The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-02-24

"She amt really fit to ride a STEP
confided the Scotch boss with growing
confidence. "But she's been going up
two or three times now to get some
medicine from Doe Torpy-that's the
way Of 1t. There's nice girl, sir
in bunch O. ruffians, I know---though
old Duke, she lives with, he amt a
half-bad man except for too many
cards. I used to work for him but
I call her a nice girl. Do you happen
to know herr"
De Spain had long been on guard.
I've spoken with her in business
way once or twice. can't really say
l know her. Anything sick, JIM"
asked De Spain. walking on down the
barn and looking at the horses. It 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 sin"
right. "Not SO much as a sore hoof In
either alley, Mr.. De Spain. / try to
take care Of them, sir"
"What are we paying you, Jim2'
"Twenty-seven week, sir; pretty
heavy work at that"
"We'll try to make 1t 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
indifferently, chad been the matter with
Nan MorganT' Her name seemed
whole mouthful to speak, so fearful
was he of betraying interest.
"Why, I really didn't say, sir. And
I don't know. But from what she says,
and the way she coughs, I'm thinking
it was a 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 at 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
soma goodwill toward the Morgans."
snow, I'm glad you think that, SIR
"Yeu know unintentionally rubbed
their backs the wrong way in dragging
Sassoon out" -----------------.--1.eea,- ~
"They're jealous of their power,
know--very jealous"
"This seems the chance to show that
I 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, If he
wondered, made no comment. "When
the stage comes ill.," continued De
Spain quietly, ''have 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
pln' staring and struggling with his
breath.
I'm some way I've happened, both
times / talked with her, to get In
wrong-understand" 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.s
II see."
But she ought to do it. She will
be tired-it's long, dusty ride for q
well woman, let alone one that has
been ill.,"
$50 it Is, so it Isl"
De Spain looked now shamelessly at
his ready-witted aid. "See that her
pony is lame when she gets here
can't be ridden. But you'll take good
care Of him and send him home in
q few days-get it?"
McAlpin half closed his eyes. Hell
be so lame it would stagger a cowboy
to back him ten feet-and never be
hurt mite, neither. Trust mel
IF she insists on riding sometime.
or even walking home" continued De
Spain obviously, for he felt instinc-
lively that he should have the task of
his life to induce Nan to accept any
kind of a peace-offering, "Tll ride or
walk with her anyway. Can you sleep
me here tonight, on the hayT
"Sleep you on hair mattress, sir. |
You've got a room right here upstairs
didn't you know that?"
With arrangements so begun. De
Spain walked out of d. ors and looked |
refectively up the Sleepy Cat road |
one further refinement in his apneaJ |
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
get good cup Of coffee when the
stage comes inT
Go right down to the inn, sir. TIA
new chap running tia half-witted |
man from Texas. My wife is cooking |
there off and on. She'll fix You IN . |
sandwich and cup of good coffee.
1t was four O'Clock, and the sun baa,
fiercely on the desert. De Spain walked
dc-yn to the inn unmindful of the haat |
In summer rig will, h{e coS1 -, 80