Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-02-23

horses died o month ago. and he was
waiting till the spring before buying
more"
The face Of the man was study In
bewilderment. He crossed the floor to
the shakedown and looked at the sleep
Ing child.
Lifted a horse to ride thirty miles
in this weather to save his kidd" BE
turned away from the bed "And good
luck to you. Brunte!" he muttered
you'd risk your own neck for him%
said the man presently.
"For him and the kiddy. yes"
For q moment their eyes met and
spoke. And there was something more
than admiration in his. Then his lips
opened, and the question that had been
disturbing him for some time refused
longer to be controlled
whats Brunte Heath to your" he
asked. And the silence that followed
was charged with fears and doubts for
both Of them.
"Pm his sister," she said at last. And
1t was impossible to misunderstood the
deep breath that left his lips.
"And q sister whom he ought to be
proud Of" he said without reserve.
bet the sheriff wouldn't think so"
'T'm not 80 sure" be said thought.
fully.
He was sitting there gazing at her
when suddenly the strained call of a
dog wolf reached them. With cry Of
Joy she sprang to the door and threw
It open.
A man, slight Of stature, yet seeming
ly of strength. judging by the way in
which he hauled his tired horse
through the snow, was coming toward
the shack. The woman ran to meet
him, kissed him affectiOnately and
drew him into the humble apartment.
The man already there rose to meet
him, but the woman was the first to
speak.
"a man by the name Of Joe Gregar.
Brunte," she said. "He came here
with the sheriff on his heels. and |
gave him chance. knew that you'd
say it was the right thing to do"
"Mebbe 1t vas. mebbe it wasn't" he
said. staring hard at the stranger.
"How's the gal?" His eyes were still
fixed on those of the other man. How
long have you been in this country
he asked in suspicious voice.
Long enough to know man when
I see one. Your horse has slipped his
halter. Brunte Heath"
Two heads were turned to the open
door simultaneously, Heath's and the
woman's. And a cold official voice
turned them back again.
"Put up your hands. Brunte Heath.
I've got you covered. and 1t wouldn't
be easy to miss from this distance"
II thought TINT I recognized you"
said Brunte. stretching his hands above
his head and smiling bitterly rs the
barrel Of the revolver almost brushed
,, his nose. Man. little gal, they've play
ed 1t low down OH you this time. Have
you been properly introduced to the
new sheriff.
The sheriff thrust his revolver Into
, its holster and held out his hand to
the man.
II did manage to take you without
firing a shot. Brunte." he said with
laugh. Bear that in mind. will you?
Because one Of these days you may
Lear the fellows chipping the new
sheriff. and then you can-well. you
can butt In and say that he wasn't
quite as green as he looked. l don't
know what you've got in the pack for
the little girl, but If it's doll to play
with It will do her more good than
medicine. Keep her arm in the splints
for couple of weeks and keep your
heart up for good. That little girl on
the shakedown is worth working for
honest work! | shall come back one
Of these days"-he glanced meaningly
at the woman-"to see how the patient
Is progressing"
He walked to the door and looked
back.
Brunte Heath was bending over his
little girl. The woman was standing
hansf1xed In the center Of the room.
The sheriff held up finger. and she
went to him as one in dream.
1T Is probable tlat they'll be want
Ing q new sheriff" he laughed. but
I want you to believe that ] feel 1t
was worth It."
She gave him a sweet smile. and all
that she said was:
"Come back!'