The Monticellonian., 1915-10-21
AT KAppER'S SPUR
By IZoLA FORESTER.


 The Walters ranch was the largest on the mountain, and they had good house in the little town besides. But Rita Henty had been at school for four years down at Laramie, and Len Wal ters had never gone beyond the course he had right there at Kapper's Spur. It had been part of the fun of coming home summers to tease him and show him the decided difference between person who has studied at Laramie and one who has spent the best years of his teens herding cattle.
 Miss Baxter, the new schoolteacher was to arrive on a Saturday, and just for nonsense Rita went to the station to meet her. Len was there, too There had been some correspondence and it was settled the teacher was to live at the Walters house. But Rita was mighty sweet to the stranger when she stepped from the westbound train, clad in brown, with white felt hat on her soft blonde hair. And she took her away from Len with laugh. Rita's father, the chairman of the committed should meet her first. She would take her home to supper, and take her to Mrs. Walters later.
 Len stood and watched them pass down the street from the station. Just for minute he had looked into Sid ney's eyes and they had been divert ing. In the weeks that followed they never lost that first charm for him. Twice a week he rode in from the ranch, and Sidney grew to look for the visits.
 My father was a ranger" Sidney told him. I'm named for him. l was born in the forest. so l guess it's nat ural for me to feel at home there and love it best. That's why I wanted to come up here and teach school.
 Would you like to stay?" He blurted it out clumsily but she did not seem to understand what lay be- hind his words. How could she know that he pictured her living out at the ranch, his wife, and all the world turned golden. Sidney shook her head doubtfu1ly. Perhaps if she could go back East sometimes. Rita had told her how tiresome kapper's Spur be- came. If her brother could come out and take up ranching, then she would like it.
 Send for him. I'll take him on with me-" promised Len.
 And the next few weeks Kappers s Spur thrilled at the small drama en- acted under it's very nose. Big Al Baxter fresh from college, with halfback record behind him, a sense of humor and plenty of good inten- tions. not only came on and went after ranching as if it had been trout fish ing, but also after Rita Henty.
 The trouble with you western girls is that you're trying to be like east ern girls he told her fiatly. Why don't you drop these latest style f1ub- dubs and get into short skirt and flannel waist and ride over to see us with Sid? After we're married, some day I'm going to teach you how to enjoy life"
 T wouldn't marry you for anything, Mr Baxter" Rita told him teasingly
 Well, maybe not" said Al easily. Did you know Len and Sid are en- gaged?"
 Really"
 Certain sure" he nodded his head solemnly. Last night. This big gold moon of yours does wonders. saw how things were going as soon as came West. so I rather hurried them up. Told Sid she'd have to go back with me; that I didn't like the place or Len, or the ranch. If you want a | girl to go a certain way, you pull the bridle opposite
 Rita's brown eyes flashed at the big complacent fellow. He was so serene ly sure of himself and his power to win It was fearfully slow at the Spur Somehow Miss Henty began to find interest in teaching the Fastener western ways. She was hospitable tc him and comradely The captain liked him, and Rita invited him to the house often. Sidney would not be married until spring.
 Then I'll be going back East" sait Al.
 ''When?" She almost whispered it Her back was turned from him. No for worlds would she have let hin see her eyes. filled with tears. aftel she had laughed at him and been SC self-sufficient.
 Any day after the first wind O spring blows this way. Still, it's some time to wait till spring. l cant hell looking forward. though. I'm going t' be married in April. long about th' 10th: that's my birthday"
 Perhaps she would rather be mar ried on her birthday
 When is it. Rita?"
 She turned on him passionately.
 'I think you are the most"
 No, you don't" he caught her up You've just been spoiled, that's all Every able bodied man in twenty mile wishes he had a fighting chance t, win you, and haven't wished Tn first time l saw you l made up m mind to marry you. If you don't lik April 10. make it your own birthday I'll let you. l asked the captain am he told me to go ahead and win wit his blessing. So l have"
 Captain Henty came strolling ieis urely up from the corral.
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