The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1919-09-18
Brad Merrell,
Guardian
By HERBERT H. GOODWIN.
(Copyright.)

tie rdncn, nlmSel1 temporarily brought
low by 4 refractory csyuse. was ex-
pecting visitor from the East-his
niece-and Brad MerrelI had been told
on to act as her guide, II not philoso-
pher and friend.
Brad was the steadiest man on the
ranch. This fact was enough for his
employer. He was also the worst
woman-hater. This fact made IL too
much for Brad.
"Why couldn't It hev been Paper
Collar Joe?" he demanded collectively
and iercely OF the men. as they
loitered outside the clubhouse. He'd
hev been like high-stepper with
new harness on. He'd sooner talk soft
TO woman than rope the Iiyeliest
steer that ever bellerei. But me- I
won't hev nothin' to do with her. I'll
take my time in the mornin'. I'll light
out oyernight-I1l burn down the
whole ranch 70
Now. Brad" wheedled Tom Mason,
| af1ectionately known as Old Soft Soap,
by reason of his peacemaking procliv-
|
we've yer own nice little place up on
Turkey creek. where ye kin look after
II handy, an all plans made fer the
summer. Whut would We do with the
rest Of the season ef We take yer time
now? Yer place is rented, it's too late
to get taken on anywhere else. an
ye'd only lope Ground an spend yer
wad. This tenderfoot gal II only stay
few weeks, an itll be a rest fer
ye-"
REST :" beloved Brad Rest It'll
wreck every nerve In my carcass.
She'll be one of two kinds; she'll
either squeal every time she sees liz
ard, an be afraid of her own shadow.
or she'll carry a blamed tin box fer
bugs an things. She'll either gush
Ground about me bein' so picturesque
or she'll be shocked at my language
an my pipe, an try TO reform me.
Resti A woman1l let man rest only
when she's been buried an has a gran
lite monument over heri"
Old Soft Soap prevailed, however,
in the end. Next morning Brad start
ed for the railroad. as lamb begins
its journey to the shambles, yet with
q most unlamblike mien and accouter-
ment, for his pistol-belt and dirk. his
leathern chaps" and rakish sombrefo.
proclaimed him 4 bad man." indeed.
The Overland Limited was late, and
the engine seemed to puff and whistle
its disgust at being stopped at the lit
tie station that raised itself above the
surrounding sea Of grass With much
complaining and creaking Ii halted for
a moment, and then Its rafting links
climbed slowly up the rise.
Brad looked for q mass of furbelows
and a Saratoga trunk. but the platform |
was vacant except for an ample fe- |
male. standing beside bullying carpet |
bag. a heap OF boxes and bundles. and |
4 shrouded bird cage.
"She amt come" muttered Brad. |
his skies Frightening.
The ample figure bore down upon
him like ship under sail. II was sur
mounted by a pleasant face of ford
complexion. beneath 4 broad hat and 4
veil Of grass green.
Can you tell me II Turkey Greek
ranch is anywhere near here" she
asked.
yes, ma'am." answered Brad. awk-
wardly pulling at his hatbrim; ''it's
only about twenty-five miles over east.
Was We wsntin' to 90 thereT
That's what l came for" she re-
piled promptly. I'm Orphelia Gordon.
an I've come to visit my uncle. John
Taylor"
'Ye're Orph-Miss Gordon" e1-
claimed Brad why. thought" he
checked himself suddenly.
"Yes. l s'pose you did think was a
young girl" she retorted. mo harm
done. | was once, an II amt so
good Hooking as 1 was then. l know a
heap more. Y you've come for me,
don't let's lose any time, but help me
get my baggage loaded, an Wen be
startin'."
The cage cover fell apart. and a
brilliant red and green head appeared.
Il cooked itself impertinently on one
side, one beady eye looked Brad over
rom head to foot, and high-pitched.
energetic voice calculated:
"You be blamed y
For the first time the bewildered
ook on the mans face relaxed, and a
-rin spread over his bronzed features.
The woman's fioridity deepened. and |
inally she, too. laughed.
I'm ashamed of Polly's language.
Did Doctor Henderson told me once
hat II WAS as bad for me. professor.
O keep a profane parrot as If l was
,rofane myself. but | might've had a
husband that swore. and the minister
wouldn't have wanted me TO get d.
orce for that. Besides, this bird is
more knowin' and less troublesome
ban any man I ever saw"
81 don't mind him swearin' at me-"
aid Brad. reeolleciing his ferocious
rrnament. II reckon / amt much Of
picture"
She turned. and for the FIRST time
crutinized her companion.
'Landr she said reassuringly.