The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1911-02-14

"The triangle outfit is holding more
cattle on the forest than their permits
call for"
"How do you know"
81 heard one Of the boys Dragging
about it,"
Much obliged" responded Ross.
''Tll look into it"
Edwards went on: Furthermore,
they're fixing for another sheep kill
over there too. All the sheepmen are
armed. That's why / left the coun-
try. l don't want to run any more
chances of being shot up. I've had
be hobnobbing with judges and juries.
I'm just broken down old cowpunch-
er herding sheep in order to keep clear
of the liquor belt"
This seemed reasonable, and the
ranger remarked by way Of dropping
the subject: I've nothing to say fur
ther than this-obey the rules of the
forest and you won't get into any fur
ther trouble with me. And as for
being shot up by the cowmen. you'll
not be disturbed on any national for
est. There never has been a single
herder shot nor a 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. l take
a kind OF pleasure in protecting the
fool brutes. It's about all I'm good
for"
He did indeed look like a man in the
final year of life as he spoke. Better
turn in," Cavanagh said in kindlier
tone. I'm an early riser"
The old fellow rose stifly 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 plunge in the
stream set about breakfast. while Ed
wards rose from his bunk grooming
and sighiug, and went forth to wran-
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 bis gratitude.
Haven't you any slicker? asked
| Cavanagh. 1T looks like rain"
mo; I'm run down pretty low" he
replied. 1.-The truth is, Mr.. Ranger,
blew in all my wages at roulette last
| week"
Ross brought out 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 yisiblv moved by this
! kindness. "Sure you can spare itT'
Certain sure: I've another" re-
turned the ranger CURLY.
1t 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 singing cold.
Taking pity on Edwards. who was
shivering, Cavanagh turned oft the
| trail into sheltered nook behind some
| pine trees.
| "How do you happen to be reduced
to herding sheep?" he asked. "Yor
look lie mai, who has seen bette,
days."
Edwards, chatting his thin fingers tt
warm them, made reluctant answer
tits long story, Mr.. Ranger, and il
concerns whole lot of other people
some of them decent folks-so I6
rather not go into it,
"John Rarleycorn was involved,
reckon"
Sure thing. He's generally always
in it,
i You'd better take my gloves. IT.:
likely to snow in half an hour. G.
ahead. I'm a younger man than yot
are"
The other made decent show OF re
sistance, but finally accepted the offer
saying: "You certainly are white Il
me. 1 want to apologize for making
that attempt to sneak away that night
/ bad powerful good reason for no
staying any longer"
Ross smiled a little. "You shovel
bad Judgments 1t turned OUT
IT sure did. That girl can shoot. He
gun was steady as a doorknob. Sh
filed the door. Where did she learn t,
hold gun like that?"
"Her father taught her, SO she said.
"She wouldn't remember mean oil
cuss like me-but I've seen her witt
Wetherferd when she was a kidlet.
never thought she'd grow up into sucl
queen. She's a wonder. Lie locke,
sick to me. She ought to send her CIR
away or get out. AS you say. the Forl
is no kind Of place for such a girl"
He spoke with a good deal Of feel
Ing. and the ranger studied him witt
deepening interest. He had taken OF
dignity In the heat Of his protest, ant
in his eyes blazed something that wa
both manly and admirable.
You're just the kind Of q figure t
catch gnls eye. She likes you.
could see that. but you've got goo,
opinion Of yourself You're an edu
Gated man. Do you intend to MARI.
herr"
See here Mr.. Sheep Herder, yo'
better ride on up to your camp" An,
Ross turned to mount his horse.
wait q minute" called the othe