The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1917-02-01

ut isn't the money could wait.
But I don't feel like taking all that
money and not doing anything for 1t. I
guess Red needs me too Brand says
I'm q fool to quit here now. Mebbe
am. like 1t here: the work and every.
thing"
Saunders. watching them. saw Collie
give Louise letter. He saw her tuck
It IN her waist and rein Boyar round
toward the gate.
As Collie came toward the corrals he
noticed that Saunders had saddled the
pinto Rally. He was Il little surprised.
Rally was Walter Stones favorite sad
die horse and used by none but him.
He knew his employer was absent
Perhaps Saunders had Instructions to
bring Rally to the station
Collie paid no further attention to
6aunders until the latter came from
roll which he tied to the saddle. Then
Collie became Interested He left the
road and climbed the hill back of the
corrals. He watched Saunders astride
the pinto as he opened the gate and
spurred through without closing 1t.
That was little unusual
On rise far below was Black Boyar
loping along easily. Collie saw him
stop and turn into the Old Meadow
trail He watched for Saunders 10 APP
pear on the road below the ranch.
Presently out from the shoulder Of
hill leaped Rally. Saunders was plying
quirt and spur. The pinto was doing
his best
Something's wrong. I'll just take .
chance" And Collie ran to the corral
and roped the Yuma colt, for he had
seen Saunders disappear on the Old
Meadow trail.
Collie whirled the pony round and
down the hill Through the gateway
he thundered. The steel sinewed fianks
stiffened and relaxed rhythmically 40
the hillside flew past The Yuma colt.
! half wild, ran with great leaps that ate
into space. They swept through the
FIRST ford. A thin sheet Of water spread
on either side of them. The outlaw
fought the curb all the way up the hill
beyond. Pebbles clattered from her
hoofs and sprn. skyward as she raced
along the level Of the hilltop.
| Down the next grade the pony swung,
taking the turns, with short leaps. On
the crest Collie checked her. The road
beyond, clear to the valley, was empty.
i He examined the tracks entering the
| Old Meadow trail He had not been
mistaken. Saunders had ridden In.
Mounting. Collie spurred through the
greasewood. trusting to the pony's nat.
ural activity and sure footedness.
Louise, sitting on the dream rock in
the old meadow, gazed out across the
valley. Black Boyar stood near. with
4 trailing bride reins.
/ Despite herself the girl kept recalling
Collie's face as be had talked with heI
at the ranch. Admiration she had
known before and many times. adora.
ton never until that morning.
n For long time she dreamed. Tht
shadows Of the greasewood lengthen
ed. The air grew cooler. Louise end
ed her soliloquy by saying aloud
Hes nice boy, though. ! do hope hs
viii keep rs he Is"
| Boyar. lifting his head. nickered ant
was answered by Rally. entering th'
meadow. Silent Saunders rode up hur
riedly.
why, Saunders-wnat is TT That
Rally! Were you going to meet Uncl
WaIterY
II mo. miss. I'm in a hurry. Jus
hand over that letter that young Col
lie give you at the ranch. | want !,
mean business"
:, You want the letter? What do yo
mean? What right have you
Il "No right Only want It dom
want to make trouble"
"Youl A western man and spea
that way to womanl Saunders, II
ashamed to think you ever worke
for u.s.
"Oh. know yot1 got nerve. But II
In hurry. Hand It over. Then 20
can cali me anything you like"
II shall not hand 1t over"
"All right. got to have It.
The girl. her gray eyes blazing wit
indignation. backed away as lie strod
toward her. "You'd dare. would youi