Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1913-07-18
haired and wonderfully wrinkled, rose

MS nat ana Taking the one CudlI Ill
the jacal "Who am I, Tia Juana?"
he asked, speaking Spanish.
Don Ransom, our good friend and
employer. Why do you ask?' answer
ed the old woman wonderingly.
lila Juana, who am I 2" he repeated,
with his stern eyes looking into hers.
A frightened look came in the old
woman's face. She fumbled with her
black shawl.
''Who am I, Tia Juana?" said Ranse
once more.
"Thirty-two years I have lived on
the Rancho Cibolo," said Tia Juana
II thought to be buried under the
coma mott beyond the garden before
these things should be known. Close
the door, Don Ransom, and I will
speak l see in your face that you
know"
An hour Ranse spent behind Tia Ju-
ana's closed door AS he was on his
way back to the house Curly called
to him from the wagon shed.
The tramp sat on his cot, swinging
his feet and smoking.
Say, SPORT" he grumbled. "This is
no way to treat man after kidnap-
in him. l went up to the store and
borrowed razor from that fresh guy
and had a shave. But that amt all
for about three fingers more Of that
booze? I never asked you to bring me
to your id farm"
STAND up out here in the light
said Ranse, looking at him closely.
Curly got up sullenly and took step
or two.
His face, now shaven smooth, seem
ed transformed. His hair had been
combed, and it fell back from the
right side of his forehead with a pc
culiar wave. The moonlight chart
tably softened the ravages of drink,
and his aquiline, well shaped nose and
small, square cleft chin almost gave
distinction to his looks
Ranse sat on the foot of the cot and
looked at him curiously.
Where did you come from-have
you got any home or folks anywhere?''
Me? Why, I'm a dook," said Curly
I'm Sir Reginald-oh, cheese it. No;
1 don't know anything about my an
cestors. I've been tramp ever since
I can remember. Say, old pal, are you
going to set 'em up again tonight or
not%'
You answer my questions and may
be I will. How did you come to be
tramp"
Me-" answered Curly. "Why, I
adopted that profession when | was
an infant. Case of had to. First thing
l can remember [ belonged to a big
lazy hobo called 'Beefsteak Charley.
He sent me around to houses to beg.
wasn't hardly big enough to reach
the latch of a gate
Did he ever tell you how he got
your asked Ranse.
Once when he was sober he said he
bought me for an old sixshooter and
bits from band of drunken Next
can sheep shearers. But what's the
diff? That's all know"
"All right" said Ranse. II reckon
you're a maverick for certain. Pm
on you. III start you to work in one
Of the camps tomorrow"
Work. shifted Curly disdainfully.
"What do you take me for? Do you
think I'd chase cows and hop, skip
and jump around after crazy sheep
like that pink and yellow guy at the
store says these Reubs do? Forget itv'
"Oh, you'll like it when you get used
to it, said Ranse. Yes, I'll send you
up one more drink by Pedro. I think
you'll make a first class cowpuncher
before 1 get through with you"
Me-" said Curly. Il pity the cows
you set me to chaperon. They can go
| nightcap, please, boss"
| Ranse paid visit to the store be-
| fore going to the house. Sam Revell
was taking off his tan shoes regretful-
ly and preparing for bed.
ANY of the boys from the San Ga
briel camp riding il early in the morn
! ing?" asked Ranse.
For the mall
Tell him. said RanSe, ito take that
tramp out to camp with him and keep
| him till / get there"
Curly was sitting on his blankets in
the San Gabriel camp cursing talented
ly when Ranse Truesdell rode up and
dismounted on the next afternoon.
The coWpunchers were ignoring the
stray. He was grimy with dust and
black dirt. His clothes were making
their last stand in favor of the CON
| yentiOnS.
Ranse went up to Buck Rabb, the
camp boss, and spoke briefly
He's a plumb buzZard," said Buck.
He won't work, and he's the low
downest passed. of inhumanity I ever
see. | didn't know what you wanted
done with him, Ranse, SO l just let
him set That seems to ST t him. He's
been condemned to death by the boys
dozen times, but | told 'em maybe
you was savin' him for torture"
Ranse took off his coat.