Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-03-09

peculiarly dISagreeable stranger.
Ed had been a handsome boy, but he
was growing fat from drink and soft
from idleness; his face was too full
MS eyes too sluggish; there was an
unhealthy redness in his cheeks. In
contrast to his Wife's semi-formal
1ress, he was unkempt-unshaven and
soiled. His preparations for dinner
his evening had been characteriStically
simple; he had drunk three dry cock.
tails and flung his sombrero into cor.
ner.
i've been busy while YOU were
gone" he announced. Been down tC
the pump house every day laying that
new intake. 1t was q nasty job, too
| had Morales barbecue a cabritO for
my lunch, and it was good, but I'm
hungry again." Austin attacked his
meal with an enthusiasm strange in
MIN. He was q heavy and a constant
1rinker at all times. What little ex.
arcise he took was upon the back of a
1orse, and, as 20 one knew better than
MS wife, the physical powers he once
aad were rapidly deteriorating
BY and by he inquired, vaguely
Lets see. Where did you &C
this timer"
Il went up to look over the Ygnadc
tract"
"Oh, yes. Think you'll lease it,"
II don't know. I must find some
place for those La Feria cattle.''
Austin shook his head. Better leave
EN- where they are, until the rebels
,ake that country. | stand mighty well
with them"
That's the trouble" Alaire told
him. you stand too well-so well
hat [ want to get my stock out of
federal territory as soon as possible"
Ed shrugged carelessly. "Suit your
self; they're your COWS"
The meal went on with a desultory
low of small talk, during which the
husband INDUCED his thirst freely.
Alaire told him about the accident
% her horse and the unpleasant ordeal
she had suffered in the mesquite.
Lucky you found somebody at the
water hOle," Ed commented. "Who
Eas this ranger? Never heard of the
:elloWs" he commented on the name.
The rangers are nothing like they
lsed to be-
"This fellow would do credit to any
organization" AS Alaire described
lOW eXpeditiOusly Law had made his
arrest and handled his man, her hus-
oand showed interest.
Nicolas AntO, eh?" said he. "Who
Vas his cOmpanerOw
"PanfilO Sanchez"
Ed started. "That's strange! They
must have met accidentally"
$50 they both declared. Why did
you let PanfilO gO?"
1--WE didn't need him here, and he
was too good man to lose, So" Ed
round his Wife's eyes fixed upon him
and dropped his own. 81 knew you
were short-handed at La Feria." There
was an interval of silence, then &c
exclaimed, testify, "What are you look
ing at?"
II wondered what you'd say"
"Eh? Can't l fire a man without {
lOng-winded explanation? just because
I've let you run things to suit your
self"
"Wait! We had our understandings
Alaire's voice was low and vibrant
ut was my payment for living with
you, and you know it. You gave me
the reins to Las Palmas SO that &c
have something to do, something tt
live for and think about, eXcept-yOul
actions. The ranch has doubled il
value, every penny is accounted for
and you have more money to spenc
on yourself than ever before. You have
no reason to complain
Austin crushed his napkin into a bal.
and flung it from him; with a scOW.
he showed himself back from the table
''It was an idiotic arrangement, jusl
the same. [ agreed because / was sick
Dad thought I was all shot to pieces
But I'm all right now and able to rur
my own business"
Nevertheless it was a bargain, an6
it will stand. If your father were alive
he'd make you live up to it."
'You talk as if I were a child
shouted her husband; and his plump
face was apoplectic with rage. 'The
title is in my name. How could hs
make mo do anVthiOU2H
Nobody could force you," his Wifi
said, quietly. "YOu are still enough OF
a man to keep your word, believe, Sc
long as | observe my part of our bar
gain?"
Ed, slightly Modified, agreed. "Oi
course | am; l never WEIGHED. But
| won't be treated as an incompetent
and I'm tired of these eternal wrangles