The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1916-07-20

self deiantly upon the floor and
doubled his lists.
Leave the kid alone! He's got
some spirit!" shouted one Of the kind.
lfer Of the crowd.
But another ran upon him and struck
the boy vicious blow on the face,
knocking him backward into Benson's
arms. Instantly the saloon was in an
uproar. The drunken cowboys were
evenly divided in their opinions of
Harry, and meant to enforce them.
Then it was that Benson, looking
into his face with the perspicacity of
sobriety. realized that Harry Saunders
was a girl. The "impersonation" had
been no impersonation at all. He was
the representation.
Swiftly he moved toward the door
with Harry, and, before the cowboys
had realized that their quarry, and
their object Of protection respectively,
was gone he had untethered his horse
and mounted.
He leaned over. Jump" he shout.
ed: and as he did so the drunken mob
came pouring out. all now animated by
the same spirit Of anger.
Benson leaned low and hoisted the
girl into the saddle in front Of him
just as the leaders ranged themselves
about him.
Put him down, Benz" they yelled.
Hes got to sing and dance and drink
now. and then, maybe, we'll teach him
some MORE"
Benson spurred his horse, which
Ieeled wildly, upsetting the two who
clutched at the bride. Then he was
OF. galloping down the long, dusty
road toward his ranch, miles in the
distance. One or two shots were fired {:
but very soon he had got clear Of the
town. and. looking back, saw that he
was not followed.
He refined in his painting steed to q
walk and spoke for the first time.
who are you? How did you get
here?" he demanded. First, your
name-unless you don't want to give
It,"
The girl looked up at him, and the
awful fear upon her face disappeared
when she saw the kindness on his
Ethel Saunders" she said timidly
Harry was my brother. He was the
impersonator. He-he died"
"How did you get here?"
Il had to come West. was threat.
cned with tuberculosis. I could dance
and sing little. but had never done
so in public, and IL didn't dare trust
myself in the mining camps. So since
Harry had been known l thought I'D
take his place and pretend to be q
boy. But I'm going home now.
can't bear what happened today" She
burst out sobbing. and the discolored
mark on her cheek showed like q
finger of shame.
Il can take you to Lumley's. The
coach will be there this afternoon
said Benson. But the troupe"
They mustn't know. l tell you I've
done with 1t all. I'm going home"
where's your homer"
east"
People there?"
= What isit to you? No. I havs
nobody"
Then you'll do what to live"
"The same old game!" she cried
hopelessly. "The same-but sick al
l am Of it what else can l do"
Benson felt swift and vast pity TO,
the helplessness of this child, thrus,
alone into the world, into the West
helpless. A glance at her face showed
him that the rose of innocence
scorched though it had been by the
life there, still bloomed.
"Listen!" he said. II guess life has
treated both of US pretty badly. But
I've got little ranch yonder, and
will you try it with me? If you won't
Ill take you to Lumley's. Here's tbs
crossroads"
But since she made no answer, he
looked at her again and set his horse