The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1918-02-27

ing her with II whimsical smile.
an few minutes" said he, an
pack up and try to deliver you as per
contract. Meantime, I'm going to
smoke"
He did not ask her permission. but
filled his pipe and lighted it with
coal. And for the succeeding fifteen
minutes Roaring Bill Wagstaff sat
staring into the dancing blaze. Hazel
watched him uneasily nfter time. He
seemed to have forgotten her. His
pipe died. and he sat holding it in his
hand. She was uneasy, but not afraid.
There was nothing about him or his
actions to make her fear. on the con-
trary. Roaring Bill ut close quarters
inspired confidence.
In the midst of her reflections be
got up.
swell. Wen make move" he said.
and disappeared abruptly into the
darkness.
She heard him moving around Mt
some distance. Presently lie WINS back,
leading three horses, one he snddled.
The other two he rugged with his pack
outfit. storing his varied belongings in
the two puir of kyuks and loading
kyaks and bedding on the horses with
n dcft speed that bespoke long prac-
tice. He was too busy TO talk, and
Hazel sat beside the fire, watching in
silence. When he had tucked up the
last rome end. he turned ia her,
"There," he said: "yvp'rc ready 10 hit
the trail. Can you ridrf'
81 don't know" Hazel answered du-
biously. ~ have never ridden horse"
"AIy. MY" he smiled. "Your educa-
ton has been sadly neglected-and you
a schoolma'am, too!'
"NIy walking education hasn't been
neglected" Hazel rctorted. 81 don't
need TO ride, thank you"
ayes. and stub your toe and fall
down every ten feet Bill observed.
mo. Miss Weir, your first lesson in
horsemnnshIp Is now due-if you aren't
afraid Of horses"
"Tm not afraid of horses at ALL"
Hazel declared. but ] don't think it's
very good place to take riding les
sons. can just rs well walk. for I'm
not in the least afraid" And then she
added ms an nftertbought: How do
you happen to know my nnmeT"
"In the same way that you know
mine" Bin replied, "even II you haven't
mentioned It yet. Lord bless you, do
you suppose Cariboo Meadows could
import lady school teacher from the
civilized East without everybody In
fifty miles knowing who she was, and
oh h.t
looked like? / guess you don't realize
whnt old granny gOssips we wild West
erners nre. Especially where girls are
concerned
Hazel stiffoned n trihe. She did
not Ike ihe idea OF Cariboo Meadows
discussing her with such freedom.
"woll," said he, 1--WE won't argue the
point"
lie disappeared into the dark again.
This time he came back with the
crown OF his hat full Of water, which
he sprinkled over the dwlndling fire.
As the red glow uf the cmbers faded
in sputter Of steam and ashes, Hazel
realized more profoundly the blackness
of . cloudy night Zoo the woods.
"Irs going to be- nasty travelling,
Miss Weir" Roaring Blll spoke at her
elbow. am wall; and lead the packs.
You ride SIX. Hes gentle. All you
have to do is sit still. and he'll stay
right behind the packs. I'll help you
mount"
II Hazel had stiu been Inclined TO In
sist on walking, She had no chance TO
debate the question Bill took her by
the arm and led her up beside the
horse. It was Il unique experience for
her, this being compelled to do things.
No man had ever issued ultimatums TO
her. But here was Roaring Bill Wag-
staff telling her how 10 put her foot in
the stirrup putting her for the first
zine IN her life nstride a horse, warn
ing her to duck low branches. In his
mind there seemed 10 be no question
as to whether or not she would ride.
He had settled that
Unused to mounting, she Numbered
at the first attempt. and flushed in the
dark AT Bits amused chuckle. The
next instant he caught her under the
arms and. with the leverage Of her
one foot in the stirrup, set her gently
in the seat Of the saddle.
"You're such little person." he
said. these stirrups are mile too
long. Put your feet in the leather
abuve-so. Now play follow your
leader Give SilB bis head"