Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1917-04-27


two or three times now to get some |
medicine from Doc Torpy-that's the
way of ii. There's nice girl. sir
in bunch o. rufiians, know-though |
old Duke, she lives with, he amt a |
half-bad man except for too many |
cards. l used to work fer him-but |
l call her nice girl. Do you happen
to know her?'
De Spain had long been on guard. /
''Pve spoken with her In business
way once or twice. | can't really say
1 know her. Anything sick, Jimg"
asked De Spain, walking on down the
barn and looking at the horses. 1t was
only the second time since he had
given him the job that De Spain had
called the barn boss "Jim," and Nc
Alpin answered with the rising assur
ance of one who realizes he is ''in"
right. mot so much as a sore hoof in
either alley. Mr.. De Spain. try TO
take care OF them. sir
"What are We paying you, Jim2"
"Twenty-seven a week, sir; pretty
heavy work at that"
"We'll try to make 1t thlrty-two after
this week."
McAlpin touched his cap. "Thank
you kindly, sir, I'm sure. 1t comes
high to live out here. Mr.. de Spain"
what did you say" asked De Spain
indifferentIy, had been the matter with
Nan Morgan?" Her name seemed
whole mouthful to speak. so fearful
was he of betraying interest.
"Why, really didn't say, sir. And
don't know. But from what she says,
and the way she coughs, I'm thinking
1t was touch of this p-new-monia
that's going around so much lately,
sir"
His listener had already made all
arrangements to meet the occasion now
presenting itself. Circumstances
seemed at last to favor him, and he
looked at his watch. The down stage
bringing Nan back would be due in
less than an hour.
"Jim," he said thOughtfuIly, "you
are doing the right thing In showing
some goodwill toward the Morgans."
snow, I'm glad you think that, sir"
"You know l Internationally rubbed
| their backs the wrong way in dragging
Sassoon out"
They're jealous of their power. I
know-very jealous
This seems the chance to show that
have no real animoSlty myself toward
the outfit"
Since De Spain was not looking at
him, McAlpin cooked two keen and
mark of the very amiable speakers
face. However, the astute boss, If he
wondered. made no comment. "When
the stage cones in," continued De
Spain quietly, "have the two grays--
Lady and Ben-hitched to my own
light wagon. I'll drive her over to the
gap myself"
''The very thing" exclaimed Meal
pin, staring and struggling with his
breath.
I'm some way I've happened, both
times / talked with her, to get in
wrong-understandT McAlpin, with
clearing wits, nodded more than once.
mo fault Of mine; 1t just happened
so. And she may not at first take
kiRdly to the idea Of going with me-"
81 Gee"
"But she ought to do II. She will
be tired-it's a long, dusty ride for
well woman, let alone one that has
been H."
80 it is, so 1t isl"
De Spain looked now shameIessly at
his ready-witted aid. "See that her
pony Is lame when she gets here
can't be ridden. But you'll take good
care Of him and send him home in
few days-get it7'
McAlpin half closed his eyes. He'll
be 30 lame 1t would stagger a cowboy
to back him ten feet-and never be
hurt a mite, neither. Trust mel"
1T she insists on riding something.
or even walking home" continued De
Spain obviously, for he felt instinc-
lively that he should have the task of
his life to induce Nan to accept any
kind Of peace-offering, 'T'll ride or
walk with her anyway. Can you sleep
me here tonight, on the hay?'
Sleep you on a hair mattress. sir |
You've got room right here upstairs;
didn't you know that?"
With arrangements so begun, De
Spain walked out of doors and looked |
refiectively UP the Sleepy Cat road. !,
One further refinement in his appeal |
for Mans favor suggested itself. She |
would be hungry, possibly faint In the !
heat and dust, when she arrived He |
returned to McAlpin: where can | I
get good cup Of coffee when the |
stage comes int"
$50 right down to the inn, sir. It's |
a new chap running tia half-witted
man from Texas. My wife is cooking |
there Off and on. She'll fix you up
sandwich and cup Of good coffee"
1t was four o'clock. and the sun beat !
fiercely on the desert. De Spain walked |
down to the inn unIu.ndful Of the heat. |