The Pulaskian., 1919-02-21
Brad Merrell,
Guardian
Ga@D
lCopyrightl
By HERBERT H. GOODWIN


deception Turkey Creek. The owner Of
the ranch, himself temporarily brought
low by a refractory cayuse, was ex-
pecting visi or from the East-his
nieee-and Brad Merrell had been told
off to act as her guide, if not phlloso-
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 it too
much for Brad
"Why couldn't it hev been Paper
Collar Joe?" he demanded collectively
and iiercely of the men, as they
loitered outside the bunkhoHse. He'd
hey been like a high-stepper with
new harness on. He'd sooner talk soft
to a woman than rope the liveliest
steer that ever belered But me! |
won't hev nothin' ter do with her. I'll
take my time in the mornn', I'll light
out overnight-I'll burn down the
whole ranch !"
Nov. Brad" wheedled Tom Mason.
affectionately known as Old Soft Soap,
by reason of his peacemaking procliv-
itles-'now, Brad, jest stop an think.
Ye've yer own nice little place up on
Turkey creek. where We kin look after
it handy, an all plans made fer the
summer. Whit would We do with the
rest of the season eff We take yer time
now? Yer place is rented, it's too late
to get taken on anywhere else. an
we'd only iope Ground an spend yer
wad. This tenderfoot gal II only stay
a few weeks. an it'll 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 a man rest only
when she's been buried an has a gran
tie monument over her,"
Old Soft Soap prevailed. however,
in the end. Next morning Brad start
ed for the railroad, as lamb begins
its journey to the SHAMELESS, yet with
a most unlambIike mien and accouter-
ment, for his pistol-belt and dirk, his
leathern chaps and rakish sombrero,
proclaimed him 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 ereaking it halted for
Il moment, and then its rafting links
climbed slowly UP the rise.
Brad looked for a mass of furbelows
and Saratoga trunk, but the platform
was vacant except for an ample fe-
male, standing beside hulging carpet
bag, heap of boxes and bundles, and
a shrouded bird cage.
"She amt Gomez muttered Brad,
his skies frightening.
The ample figure bore down upon
him like a ship under sail. 1t was sur
mounted by pleasant face of florid
complexion, beneath broad hat and
veil of grass green.
Can you tell me if 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 wantin' to go there?'s
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" ex-
claimed Brad ''Why, l thought" he
checked himself suddenly.
YES, spose you did think was a
young girl" she retorted. NO harm
done. l was once, an if I amt SO
good-looking as l was then, know a
heap more. If you've come for me,
don't let's lose any time, but help me
get my baggage loaded, an well be
startin'."
The cage cover fell apart. and
uttliiult lSu anu green Hedu dpp6dIeU.
1t cooked itself impertinently on one
side, one beady eye looked Brad over
from head to foot, and a high-pitched,
energetic voice CALCULATED:
you be blamed ~
For the first time the bewildered
look on the mans face relaxed, and a
grin spread over his bronzed features.
The woman's foridity deepened, and
finally she. too. laughed.
I'm ashamed of Polly's language.
Old Doctor Henderson told me once
that it was as bad for me, professor,
to keep profane parrot as If l was
profane myself; but might've had a
husband that swore. and the minister
wouldn't have wanted me to get a di-
vorce for that Besides, this bird is
more KNOWN and less troublesome
than any man | ever saw"
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