Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1912-11-29

h0rsemen logged into view, ambiing
ove.. the sand hills whose red hot edge
met a shimmering sky some little dis
lance beyond the station pines. Both
wore pith helmets and tlUttering buff
dust coats. but both had hot black
legs, the pair in CATERS being remark
able, for their length. The homestead
trio, their red necks chafed by the
unaccUstomed collar. gathered grimly
at the open end Of the veranda. where
they exchanged impressions while the
religious raiders bore down upon them.
"They can ride q bit. too. I'm both
cred if they can't exclaimed the
Ove?seer. in considerable astonish-
ment
"And do you suppose. my good fool
inquired Carmichael. with the usual
unregenerate embroidery-''do you in
your innocence suppose that's an
accomplishment confined to these
precious provinces?''
They're as brown as my sugar.
said the keeper Of books and stores.
The bishop looks as though he'd
been out here all his life
Carmichael did not quarrel with this
observation of his overseer, but color
less eyebrows were raised above the
cheap glasses as he stepped into the
yard to shake hands with the visitors.
The bearded bishop returned his greet
ing in a grave silence The chaplain,
on the other hand. seemed the victim
of q nervous volubility and unduly
anxious to atone for his chiefs tact
turnity. which he essayed to explain
TO Carmichael Oh the first opportunity.
His lordship feels the heat so much
more than | do, who have had so
many years Of it, and TO tell you the
truth he is still little hurt at not
being met for the first time since he
has been out here
'tThen why Gid he Gomez" demanded
Carmichael hluntly. u never asked
him. did To-
no. no, but-ah, we'll. We won't
go into it, said the chaplain. II am
glad 20 see your preparations. Mr..
C0vmchael; that l consider very mag
unanimous in you under all the circu!n-
stances, and SO will his lordship when
he has had a rest. You won't mind
his retiring until it's time for the little
service. Mr.. Carmichael?''
Not T. returned Carmichael prompt
~. But the worst paddock on Null
fera. in its worst season. was not more
dry than the managers tone.
Shortly before II the bell was rung
which reused the men on weekday
mornings. and they began trooping
over from their hut. while the trio
foregathered on the veranda as before.
The open end was the one looking
east, but the sun was too near the
zenith to enter many inches, and with
equal thoroughness and tact Car
michael had placed the table, the wa
ter bag and the tumbler at the open
end They we're all that he could do
in the way Of pulpit, desk and lectern
The men tramped in and filed the
chairs. forms. tin trunks and packing
cases which had been pressed into the
service Of this makeshift sanctuary
The trio sat in front. The bell ceased,
the ringer entering and taking his
place There was some delay. if not
some hitch. Then came the chaplain
with an anxious face.
His lortlship wishes to know if all
hands are here" he whispered across
the desk.
Carmichael looked behind him for
several seconds. Every man Jack"
he replied. And hang his lordships
cheek" he added for his equals bene-
fit as the chaplain disappeared.
Rum cove that chaplain" whispered
Chaucer in the guarded manner Of one
whose frequent portion is the snub
brutal.
How so?'' inquired Carmichael, with
Il duly whitening glance.
Cllaucer told in whispers of word
which he had overheard through the
weather board wall Of the room in
which the bishop had sought repose
1t was. in fact, mOnOsyllable of
which CARMEL hazel had just made use.
He. however, was the first to heap dis
credit on the bookkeeper's story,
which he laughed to scorn with as
much of his usual arrogance as could
be assumed below the breath.
IF you heard it at ALL" said Carmi-
thael. (which l don't for a moment be-
lieve, you heard it in the strictly Biblical
sense You can't be expected to know
what that is Chaucer, but as matter
OF fact il means lost and done fo", like
our noble selves. And it was probably
applied to US if there's the least truth
in what you say"
Truth" he began. but was not suf
fered to add another word.
Shut up snarled Carmichael.
Can't you hear them coming""
And the tramp of the shooting boots.
which Dr. Methuen was still new chum
enough to wear. followed by the chap
lain's lighter step, drew noisiy nearer
upon the unseen part Of the yeranda
that encircled the whole house.