Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-06-06

once for a cowboy. Well back from
the fire he had arranged u seat for her
using a saddle blanket for cover
ing, and upon this she lowered herself
stiffiy.
II suppose you wonder how hap
pen to be here" she said.
"Now don't talk til you're rested
miss. This coffee is strong enough tC
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 a hand and smiled. Drink
hearty" He set II 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 a husk ciga-
rette.
Have you had your supper2" she
finally inquired.
"Who. me? Oh, I'll eat with the
help" He smiled. and when his fash
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.
Ills features she could not well make
out, for the fire was little more than
bed of Goals, and he fed it, Indian
like. with twig or two at time.
~ 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. ~ 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
sparingy.
"My horse fell crossing the Arroyo
Grande," she announced, abruptly. "He
broke q leg, and had to shoot him."
as there any water in the Grande2"
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 arroyoY"
"Those Mexicans ut the little goat
ranch"
BALI. SO you walked in from Ar
royo Grande. It's good ten miles
and l reckon you came
crooked. Eh?"
Eyes. And 1t 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: "No wa
ter there, Ell? l 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
n the Hebbronville district. Probably
ne was a range boss or a 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, ''Ill send you
'resh one by Balli's boy in the morn
n.y."
Law shook his head. II can't loan
you my horse, miss. got to meet
nan here"
"When will he conner
He'd ought to be here at early dark |
omorrow evening"" Needless of her |
lismay, ne continued, "Yes'm, about |
;undOwn."
= Butt can't stay here. I'll ride to |
3alli's and have your horse back by |
afternoon"
"My man might come earlier than |
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 |
,late aside, selected fresh cigarette;
hen, as he reached for coal, he ex-
blamed:
Il haven't got what you'd call ex-
city an appointment. This Teller I'm
xpectn' is a Mexican, and day before
he killed 4 man over in Jim
Wells county. They got me by phone |