The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-09-16
ICoatanuad$ CHAPTER xxJi.
A Speech.


 CHAPTER xxn.
 A Speech.
 N vERLAND RED, sitting on a
 powder beside the road, ,stoop- " ed and gathered up handful
 of pebbles. Then, for lack of other interest, he invented game of ancient and honorable origin. She loves me-" he said, tossing away a pebble. ..sShe loves me not" And up spun another pebble. So he continued ! untn the pebbles were gone. "She : loves me not" he nuttered lugubrious- ly Then his face brightened. "Of eourse she don't. She loves him. That's what T was tryin' to get at, anyway"
 He fumbled at huge bunch of lit tic red fiowezs called "humming birds trumpets." He arranged the hastily constructed bouquet to suit him. Then he laid 1t on the rock.
 "Accordin' to the latest book on good table manners, or How to Be Happy s Though Dressed Up,' this here bouquet b the proper thing. They'll think I'm some viz when step cut and present these here hummin' birds' bugles. Huh! I seen the two hosses gone. and gets 2 wise direct. But got to brace up. Wonder what she'll think about me after hearin' what said last night at the old Meadow? Gee! I wonder whst I did say? Did cuss much7 forget Hmm! Good mornin', folks! I--er-this here-them hummin' birds bueles- Happy day-Collie what's wrong with you? What you < Shehin' at?'
 asYou, of course. Where did you get the posies7'
 "Picked 'em along the Golden Shore. .Iust got back"
 1s You do look scared, Red" "Seein' you're gettin' personal, you needn't to think becanse you just been there that I never will" t
 "say, Overland, I-we"- began Col 1is.
 T knowed it! I went say word to Aebody."
 Collie glanced ak Louise. She nod ded. Then she gave Overland her Z hand. He seized 1t and stood looking v into her sweet gray eyes. "Little Rose Girl" he said quietly, you always was the best and kindest and beautifullest we ever knowed. It ain't the first time you give your hand to help thers that ain't 1t to touch 1t. If there is any Golden Shore I guess me and Col Ne will be there just because we know ged you down here and couldn't sta! around nohow.where you wasn't. And believe me, if he don't treat you iron now on like you WIS a plumb ange Iu-IM ride him of the big range ant < into space quicker n shootin' stars These here flowers is for you-not fo that long legged grasshopper ridin your hoss there. I should think Boya would be plumb ashamed"
 'Then Collie can walk" said Louis promptly. Collie, will you pleas let MT. Summers take Boyar? I wan to talk with the president of-of m, { mine little while"
 Don't faint, Chico," said Overland swinging into the saddle. "I alway was the cute little gopher with tn : ladies. You watch us ride up this tra If you want to see pair that ca ride"
 Collie shook his fist at the grinnin Overland, who had turned as he rod away. You want to learn to act quic when a. lady asks you," called Owe land. You didn't get on this hoss an too spry."
 II Then Collie stopped and picked up little red flower that had dropped frol the boIsterous one's offering.
 The Marshalls and Billy Winthrc came in their car The ride throue the canyon had been pleasant. The
 were talking about Overland. The
 had been discussing the rearrang
 ment of . great many things since u
 news of Louise's heritage had becon
 known.
 You had better close the mufle Billy. You are frightening that pony
 s''That's the Yuma colt" said Wi
 throp. Overland is riding her"
 "Overlandr'
 "Yes. He's coming to meet us.'' Plunging through the cracklil # Hreasewcod at the side of the road, u Yuma colt leaped toward the car
 broad sombrero, blue silk neckerchit blue flannel shirt and silver studd' leather chaps, was a strangely famili
 figure. The great silver spurs ra1
 musically as the pony reared. II tAgure gave easily to the wild plungil of the horse. yet was as firm as ir' An fhe saddle.
 Anne drew a deep breath. It W not the grotesque, frockcoated Ovt land nf a recent visit, nor was it t k ragged, unkempt vision Louise h. conjured up fer her in relating t Il old Meadow story. In fact, it W F not Overland Red at all, but Jack su, mers, the range rider of the old r E Abilene days. He was clean shave v1eorous. gplend.dly strong and con dent. In the saddle, bedecked in showy trappsnes, surrounded by N friends, Jack Summers had found E South again. and the past was as &