ahead of the cattlemen if he l can"
 Does he know who burned them | sheen herdqf-S ?"