The Dolores star., 1918-01-18

and Marthy's gift Of money would have
been Q tragedy, and 20 selfish In mother
love sometimes that she would have
accepted the gift even II she had known
what II cost the giver.
At eighteen, then. Billy Louise knew
some things not taught by the wide
plains and the Wild hills around her.
She was not spoiled by her little learn
Ing, which was . good thing. And
when her father died tragicaIly be-
meath an overturned load of poles from
the mountain at the head Of the can
yon Billy Louise came home. The Billy
Of her tried to take bis place and the
Louise OF her attempted to take care
Of her mother, who was united both
by nature and habit to take care Of her
self. Which was, after all, . rather
big thing for any one to attempt
Jase began to complain OF having
"all gone" feelings during the winter
after Billy Louise came home ana took
up'the whole burden Of the Wolverine
ranch. He complained to Billy Louise
when she rode over one clear, sunny
day in January. He said that he was
getting old, which was perfectly true.
and that he was not as ablebodied as
he might be and didn't expect to last
much longer. Billy Louise spoke Of it
to Marthy, and Marthy snorted.
"He's ablebodied enough at meal
times, I notice." she retorted. "I've
heard that tune ever since / knowed
him. He can't fool mel
Jnse maundered in at that moment,
and Marthy turned and glared at Jase
with what Billy Louise considered a
perfectly uncalled for animosity. In
reality, Marthy was cpvertly looking
for visible symptoms Of the all-gone-
ness. She shut her harsh lips together
tightly at what she saw. Jase certain
ly was puffy under his watery, pink
trimmed eyes, and the withered cheeks
above his thin CRAVING beard really did
have pasty gray look.
"D'you turn them calves out into the
corral?" she demanded, her voice hard
er because Of her secret uneasiness.
~ was goin' to, but the winds
changed into the north, n I thought
mebby you wouldn't want 'em out"
Jase turned back aimlcssly to the door.
His voice was getting cracked and
husky, and the deprecating note dom
mated pathetically all that he said.
you'll have to face the wind goin'
home." he said to Billy Louise. "More'n
likely you'll be facin' snow too. Looks
bad or that way"
You go on and turn them calves
outw Marthy commanded him harshly.
Billy Louise amt goin' home IL it
storms. sh'd think you'd know
enough to know that"
"Oh, but I'll have to 60 anyway"
the girl interrupted. "Mommie can't
be there alone; she'd worry herself to
death If l didn't show up by dark.
She worries about every little thing
since daddy died. ought to have gone
before-or I oughtn't to have come.
But she was worrying about you, Mar
thy. She hadn't seen or heard of you
for a month, and she was afraid you
might be sick or something. Why
don't you get some one to stay with
you? think you ought to-" She look
ed toward the door, which Jase had
should-get sick or anything
"Jase amt goin' to git SICK" Mar
thy retorted glumly. "Yuh don't want
to let him worry yuh, Billy Louise. If
I'd worried every time he yowled
around about being sick I'd be dead or
crazy by now. dunno but maybe
I'll have somebody to help with the
work, though" she added after a pause,
during which she had swiped the dish
rag around the sides of the pan once
or twice and had opened the door and
thrown the water out beyond the door
step like the sloven she was. Il got u
nephew that wants to come out. He's
been in a bank, but he's quit and wants
to git on to a ranch. I dunno but I'll
have him come in the spring."
DO" urged Billy Louise, perfectly
unconscious Of the potentialities Of the
future. II hate to think of you two
down here alone. 1 don't suppose any
one ever comes down here except me
and that isn't often"
"Nobody's got any call to come
down." said Marthy stolidly. '4They
sure amt going to come for our COM
p'ny, and there amt nothing else to
bring 'em." n&'.-
well, there aren't many to come,
you know" laughed Billy Louise, shak-
ing out the dish towel and spreading
it over two nails, as she did at home.
I'm your nearest neighbor, and I've
got six miles to ride-against the wind
at that. / think I'd better start. We've
got half breed doing chores for us,
but he has to be looked after or he
neglects things. I'll not get another
chance to come very soon, I'm afraid.
Mommie hates to have me ride around
much in the winter. You send for that
nephew right away, why don't you,
Marthy?" 1t was like Billy Louise to
mix command and entreaty together.
Really, don't think Jase looks bit
welL.''
"a good strong steepin' Of sage II