The state herald., 1914-02-27
CHAPTER vi.
Observation-Disclosures.

Robbery -Under-Arms.
hate's Ndrrdfipe
We have started visitors book 1t
opens with press cuttings of inter
views with Professor Bohns, the IA
nous archaeologist, who came to ex-
anime the paleolithic deposits at South
Cave. Next are papers relating to a
summons for assault, brought by the
late Mr.. Trevor against ]. Smith. But
the gem of our collection is letter Of
lengthy explanation from an eminent
Italian cur. who spent a whole month
at the ranch last winter. Nobody is
more hospitable. or more hungry for
popularity than my dear man. but l
think that special prayers should be
offered for his visitors. He has a
motto now:-'Love me: love my bear.
not my missus."
Ny Jealous hero has told the story
dent. who brought me dumpy plano
for which | SO starved, told me the
news, talked shop. and would make
me prima donna-my life's ambition
The trap was well baited. Lonely, and
terrified by the dread majesty of win
ter. ! craved for the lights. for the
crowds. for my home. for my people.
for my art And there are little things
besides which mean so much to a
woman.
Salvador turned out TO be a cur, his
mission despicable. and yet no woman
born can ever be without some little
tenderness for one whose love mis-
leads him. And who sought to read
lesson TO poor Jesse. learned one
fettered. and proud of the chains.
Loves chains. worth more TO me
than that lost world.
One morning II must have been the
twenty-sisth. | think, We had a caller,
destined, | fear to entry In our visi.
tors book. Jesse had ridden of to
see how his ponies thrive on the new
grass. Mrs. oFlynn was redding up
after breakfast, and finding myself In
the way. | took my water colors down
to Apex Rock. to see II one sketch
would hold winter. spring. summer. as
viewed from the center OF wonder.
land
Now our house being in full view
from the apex, and sound travelling
magically in this clear atmosphere. |
heard voices. Mrs. OFlynn had a
visitor. and ! was In such a Jealous
hurry TO share the gossip. that my
sketch went over the cliff as | rose
10 run. A rather handsome man. IN
the splendid cowboy dress. stood by
chestnut geldlng, such horse aris.
tocrat that made sure he must sport
coat OF arms. Moreover. In gin.
gerly and reluctant way. as though
under orders. he was kissing Mrs.
oFlynn. She beamed. bless her silly
old heartl
Mrs. oFlynn looks on her truthful,
ness as a quality too precious for
everyday use. and no carefully has II
been preserved that In her ffty.fourth
year II shows no sign OF wear. Hence
on reaching the house | was not sur,
prised to md that her visitor was a
total stranger.
Judge by signs chiyalry. reticcnce
courtesy OFiynns guest WAS
not cowboy. His norid manners
exaggerated pollteness. and imitation
OF our middle class English speech
stamped his Ms boundcr. but not OF
the British breed. Later. In moment,
OF excitement. he spoke New York
with n twang OF murlchali.
Even In 90 lonely place Il Ia Gu
riouf 10 remember that such person
should appeal 10 me. stIll In nl,
common way the man had beauty, car
ried his clothes well. moved with
grace so much the artist In me saw
and liked. but think no woman could
have seen those tragic eyes without
being Influenced.
All Mrs. Smith. | believer" n,
stood uncovered. May venture tc
ask " your husband IL at homcl
think ! had the plcaruah OF knowins
him years ago down IN Texas"
He'll be back by noon"
Thank you, madam. Fact Ia. W,
were very much surprised 10 see YOU
chimney smoke. We thought this OF
auisite place was quit. uuoccupi.d
1nde~di"
WHO'S 'wc''"
"oh. wc'r. the outnt riding for Con
oral schmidt We've come In scarci
of the spring feed We were informe,
that Ponder's place was unoccu ied
~psn 10 all. Am I mistaken In sup
posing that thAs b Ponder's piAosf"
II ~