The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-06-26

that had first drawn her to him She
felt happy that he was here and her
eyes Shone softly as he handed her
into the saddle and took his place
beside Reddy Peters. Rose had intro
duced the two men and she had been
relieved at the simplicity of her
Dixon had simply offered a warm
handshake and murmured something
about the dusty roads. She knew
that Reddy was dying to engage the
easterner IN conversation that would
betray Dixon into some ridiculous
position.
They had reached the four forks
road when there came the clatter of
cowboys came dashing toward them.
'Fire!' they yelled "Fire-behind!
hun, Reddy-beat it to the Red Bar
or you're a goner!"
They flashed past and were tear
ing away in the distance Reddy
Peters cast a glance over his Shout
der and whipped up the bay horses
into gallop. Over to the south there
was low hanging, gray cloud and
there was certainly an acrid smell of
smoke in the air. 1t was oppressively
hot.
Roses horse kept pace with the
wagon as 1T went rocking over the
trail. Burton Dixon glanced over his
shoulder once or twice, and each time
he did so Reddy Peters grinned de-
lightedly.
Iilllc ldTlnST on CneY overlook
Chappie Dill, limping along with
sprained ankle.
THAT pinto boss of mine threw me
and cut loose for home" he groaned
as he accepted Reddy's invitation and
climbed into the rear of the buck
board. With this added weight the
wagon made less progress, although
Reddy lashed the horses into a mad
galiop that developed into what
looked like a runaway.
can't control VOur horses 2''
shouted Dixon above the clatter of
wheels.
Not when they've broke loose this
way" retorted Reddy, saving away
at the reins. Don't worry, young
Teller, the ground around here is real
soft and mellow. If you get spilled
out it won't do more than shake you
a Bit
I'm not worrying over that" re-
turned Dixon contemptuously. What
amuses me is the fact that you're
running away from nothing
Nothing" echoed Reddy beliger-
emily. lyon consumed tenderfoot,
the grass is afire back there!"
Yes, but it's going the other way!"
shouted back the easterner, rising in
the rocking vehicle and bending over
Reddy Peters. Now, see here, AL
kali Ike, you poor imitation of
dime-novel hero, I'll show you how
to drive a team of horseS.''
Thereupon Mr.. Burton Dixon calmly
snatched the reinS from the powerful
grasp of the astonished Mr. Reddy
Peters, knocked the quickly drawn
gun from that gentleman's brown fist
pulled the horses into walk, tumbIed
Reddy into the sagebrush, and before
he could rise again had thrown Chap
pie Dill on top of him.
With a word to the painting horses
Dixon drove on, with a reassuring
smile at Rose, who was crying from
mingled indignation at the behavior
of the cowboys and pride in her lover
Come along, Rosie he said to her.
Remember, I've not had a kiss YETI"
Just a moment, Burton" she
cried, wheeling her pony and dashing
back to where the two cowboys were
limping along the trail behind them.
Boys she said with a charming
smile as she rode up to them Il
should have warned you against play
ing tricks Mr.. Dixon. You see,
he is member of the forestry COM
mission and he is an expert on forest
and prairie fires, and he is a we'll
known foreman. l think you owe
him an apology.
Reddy Peters and Chappie Dill
looked ruefully at each other.
1T all goes to show complained
Reddy, that you can't always Judge
a man by his clothes. Just tell the
perfessor if he'll pull up that team
We'll apologize me.''-(Copy-