Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1912-03-14

| could consider himself dismissed. He
paid no heed to the murmur of pro-
test, but turned upon his heel and
went back to the house. He went
comfortably to sleep, nor did he wake
until, with a boom, the first gun of a
salute of Fl, rang out on the morning
air, as brand new flag was run up
on staff that had appeared upon his
roof overnight.
Graham looked sleepily about him,
then he sprang out of bed with an
oath. A score Of range riders had
crowded into his room.
This is the day We celebrate" ex-
planned the leader Hank Peters, of
the Star Bar ranch. knowing you
to be famous for your patriotism, we
took the liberty Of providing appro-
pirate togs for you to wear"
Il won't wear them," spluttered
Graham as he vainly reached under
the pillow for the revolver he always
carried. "You can steal my gun, but
won't be forced to wear that fool
costume"
There's a kettle of hot tar and
some red, white and blue feathers out
in the yard If you prefer EN-" sug-
gested his tormentor. "Its one or the
other You can take your choice"
One Of the men held the red and
white striped trousers toward his en-
ployer and, still spluttering, Graham
slipped them on. When he was fully
clad he was conducted down to break.
fast where Milly smilingly poured the
coffee for him and served the ham
and eggs.
II knew nothing about it, Dad,' she
assured him. But I know now the
whole country is aroused and IL you
don't pretend to fall in with the joke
1t will go hard with you"
That's the size," put in Hank Pc
ters, who apparently had charge of
the party and who alone remained in
the breakfast room with his victim.
you be sport and you'll have the
time of your life. Act nasty and you'll
be sorry"
Something in the CLINT of the cold
blue eyes of the foreman from the
Star Bar ranch convinced Graham
that 1t would be well to take his ad.
vice.
The grays were hitched to the light
buggy, which was decorated in the tri-
colors to match the team and more
bunting futtered from the saddles OF
his escort. Forty or fifty cowboys
cfo hx hnfr hn
came out upon the porch and the
cheer that went up for Uncle Sam"
caused Graham's thin lips to com.
press.
Their arrival in town was the signal
for fresh outburst, and as they drew
up before the Clarion Office and Bed
loe came hurrying out to greet them
the cheers became deafening.
Graham silently followed Bedloe
into the inner office, where the young
er man turned.
81 just want to explain that I am
not wholly responsible for this per-
formance," he said. THE boys resent
ed your lack of patriotism and planned
to start the day by giving you a coat
of tar and feathers. could only head
their enthusiasm into more harmless
channel, but could not stay their &C
tivities."
"You started It," said Graham sour
ly.
II know" admitted Bedloe, land l
am not sorry that I did. am not
trying to shift any of the blame. l
wanted to warn you that the boys are
ready to break loose at the first sign
of resistance and l ask you, for the
sake of your daughter, to take things
quietly"
Bedloe drew box OF cigars from his
desk.
Better fill your pockets" he sug-
gested. "You will need them during
the day. Now we will lead the pro-
cession to the train"
He linked his arm through Graham's
and together they went back to the
sidewalk. Graham climbed into the
buggy and Bedloe swung himself into
the saddle to head the escort. The
band struck up "The Star-Spangled
Banner" and the march to the depot
began.
There was a band concert while
they waited for the train, and at last,
when the special puffed into sight and
the governor appeared upon the rear
platform of his car to be welcomed by
Bedloe and presented with a bouquet
by Milly, even the Bitter Creek crowd
caught the enthusiasm.
Graham, feeling far less like fool
in his gaudy costume since the COVER
nor had congratulated him upon his
appearance, climbed back into the
buggy with smile upon his face and
led the way to the grove where the
barbecue was being prepared.
He read the Declaration of Indepen-
dence with full round voice and
bushed bashfully at the applause that
followed his efforts.
AS the crowd descended from the
stand Hank Peters slipped up to Gra-
ham.
Our orders were to see that you
made good" he said in whisper.
"You can go now If you want to-
go home? No, sir" said Graham
with laugh. "You and all your men
couldn't drive me home. It's just as
you said. I'm having the time Of my
life"
Those in the secret smiled and word
few about that Graham was going to
stay.
IF there's any deficit in this AFFAIR,
you come to me-" he said warmly.
1--WE are we'll fixed financially" said
Bedloe with smile, "but am coming
out to the ranch this afternoon.