The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1918-05-02
whats that horse doing heref" de-
nanded De Spain cOldly.

DSAOiC ohcVChih6s thC OaAh OOoc
eyed De Spain very carefully to see
how the wind was setting, for the
pony's presence confessed an infrac-
ton Of a very particular rule. "YOu
see." he began, cooking at his strict
boss from below his ~visorless cap a
questioning Scotch eye, II like to keep
on good terms with hat Morgan gang.
Some Of them can be very ugly. That
little pony is Nan Morgan's."
whats her horse doing hereT
asked De Spain.
McAlpin made even the most incon-
s%equential approaches TO a statement
with a keen and questioning glance.
1.-THE girl went up to the Cat on the
early stage, sir. She's coming back
this afternoon"
what is she riding away over here
to Calabasas for to take the stage, in
stead of riding straight into Sleepy
Cat?"
Once more McAlpin eyed him care
fully. "The girls been SICK"
"SickT
"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 Doc Torpy-that's the
way of 1t. There's a nice girl, sir
in a bunch o ruffians, I know-though
old Duke, she lives with, he amt a
half-bad man except for too many
cards. l used to work for him-but
| call her a 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. l can't really say
I know her. Anything sick, Jim?"
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. Not so much as a sore hoof In
either alley, Mr.. De Spain. l try to
take care Of them, sir"
what are we paying you, JimT
"Twenty-seven a week, sir; pretty
heavy work at that"
wei try to make 1t thirty-two after
this week."
McAlpin touched his cap. THANK
you kindly, sir, I'm sure. It comes
high to live out here, Mr.. de Spain"
What did you say" asked De Spain
indlfferently, had been the matter with
Nan Morgan?" Her name seemed a
whole mouthful to speak, so fearful
was he of betraying interest.
"Why, l really didn't say, sir. And
l don't know. But from what she says,
and the way she coughs, I'm thinking
1t 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 o
presenting itself. Circumstance
seemed at last to favor him, and T.
looked at his watch. The d""n sf"
bringing Nan back would ~" Ga'
less than an hour.
"Jim." he said thoug;-if 'you
are doing the right thing in showing
some goodwill toward the Morgans."
"Now. I'm glad you think that. sir"
You know | unintentionally rubbed
their backs the wrong way in dragging
SaSSOOn out"
They're jealous of their power, l
know-very Jealous"
This seems the chance TO show that
l have nc 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 In" 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"
1.-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-understand?" McAlpin, with
clearing wits, nodded more than once.
mo fault Of mine; 1t just happened
SC. And she may not at first take
kindly to the idea of going with me-"
II see."
but she ought to do it. She will
be tired-it's a long. dusty ride for a
well woman. let alone one that has
been ILL.,"
$50 1t is, so 1t Isl"
De Spain looked now shamelessly at
mis- 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
a few days-get it?"
McAlpin half closed his eyes. Hell
be so lame 1t would stagger a cowboy
to back him ten feet-and never be
hurt a mite. neither. Trust mel"
IF she insists on riding something.
or ever walking home" continued De
Spain dubiously, for he felt instinc-
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