The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1918-02-22

and Marthy's gift of money would ha'
been a tragedy, and so selfish is moth
love sometimes that she would ha'
accepted the gift even If she had know
what 1t cost the giver.
AT eighteen, then, Billy Louise kne
some things not taught by the wit
plains and the wild hills around he
she was not spoiled by her little lear
ing, which was a good thing. AL
when her father died tragically b
meath an overturned load of poles fro
the mountain at the head of the ca
yon Billy Louise came home. The Bill
Of her tried to take his place and Il
Louise of her attempted to take ca
Of her mother, who was unified DO
10y nature and habit to take care of he
self. Which was, after all, a rath
big thing for any one to attempt.
Jase began to complain Of havil
"all gone" feelings during the whit
after Billy Louise came home and to,
up the whole burden of the Wolveri
ranch. He complained to Billy Loui
when she rode over one clear, sum
day In January. He said that he w
getting old, which was perfectly trl
and that he was not as ablebodied
he might be and tidn't expect to +
much longer. Billy Louise spoke o
to Marthy, and Maithy snorted.
"He's ablebodied enough at M
times, / notice." she retOrted. ID
heard that tune ever since l know
him. He can't fool me-"
Jase maundered in at that NOM
and Marthy turned and glared at j
with what Billy Louise cOnsidere.
perfectly uncalled for luminosity.
reality, Marthy was covertly lool
for visible symptoms Of the all-gf
ness. She shut her harsh lips toget
tightly at what she saw. Jase cert
ly was puffy under his watery, 1
trimmed eyes, and the withered che
, above his thin grazing beard really
have pasty gray look.
"D'you turn them calves out into
corral?" she demanded, her voice b
, er because of her secret uneasinesI !
81 was goin' to, but the wiz
changed into the north, n I thot
mebby you wouldn't want 'em G
Jase turned back aimlcssly to the q
His voice was getting cracked
husky, and the deprecating note d !
mated pathetically all that he s
you'll have to face the wind 6
home" he said to Billy Louise. "Mo
likely you'll be facin' snow too. LIZ
bad off that way"
you go on and turn them ca
outw Marthy commanded him hars
BILLY Louise amt goin' home 1
storms. 1 sh'd think you'd k
enough to know that"
"Oh, but I'll have to go anywyS
the girl interrupted. "Mommie G.
be there alone; she'd worry herself
death If 1 didn't show up by d.
She worries about every little I'll
since daddy died. ought to have &
before-or ! oughtn't to have co
But she was worrying about you, n
thy. She hadn't seen or heard OF I
for a month, and she was afraid :.
might be sick or something. w
don't you get some one to stay VI
you? think you ought to-" She ID
ed toward the door, which Jase
closed upon his departure. IF !
should-get sick or anything X
"Jase amt goin' to git sick" n
thy retorted glumly. "Yuh do t "
to let him worry yuh, Billy LIZ ise.
I'd worried every time he yowl
around about being sick I'd be dead
crazy by now. l dunno but NAV
III have somebody TO help with I
work, though" she added after pau
during which she had swiped the di
rag around the sides Of the pan OF
or twice and had opened the door a
thrown the water out beyond the do
step like the sloven she was. II go
nephew that wants TO come out. ii
been In a bank, but he's quit and wal
to git on to ranch. l dunno but
have him come in the spring."
DO" urged Billy Louise, perfec
unconscious of the potentialities of
future. II hate to think of you t
down here alone. l don't suppose q
one ever comes down here except m
and that isn't often"
"Nobody's got any call to CO
down." said Marthy stolidly. "rf
sure amt going to come for our CO
p'ny, and there amt nothing else
bring 'em."
"Well, there aren't many to cor
you know" laughed Billy Louise, sh'
ing out the dish towel and spreads
1t over two nails. as she did at hor
I'm your nearest neighbor, and /
got six miles to ride-against the wi
ut that. i think I'd better start. We
got q half breed doing chores for
but he has to be looked after or
neglects things. I'll not get anotl
chance to come very soon, I'm afra
Mommie hates to have me ride arou
much in the winter. You send for Il
nephew right away, why don't y
MarthyT 1t was like Billy Louise
mix command and entreaty togeth
"RaalIy, done think Jase looks a
| we'll"