Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-10-02

"'ve been wondering about you" she
said.
corral. II wonder how Cliff would
like that?" he evilly remarked.
Berea was frankly pleased to see
Wayland and spoke of the improve
ment which had taken place in him.
You're looking fine," she said as they
were returning to the house. But
how do you get on with the boys?"
mot very we'll" he admitted. "They
seem to have it in for me. It's con-
stant fight"
Her face grew grave. II reckon you
got started wrong" she said at last.
They'll like you better when you get
Drowned up and your clothes get dir
| ty. You're little too fancy for them
just now"
81 don't believe want any more Of
their company. What's the use2 AS
you say, I've started wrong with them,
and don't see any prospect of getting
right; and, besides, like the rangers
better. Landon thinks l might work
into the service. | wonder If could?
1t would give me something to do"
She considered moment. wen
think about that. Come into the kitch-
en-. I'm cook today. Mothers gone to
town."
The kitchen was clean and ample,
and the delicious odor of new made
bread filed it with cheer. As the girl
resumed her apron Wayland settled
into a chair with a sigh Of content.
II like this" he said aloud. There's
nothing cowgirl about you now; you're
the Anglo-Saxon housewife. You might
be a Michigan or Connecticut girl at
this moment"
Her cheeks were ruddy with the
heat and her eyes intent on her work,
but she caught enough Of his meaning
to be pleased with 1t. "Oh, l have to
take hand at the pots and pans now
and then. l can't give all my time to
the service, but I'd like to-"
He boldly announced his errand. 81
wish you'd take me to board. I'm sure
your cooking would build UP my shat
tered system a good deal quicker than
your aunt's."
She laughed. but shook her head.
"You ought to be on the hills riding
hard every day. What you need Is the
high country and the air of the pines"
She had read that victims of the
white plague always talk In this cheer.
ful way about themselves. and she
worked on without replying.
"If were herein the valley-you
and could ride together now and
then, and you could show me all the
trails. Why not let me come here and
board? I'm going to ask your mother
IL may not do So"
"0f course you can come here" she
said when she saw he was In earnest
Mother will be glad to have you. al
though our ranch isn't a bit pretty
Perhaps father will send you out with
one Of the rangers as freguard. III
ask him tonight"
~ wish you would. like these for,
esters-what I've seen of them.
wouldn't mind serving under a man
like Landon. He's fine"
Upon this pleasant conference Clln
Belden Unexpectedly hurst. Pushing
the door open with slam. he con.
fronted Berry with dark and angry
face
"why, Cliff, where did you come
from" she asked, rising in some con,
fusion. ''I didn't hear you ride up"
Apparently not" he sneerlngly an
swered. 81 reckon you were too much
occupied"
She tried to laugh away his black
mood. THAT'S right. | was. TN chief
cook today. Come In and sit down
Mothers gone TO town, and I'm play
ing her part" she explained, ignoring
his sullen displeasure. "ClInf. this ls
Mr.. Norcross, who Is visiting Uncle
Joe. Mr.. Norcross, shake hands will
Mr.. Belden." She made this lntroduc
tion with some awkwardness, for hel
lovers failure to even say "Howdy'
Informed her that his jealous hear
was aiame, and she went on quickly
"Mr Norcross dropped in on bis way
TO the postofficc, and TN collecting 0
snack for him"
Recognizing Beldens claims upon IN,
girl, Wayland rose II must be going
It's a long ride over the hill"
Come again soon.r urged Berrie
Father wants to see you"
\ Thank you. will look in very
shortly" he replied and went out Will
such dignity as he could command
feeling. however, very much like dos
that has been kicked over the thresh
old.