Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1917-09-18
13se
Masterful Man
"
~ rnryNy ET YTNC
By JOHN ELK1Ns


"Get out Of my way, you hound J!
A man in rancher's clothes had just
swung off his horse in front OF the
Pentville general store when another
man Iounged toward him, blocking his
way. After delivering himself OF the
above singing rebuff, the speaker
passed quickly into the store, leaving
the other to mutter various uncompli-
mentary epithets.
sThe usual social amenities of Pent-
ville," said the younger of two women
who happened to be passing. 1--WE
been about long enough in this place
to begin to consider gentleman a
real luxury"
"Now, Amy" demonstrated the 9TH
er, a rather short, plump, little woman
with a very good-natured face, there's
Jack!"
my deari" responded Amy Porter,
'.your hubby was born a gentleman.
Even Pentville has not obliterated that
fact. That, with your dear self, is one
reason am billeted on you, and why
you have to endure me-"
Honey, there isn't any enduring
about 1t. It's boon. Why, when you
wrote me you were coming here to
teach, didn't I snap you up as quickly
as / could?"
'sBless you, dear, you did. But laid
It to your missionary spirit. How
ever, much as l am getting interested
in the school, If / had to board at the
hotel I'd throw up my job. I'm try
ing to teach the kiddies that swearing
and knocking the other fellow down
is not being manly But It's rather
uphill work when they're always hear
ing such talk as we've just been treat
ed to-"
"That was Hal Wakely," said Mrs.
Barker. "Jack likes him. He doesn't
know him very well, but he says he's
a good Sort"
81 daresay they all are lie you dig
deep enough. But don't care to dig.
Perhaps I'm lazy, but must say /
like the quick response of trained,
cultivated mind, and the restfulness
of decent manners. / don't like being
jolted, and having to continually
draw the rein on my temper because
of the rudeness of other people, even
when they don't know any BETTER"
At this juncture Jack Barker hailed
them driving his car, and the two
ladies were taken in for the home
ward trip. From Miss Amy's remarks
1t might be inferred that she was a
prim person of uncertain age. On the
contrary she was undeniably pretty,
with soft, wavy brown hair, large,
blue eyes that had violet tinge and
was just past twenty-one years of
age. Hal Wakely noted some of these
points as he observed the two ladies'
getting into the car. He also took
notice of a 1.-THE, young figure, and a
small, pretty foot. He wondered
which was Bankers wife. He had
met him only on some business in
town, and had never visited the ranch.
In fact he had been sticking pretty
closely to his business of raising
horses and cattle since he left New
York some three years before to try
to make something of the small CAPT.
tai left him by his father. He had
done fairly well, but he had given his
whole IHind to it.
One day he halted his horse in front
of the little schoolhouse, and entered.
He was ashamed of the sudden tur-
moil in his blood at sight of the girl
at the teachers desk.
pardon me, madam" he managed
to say. Mrs. Simpson can't call for
Bobby, and she asked me If would
put him upon my horse, and bring him
he conner
Certainly" said Amy with becom-
ing dignity. Bobby Simpson, you may
be excused"
Bobby, who was positively seeth-
ing with delight at the prospect, left
the room with such alacrity that the
caller had no choice but to follow,
and Amy saw him lift the little fell
low into the saddle, and then swing
himself up behind him. She did not
see him again until about two weeks
after; she happened to be waiting for
the automobile, and was walking slow
ly up and down the street. A ranch
mans helper lurched out of saloon,
and began speaking to her, and fol-
lowing her. Then another man loom
ed up, and with one blow laid her an
meyer at her feet. She looked up to
find Hal Wakely.
"Oh!" she cried. "Why did you do
that? could have got away from
hint"
Il thought only Of you, Miss Porter
It will just sober him up. May / take
you where you wish to go?"
Thank you, no." she said quietly.
II will wait for Mr.. Barker in the
store"
She walked away leaving him stand
ing over the man who was now get
ting up, and shaking the dust from
his clothes.
Hal Wakely was experiencing the
surprise Of his life. He had expected
thanks from limp or hysterical girl
who would be extremely grateful for
his protection, and to whom he could
be strong comforter. Instead he had
received something like a reprimand.
The next week Amy, watching the
children at recess, heard piercing
screams from remote part of the
grounds. Fastening to the spot she