The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-04-05

two or three times now 10 get some
medicine from Doc Torpy-that's the
way Of II. There's nice girl, sir
in bunch o. rufiians, know-though
old Duke, she lives with, he amt
half-bad man except for too many
cards. / used TO work for him-but
/ call her n nice girl. Do you happen
to know herr"
De Spain had long been on guard.
'I've spoken with her in a business
way once or twice. can't really say
l know her. Anything sick, Jimf"
asked De Spain, walking on down the
barn and looking at the horses. 1t was
only the second time since he had |
given him the job that De Spain had |
called the barn boss "Jim," and Nc |
Alpin answered with the rising assur-
ance of one who realizes he is "in" |
right. mot so much as sore hoof I'm |
either alley, Mr.. De Spain. l try to
take care OF them, SIR"
"What are we paying you. JimT'
"Twenty-seven week, sir; pretty
heavy work at that"
"we1l try to make it thirty-two after
this week."
McAlpin touched his cap. "Thank
you kindly, sir, I'm sure. 1t comes
high to live out here, Mr.. de Spain"
"What did you say" asked De Spain
indlfferently, had been the matter with
Nan MorganT Her name seemed n
whole mouthful to speak, so fearful
was he Of betraying interest.
"Why. / really didn't say. sir. And
l don't know. But from what she says,
and the way she coughs, I'm thinking
II was touch of this p-new-monia
that's going around SO much lately,
sir"
His listener had already made all
arrangements to meet the occasion now
presenting itself. Circumstances
seemed Mt last to favor him, and he
looked at his watch. The down stage
bringing Nan back would be due in
less than an hour.
"Jim," he said thoughtfully, "you
are doing the right thing in showing
some goodwill toward the Morgans."
"Now, I'm glad you think that, sir"
"You know l unintentionally rubbed
their backs the wrong way in dragging
Sassoon out"
They're jealous of their power, !
know-very jealous"
This seems the chance to show that
! have no real animosity myself toward
the outfit"
Since De Spain was not looking at
him, McAlpin cooked two keen and
curious eyes on the sphinxlike birth
mark of the very amiable speakers
face. However, the astute boss II he
wondered, made no comment. "When
the stage comes in," continued De
Spain quietly, "haye the two grays-
Lady and Ben-hitched TO my own
light wagon. I'll drive her over to the
gap myself"
"The very thing" exclaimed Meal
pin. staring and struggling with his
breath.
'In some way I've happened, both
times l talked with her, to get In
wrong-understandT McAlpin, with
clearing wits, nodded more than once.
mo fault of mine; It just happened
so. And she may not at first take
kindly to the idea of going with me-"
II see"
"But she ought TO do II. She will
be tired-it's long, dusty ride for n
well woman, let alone one that has
been ILL.,"
$50 II Is, so II is"
De Spain looked now shamelessly at
his ready-witted aid. "See that her
| q t.hA oh
can't be ridden. But you'll take good
care of him and send him home in
a few days-get itf"
McAlpln half closed his eyes. "HeIl
be so lame 1t would stagger a cowboy
TO back him ten feet-and never be
hurt mite, neither. Trust mel"
IF she insists on riding something,
or even walking home" continued De
Spain dublously, for he felt instinc-
lively that he should have the task of
his life to induce Nan to accept any
kind of peace-offering, "I'll ride or
walk with her anyway. Can you sleep
me here tonight, on the hay?"
sleep you on n hair mattress, sir.
You've got room right here upstairs |;
didn't you know thatf"
With arrangements so begun, De
Spain walked out Of doors and looked
reflectively up the Sleepy Cat road.
One further refinement in his appeal
for Mans favor suggested itself. She
would be hungry, possibly faint in the
heat and dust, when she arrived. He
returned to McAlpin: where can i
get a good cup Of coffee. when the
stage comes int"
"Go right down to the inn, sir. It's
new chap running it-a half-witted
man from Texas. My wife is cooking
there OFF and on. She'll fix you up
sandwich and cup of good coffee"
1t was four o'clock. and the sun beat