Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-04-04

once for cowboy. Well back from
| the fire he had arranged II seat for her,
using saddle blanket for cover
| ing. and upon this she lowered herself
| Stilily.
II suppose you wonder how hap
| pen to be here" she said.
| Now don't tnlk til you're rested,
miss. This coffee is strong enough to
walk on its hands, and l reckon about
two cups of it II rastle you into shape"
| AS she raised the tin mug to her lips
! he waved hand and smiled. Drink
I 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 support" 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 a 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
he'd of Goals, and he fed 1t. Indian
like. with twig or two at time.
II beg your pardon. I'm selfish"
She extended her cup and plate as an
invitation for him to share their con-
tents. "Please eat with me-"
But he refused. II amt hungry" he
affirmed Honest
Accustomed as she was to the diff
fidence of ranch hands. she refrained
from urging him. and proceeded with
he.- 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 n leg. and had to shoot him."
"Is there any water in the Grande"
asked the man.
mo. They told me there was plenty. |
knew of this charco, so ! made for |
it,"
"Who told you there was water In
the arroyo?"
"Those Mexicans at the little goat
ranch.'
BALL. SO you walked in from Ar
rOyO Grande. It's good ten miles
straightaway. and reckon you came
crooked Eh?'
"Yes. And it was very hot. l was
never here but once, and-the country
looks different when you're afoOt."
1T certainly does" the man nodded.
Then he continued. musingly: mo wa
ter there, Ell? I figured there might
be little" The fact appeared to
please him, for he nodded again as
he went on with his meal mot much
rain down here, l reckon"
Every little. Where are you from?'
me? Hebbronville. 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 q range boss or foreman.
After a time she said, II suppose the
nearest ranch is that Bali placer
"Yes'm."
I'D like to borrow your horse" |.
Mr.. Law stared into his plate. well,
Miss, I'm afraid"
She added, hastily, "Tll send you q .
fresh one by Balli's boy in the morn
n.y." ,,
Law shook his head. II can't loan
you my horse. miss. l got to meet a
nan here"
"When will he Gomez"
He'd ought to be here at early dark /
tomorrow evening"" Needless of her
iismay, ne continued, "Yes'm, about
;undown."
Butt can't stay here. I'll ride to Z
3alli's and have your horse back by
afternoon"
my man might come earlier than l
,xpect," Mr.. Law persisted.
Really, can't see what difference
t would make. 1t wouldn't interfere
With your appointment to let me-"
Law smiled slowly, and, setting his e
,late aside, selected fresh cigarette: Il
hen, as he reached for a coal, he ex-
,lained:
ct haven't GOT what you,d coll nv S