Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1911-03-09

cuss her with you" was Cavanagh's
curt answer.
The herder fell back into silence
while the ranger prepared his bunk
Tor the night. The fact that he trans
ferred some of the blankets from his
own bed to that of his visitor did not
escape Edwards keen eyes. and with
grateful intent he said:
Il can give you tip, Mr. Ranger"
said he, breaking out of a silence.
"The triangle outfit is holding more
cattle on the forest than their permits
call for"
How do you know?"
Il heard one of the boys Dragging
about it,"
Much Obliged" responded Ross.
"Fll 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
enough of trouble. | can't afford to
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
Their 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. | take
u 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 kindier
tone. I'm an early riser
The old fellow rose stiffiy and. lay
ing aside his boots and trousers. rolled
into his bunk and was asleep in three
minutes.
Cayanagh 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 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 his gratitude.
Haven't you any sliekerT' asked
Cavanagh. 1T looks like rain"
NO; I'm run down pretty low" he
| replied. .'The truth is, Mr.. Ranger, l
/ 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. Yoa must
take care of yourself"
Edwards was visibly moved by this
kindness ''Sure you can spare itT'
Certain sure; I've another" re-
turned the ranger curtly
1t was hardly more than sunrise as
they mounted their ponies and started
ward after they left the canyon. The
wind was strong and singing cold.
Taking pity on Edwards. who was
shivering, Cavanagh turned off the
trail into a sheltered nook behind somf
pine trees.
.'How do you happen to be reduced
to herding Sheep" he asked. "Yor
look like a man who has seen better
days
Edwards, chatting his thin fingers tc
warm them. made reluctant answer
Its a long story, Mr.. Ranger, and il
concerns a whole lot of other people
some OF them decent folks-so *
rather not go into it,"
"John Barleycorn was involved,
reckon
"sure thing. He's generally Away
in it,
you'd better take my gloves. It!
likely TO snow in half an hour. CT
ahead. I'm a younger man than yol
are
The other made a decent show of re
sistance, but finally accepted the offer
saying: "You certainly are white t.
me. l want to apologize for making
that attempt to sneak away that night
l had a powerful good reason for no
staying any longer"
Ross smiled little. You showe'
bad judgment-as it turned out
Il sure did. That girl can shoot. He