The Lamar register., 1917-07-25

''iA'A VI HAhlllAAH hdNbll AAtli VI NV II hfA
attention. and as If no move went un-
noticed the man said, without lifting
his eyes:
supper will be ready directly.
How'd you like your eggs-if we had
Inyg
He spoke with an unmistakable Tex
rs drawl; the woman put him down at
once for a cowboy. Wen back from
the fire he had arranged a seat for her,
using saddle blanket for cover
ing. and upon this she lowered herself
stidly.
Il 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 to
walk on its hands, and ! reckon about
two cups Of It II rastle you into shape"
As she raised the tin mug to her lips
me waved a hand and smiled. Drink
hcartyl" lie set plate Of bread and
bacon in her lap, then opened n glass
Iur 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-
rcttc.
"Iave you had your supper" she
finally inquired.
who. me2 oh, m eat with the
help" He smiled and when his fash
ing teeth showed white against his
leathery tan the woman decided he
va, not at all badlooking He was
vefy tall and quite lean, with the long
lcCl OF a horseman-this latter feature
uccentuated by his high-heeled boots
and by the short canvas cowboy coat
that reached only 10 his cartridge belt.
His features she could not well make
out, for the fire was little more than
bed of Goals. and he fed it, Indian
Ike, with a twig or two at a time.
Il 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. II amt hungry" he
affirmed ''Honestr
Accustomed as she was to the DIFF
fdence Of ranch hands, she refrained
from urging him, and proceeded with
her rapast. When she had finished she
lay bnck and watched him as he ate
spariugly.
MY horse fell crossing the Arroyo
Grande." she announced, abruptly. He
broke a leg, and had to shoot him.
"Is there any water in the GrandeT
asked the man.
NO. They told me there was plenty.
q I Ia
It."
"who told you there was water in
the arroyof"
"Those Mexicans at the little goat
ranch"
.'Balli. So you walked in from Ar
royo Grande. It's a good ten miles
straightaway, and I reckon you came
crooked Eh?"
Yes. And it was very hot. was
never here but once, and-the country
looks different when you're afoot.'
'It certainly does" the man nodded.
Then he continued, muslngly: NO wa
ter there. eh? ! figured there might
be a little" The fact appeared to
please him, for he nodded again as
he went on with his meal. mot much
rain down here, 1 reckon"
every little. Where are you from7"
"Afe? Hebbronville. My name is
Law"
Evidently, thought the woman, this
fellow belonged to the East outfit, or
some Of the other big cattle ranches
In the Hebbronville district. Probably
he was a range boss or a foreman.
After time she said, 81 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. "I'll send you
fresh one by Balli's boy in the morn
ing"
Law shook his head. 81 can't loan
you my horse, miss. l got to meet a
man here"
"When will he come7'
He'd ought to be here at early dark
tomorrow evening" Needless of her
dismny, he continued, "Yes'm. about
sundown."
''But-I can't stay here. I'll ride to
Balli's and have your horse back by
afternoon"
MY man might come earlier than
expect" Mr.. Law persisted.
REALLY l can't see what difference
It would make. II wouldn't interfere