American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-09-05

paid no ICED to the murmur of prc
test. but turned upon his heel an,
went back 70 the house. He wen
comfortably to sleep. nor did he wax,
until, with a boom, the first gun of
salute OF IL, rang out on the morning
air. as a brand new flag was run III
on a stan that had appeared upon bill
roof overnight.
Graham looked sleepily about him
then he sprang out Of bed with ar
oath. A score of range riders hat
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. w
took the liberty OF providing appro
pirate toys for you to wear"
u won't wear them" spluttered
Graham a he vainly reached under
the pillow for the revolver he always
carried. you can steal my gum, 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 yerd II you prefer EN-" sug-
gested MS tormentor. Its one or the
other. You can take YOU 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.
Il knew nothing about 1t, Dad" she
assured him. But l know now the
whole country is aroused and IL you
don't pretend to fall in with the Joke
1t will 60 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 a 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 IT would be we'll to AXE his id.
vice. 4.
The grays were hitchsd to the light
buggy. which was decorated In the tri-
coiors to match the team and more
bunting fiuttered from the saddles OF
his escort. Forty or nifty cowboys
were standing by their ponies as no
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 a 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 ONCE, where the Dung
er man turned.
Il just want to explain that | am
not wholly responsible for this per-
formance,' he said. The boys resent
cd your lack Of patriotism and planned
to start the day by giving you . coat
of tar and feathers. could only head
their enthusiasm into a more harmless
channel. but l could % stay their 40
t~ivities."
You started IT," said Graham sour
ly.
Il know" admitted Bedloe. and
am not sorry that ! did. am not
trying to shift any of the blame. |
wanted to warn you that the boys are
ready to break loose at the first sign
Of resistance and | ask you, for the
Of your daughter. to take things
quietly"
desk.
Better fill your pockets he sug-
You will need them during
the day. Now we will cad the pro-
to the train"
He linked his arm through Graham's
and together they went back to the
Graham climbed into the
buggy and Bedloe swung himself into
the saddle to head the escort. The
band struck up The ar-Spangled
Banner" and the march to the depot
began.
There was a band concert while
hey waited for the train, and at last,
the special puffed into sight and
he governor appeared upon the rear
of his car to be welcomed by
and presented with a bouquet
" Milly. even the Bitter Creek crowd
the enthusiasm.
Graham. feeling lar less like a fool
l his gaudy costume since the COVER
lor had congratulated him upon his
climbed back into the
with a smile upon his face and
ed he way to the grove where the
arhecue was being prepared.
He read the Declaration OF Indepen-
with a full round voice and
bashfully at the applause that
Slowed his efforts.
As the crowd descended from the
Hank Peters slipped up to Ora
am. i