The Huttig news., 1917-03-03

ing, and upon this she lowered herself stifily.
 'I suppose you wonder how I-hap- pen to be here" she said.
 Now don't talk til you're rested, miss. This coffee is strong enough te walk on it's hands, and l reckon about two cups of it II rastle you into shape" As she raised the tin mug 10 her lips he waved hand and smiled. Drink hearty.' He set plate of bread and bacon in her lap, then opened glass jar of jam.
 The woman ate and drank slowly. She was too tired to be hungry, and meanwhile the young man squatted upon his heels and watched her through the smoke from husk ciga- rette
 Have you had your supper?" she finally inquired.
 "Who. me? Oh I'll eat with the help" He smiled. and when his flash ing teeth showed white against his leathery tan the woman decided he was not at all bad-looking. He was very tall and quite lean. with the long legs of horseman-this latter feature accentuated by his high=heeled boots and by the short canvas cowboy coat that reached only to his cartridge belt. His features she could not well make out, for the fire was little more than l bed of coals, and he fed it. Indian like, with q tWig or two at time.
 T beg your pardon. I'm selfish" She extended her cup and plate as m invitation for him to share their con- tents. 'Please eat with me"
 But he refused. .I ain't hungry" he affirmed "Honest," :"
 Accustomed as she was to the diff fidenee of ranch hands, she refrained from urging him, and proceeded with her repast. When she had finished she lay back and watched him as he ate sparingly.
 My horse fell crossing the Arroyo Grande," she announced, abruptly. He broke leg, and had to shoot him."
 'Is there any water in the Grander asked the man.
 No. They told me there was plenty. knew of this charco, so I made for it."
 Who told you there was water in the arroyo?"
 Those Mexicans at the little goat ranch"
 "Balli. So you walked in from Ar royo Grande It's a good ten miles straightaway, and I reckon you came crooked. Eh?"
 Yes. And it was very hot. 1 was never here but once. and-the country looks different when you're afoot."
 Tt certainly does" the man, nodded. Then he continued, musingly: "No Wa ter there, eh? I figured there might be littIe" The fact appeared to please him, for he nodded again as he went on with his meal. Not much rain down here, I reckon"
 "Very little. Where are you from?"
 Me? Hebbronyille. My name is Law"
 Evidently, thought the woman. this fellow belonged to the East outfit, or some of the other big cattle ranches in the Hebbronville district. Probably he was range boss or foreman. After time she said, 'I suppose the nearest ranch is that Bali place?"
 "Yes'm."
 I'd like to borrow your horse."
 Mir. Law stared into his plate. "Well. miss, I'm afraid"
 She added. hastily, "Fll send you a fresh one by Balli's boy in the morn ing"
 Law shook his head. 'I can't loan you my horse, miss. l got to meet a man here"
 "When will he comeg He'd ought to be here at early dark tomorrow evening"" Heedless of her dismay, he continued, "Yes'm, about sundown."
 "But-I can't stay here. I'll ride to Ball's and have your horse back by afternoon"
 My man might come earlier than expect" Mir. Law persisted
 Really. I can't see what difference it would make. It wouldn't interfere with your appointment to let me"
 
 plate aside, selected a fresh cigarette then, as he reached for coal, he ex plained:
 q haven't got what you'd call ex, actly an appointment. This feller Fm expectin is Mexican. and day before yesterday he killed man over in .Jin Wells county. They got me by phone at Hebbronville and told me he'd left He's headin' for the border. and he's due here about sundown, now that Ar royo Grandes dry. I was aimin tt fet you ride his horse."
 "Then-youre an officer?"
 "Yes'm. Ranger. So you see can help you to get home till my mal comes. Do you live around hereg' The speaker looked up inquiringly, ant after an instant's hesitation the wom an said quietly:
 q am Mrs. Austin" She was grate