Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-03-12

finger upon Montrosa's forehead "She
wears a lone star, and I'd like to call
her that-The Lone STAR"
Alaire smiled in tacit assent; then
when the two friends had completely
established their intimacy, she mount
ed her ovn horse and led the way 20
the roundup.
Dawes mbtGnded delight filled the
mistress Of Las Palmas with the keen
est pleasure. He laughed. he numned
snatcEes of songs, he kept up n chat
ter addressed as much to the mare rs
to his companion, and under II Mont
rosa romped like tomboy 1t was
gratifying to meet with such appreca-
ton as this; Alaire felt warm and
friendly to the whole world, and de-
cided that out of her abundance she
must do more for other people.
OF course Dave had to tell of Don
Ricardo's thoughtful gift, and sonc.ud-
ed by saying. Il think this must be
my birthday, although 1t doesn't fit in
with the calendar"
don Ricardo has his enemies, but
he Is good-hearted old man,"
"Yes," Dave agreed. Then, more
gravely, "I'm sorry let him 60 across
the river" There was n pause If
anybody harms him, / reckon I'll have
n feud on my hands, for Tin grateful
person."
II believe it. car see that you are
loyal"
81 was starved on sentiment when
was little, but it's in me bigger than n
skinned OK. They say gratitude is an
elemental, primitive emotion"
"Perhaps that's why it is so rare
nowadays" said Alaire, not more than
half in jest.
"You find it rare?" Dave looked up
kcenly. well. you have certainly laid
up store Of it today"
Benit0 and his men had rounded up
perhaps three thousand head of cattle
when Alare and her companion APP
peared, and they were in process Of
"cutting out" 1t. was an animated
scene, one fitted to rouse enthusiasm
In any plainsman, for the stock was fat
and healthy; there were many calves,
and the inccssant rumbling complaint
of the herd was bIood-stirrlng. The
Las Palmas cowboys rode like cen
taurs; the mir was drumming to swift
hoofbcats, and over all was the hoarse
unceaslng undertone from countless
bovine throats. Out near the grub
wagon the remuda was grazing, and
thlther at intervals came the perspir-
/ ing horscmen to change their mounts
Bonto, wet. dusty and tired, rode
up to his employer to report progress.
"Dios! This is hot work for an old
man. We will never finish by dark,
said he, whereupon Jaw promptly vol
untecred his services.
LEND me your rope, Benito.' Dave
slid out of his seat and, with an arm
around the mares neck. whispered into
her ear. Rosa answered by nosing the
speaker over with braZen familiarity.
''Diablo. He has @ way with horses,
hasn't he?" Benito grinned. "Now, that
Montrosa Is wilder than q deer
The giant herd milled and edded,
revolving like vast pool OF deep,
swift water. The bulls were quarrel
some. the steers were stubborn, and
the wet cows were distracted. In and
out of this confusion the cowboys rode
following the animals selected for sep
arntion, forcing them out through dust
and brush, until they had joined the
smaller herd of choice animals which
were to remain on the ranch. It was
swift, sweaty exhausting work. the
kind these Mexicans loved, for It was
not only spectacular but held IN
amount Of danger. Dave Law made
himself one of them.
Alaire sat her horse in the heart OF
the crowding herd and watched the
Ranger Good riding she was accus-
toned to. But Law seemed to inspire
his mount. In spite Of the mans I'M
usual size, he rode like feather; he
WAS grace and life and yoa1S persona
lied. Now he sat as erect IN his saddle
as swaying reed; again he stretched
himself out like q whiplash. Once h
had begun the work he would no
stop.
All that afternoon the cowboys
labored, and toward shutdown the de
pleted herd was driven to the water
Then through the cool twilight cana
the drive to the next pasture, and her.
the patience Of the cowboys was taxet
to the utmost, for rs the stronger mem
bers Of the herd forged ahead, tn
wearied, worried, littlest members fel
behind. But now these swarthy, dare
devil riders were as gentle as women
they urged the tiny youngsters onwar'
with harmless switches or with pain
less blows from lo0se-cOiled riatas
they picked them up In their arms am
= rode with them.