The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-02

tions. not only came on and went
after ranching as if it had been trout
fishing. 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
II 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-
gagged ?"
"RealIy?"
Certain sure" He nodded his head
soIemnly- Last night. This big gold
moon of yours does wonders L saw
how things were going as soon as 1
came west, so 1 rather hurried them
u Told Sid she'd have to go back
with me; that 1 didn't like the place,
or Len or the ranch. If you want a
girl to go a certain way, you pull the
bride opposite"
Rita's brown eyes flashed at the big,
complacent fellow. He was so Sc
renely sure of himself and his power
to win 1t was fearfully slow at the
Spur. Somehow Miss Henty began to
find interest in teaching the easterner
western ways. She was hospitable to
MIN and comradely The captain
house often. Sidney would not be
married until spring.
Then I'll be going back east said
Al. Il came west to please Sid. It's
a fearful worry, this having one small
brother on your mind"
1t takes courage and pluck to be
a rancher, Rita told him, with lit
tie half smile. You're a gutter,
aren't your =
mo, I'm not, little girl 1t takes
more courage and pluck to buck the
game of life in the cities against big
ODDS, and I prefer the larger range.
it, too. To you and Cap the Spur is
the jumping off place of endeavor and
opportunity Il. But I'm going back"
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 He looked
at her sideways as he sat on the side
OF the porch. The first tang of winter
was in the air. 1t was nearly 8, and
dull orange glow showed along the
edge of the timber where the harvest
moon was rising. STILL it's some time
to wait till spring 1 can't help look
ing forward, 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.
II think you are the most"
mo, you don't" he caught her up.
you've just been spoiled, that's all.
Every ablebodied man in twenty
miles wishes he had a fighting chance
to win you. and 1 haven't wished The
first time 1 saw you 1 made up my
mind to marry you If you don
like April 10, make it your own birth
day I'll let you. 1 asked the captain
and he told me to go ahead and win
with his blessing. So L have"
The captain came strolling leisurely
up from the corral the light of his
pipe making a fire spark in the dark
ness. He was humming to himself
but stopped when he saw the two up
on the porch, just as the moon rose
and filled the night with glory.
81 just heard about Len getting
the schoolma' am he called up Y on
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
advertise. - Copyright, 1915, by the
Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.)