Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1915-11-11
At kAPPER's SPUR
BY IZOLA FORESTER.


The Walters ranch was the largest
on the mountain, and they had a 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.
1t had been part of the fun of coming
home summers to tease him and show
him the decided difference between a
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 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 a white felt
hat on her soft blonde hair. And she
took her away from Len with a laugh.
Rita's father, the chairman Of the
committee, 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 a 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 ranger" Sidney
told him. I'm named for him. was
born in the forest, SO | guess it's nat
ural for me to feel at home there and
love it best. That's why l 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
doubtfully. Perhaps if she could 60
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 Kapper'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 fatty. "Why
don't you drop these latest style flub-
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"
Il 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. I saw
how things were going as soon as I
came West, so l rather hurried them
up. Told Sid she'd have to 60 back
with me; that didn't like the place,
or Len, or the ranch. If you want
girl to go a certain way, you pull the
bride opposite"
Ritas brown eyes flashed at the big,
complacent fellow. He was so serene
ly sure of himself and his power to
win. 1t was fearfully slow at the Spur
Somehow Miss Henty began to find
interest Ain teaching the Fastener
western ways. She was hospitable to
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" said
AL.
"When?" She almost whispered 1t.
Her back was turned from him. Not
for worlds would she have let him
see her eyes, filled with tears, after
she had laughed at him and been so
self-sufficient.
ANY day after the first wind OF
spring blows this way. Still, it's some
time to wait till spring. I can't help
looking for ward, though. I'm going to
be married in April, long about the
10th; that's my birthday"
Perhaps she would rather be mar.
ried on her birthday"
when is it, Rita?'
She turned on him passionately.
81 think you are the most"
mo, you don't he caught her up.
you've just been spoiled, that's all.
Every able bodied man in twenty miles
wishes he had fighting chance to
win you, and I haven't wished. The
first time l saw you I made up my
mind to marry you If you don't like
April 10, make 1t your own birthday.
I'll let you. l asked the captain and
he told me to go ahead and win with
his blessing. So have"
Captain Henty came strolling leis-
urely up from the corral.
Il just heard about Len getting the
schoolma am" he called up. "You can
teach if you want to, Rita"
She's engaged, Cap" Baxter an
swered genially. He put out his hand
as Rita tried to rise. You'll have to