Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-05-16

heaped upon two stalwart sunbrowned cowmen, who
doing their best to appear at ease under the
fusillade But there enough hearty handshakes at
the end of it to the pair and soften their hearts
toward their rolcking companions.
A few days later the two climbed stiA1y off the
limited at Westhampton, Va. One was eager anxious.
impetuous to rush away because of certain girl
the other also anxious and mpetuous TO rush
away-and because Of another girl.
TIolton laid firm grip on his friends arm
GO slow. Dude-Im gittin' trembly in tn legs"
he said
What ye afraid of Pickpockets7"
Hoton gave him eloquent look and frightened hie
grip.
II hope those girls won't see us until we get q
shave and"
just then lurid and bebboned cyclone landed plump
against Thorpes big chest and Hoton staggered back
aghast.
"Fan-il-ton Thorpe! Oh your shrieked a.
feminine voice from somewhere under Thorpes right
Hoon pulled nervously at his tight-htting vest and
coughed.
Kid can you stand up agin thatr he asked him.
self as he watched them narrowly out of the tail Of
his eye.
Then Thorpe came to himself and held the girl out
at arms length from him.
Cut loose. Bess I've got friend here, some
where-Hi! come here. Kid! Um-Mss Wnton-Mr
Holton"
Then he nudged Holton in the ribs and whispered:
"Say something, you cattle thief"
Hoton hung to Miss Wntons dainty finger tbs and
blushed rosily.
well. miss. don't have to tell YOU I'm glad to see
you. Fact is I've been plumb locoed waitin' to see
tn girl Du-er-Mr Thorpe has been takin about for
tn last several yearsan' say. folern that idea
out, that don't blame him BY blame sight"
Hi! None of that. Kid! I'll do all of THAT in
this case-ha ha!"
Miss Winton looked earnestly up into Holton's sun
burned face.
"Mr. Thorpe never says anything very bad about me-
does he?" she inquired
"Hm--well, he says things he'd dare say about
me- miss-thats sure" responded Hoton who was
rapidly feeling his oats for cowpuncher
"Of course, you will remain to the-to my-that
is, Off"
Thorpe covered her confusion by abruptly breaking
will he WE'LL Bess. you can bank on il that he
will be on hand, looming up like brndle-taed comet
a still Sunday night-eh old man."
"Ya-as jest about" Holton's weak reply
At this moment feminine figure appeared in door,
way the opposite Thorpe glanced at the lady
sharply and nudged Miss Winton's elbow surrepti-
tiousy.
Who that, Bess'" She looks familiar. It Mabe?"
he whispered.
Miss Winton took lightning survey Of the corner
opposite.
"Of course it's Mabe" she remarked Hol.on's knees
grew decidedly wobbly he heard it, and he glanced
appealngy toward his friend.
~ say. Dude-n,y whiskers, YOU know-you
don't -"
Your whiskers frec<led red, Kid-this amt
question whskers-it's of matrimony.
hat girl an heiress-you are an advenurerbut. by
good luck. you will win outcome on"
few moments later young lady OF Westhampton
came near having slight attack OF apoplexy. another
was filled with wonder and two big stood and
blushed like schoolboys But presently two ehattering
couples stroled down shady side street intent only
on themselves and each other Holton shaking
hands with himself nightly at the wonderful nerve
he was displaying Il amazing that nerve
As the tactful young lady at his side uently described
the town and its people Holton speedily cultivated
princely sang frod.
Miss Gentry thinking his visit due to Thorpe's forth
coming marriage did refer their correspondence
did he Discreet silence concerning it seemed the
better part Of vaor to Holon and he played the part
with vigor Later. the separation, his bow. If any
thing lower and more diplomatic than that of
Dude Thorpe himself
"a gentleman in the rough" Miss Gentrys conf
mcnt to her glass. later that evening.
A month for some things, is time enough-twc
months better and three ample sufheiency
II would be u,polite to eavesdrop the many meet
ings that occurred between Holton, Of Texas and
Miss Gentry of Virginia and it would require hardi-
hood to relate what learned if such a eousse had
been pursued. For the most part their conversation
was conducted in too low tone for chance ears to
profit by But the details of two weddings filled the
local newspaper at date shortly thereafter and two
cowpunchers were made Supremacy happy And when
old Thorpe opened his heart and handed his son
check for-well. quite sun,-two cowboy yels cut
the peaceful Virginia air. The Trple-O ranch 80
marked in red thfir wedding itinerary.
G~Aursnkt