The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1919-04-03
Brad Merrell,
Guardian
On
(Copyrisht.)
By HERBERT H. GOODWIN

deep on Turkey Creek. The owner of
the ranch. himself temporarily brought
low by a refractory cayuse, was ex-
pecting a visitor from the EaSt-his
niece-and Brad Merrel had been told
of to act as her guide, if 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
wGman-hater This fact made it too
much for Brad.
why couldn't it hev been Paper
Collar Joe?" he demanded collectively
and fiercely of the men. as they
lOitered outside the bunkhouse He'd
hev been like high-stepper with a
new harness on. He'd sooner talk soft
to a woman than rope the IivelieSt
steer that ever bellered. But me! /
won't hey nothin' to do with her. I'll
take my time in the mornin', I'll light
out Overnight-Ill burn down the
whole ranch :"
'Now, Brad" wheeded Tom Mason.
affectiOnately known as Old Soft Soap,
by reason OF his peacemaking procliv-
ities-"nOw. Brad, jest stop an think
we've yer own nice little place up on
Turkey creek, where We kin look after
1t handy, an all plans made fer the
summer. Whut 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
ye'd only lope Ground an spend yer
wad. This tenderfoot gal II only stay
a few weeks, an itll be q 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 a liz
ard, an be afraid of her own shadow,
or she'll carry 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.
Rest! A wOmanll let man rest only
when she's been buried an has gran
lite 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
most unlam6like mien and accOuter-
ment, for his pistol-helt 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
It's disgust N being stopped at the lit
tie St1tion that raised itself above the
surrounding sea of grass. With much
comp. aiming and creaking 1t halted for
Il moment, and then its rafting links
climbed slowly up the rise
Brad looked for a mass of furbelows
and Il Saratoga trunk, but the platform
was vacant except for an ample fe-
male, standing beside bullying carpet
bag, heap Of boxes and bundles, and
a shrJuded bird cage.
'She amt come" 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 Il
veil OF grass green
can YOU tell me If Turkey Creek
ranch is anywhere near here?" she
asked
Yes, ma'am." answered Brad, awk-
wardly pulling at his hatbrim; tits
only about twenty-five miles over east.
Was We wantin' to go there?"
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, I s'pose YOU did think was a
young girl" she retorted. "No harm
done. was once, an if l amt so
good-looking as l was then. l 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 a
brilliant red and green head appeared.
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 flOridity deepened, and
finally she, too, laughed.
Pm ashamed of Polly's language.
Old Doctor Henderson told me once
that it was as bad for me, professor,
to keep u profane parrot as if | was
profane myself; but l might've had a
husband that swore. and the minister
wouldn't have wanted me to get a d.
vOrce for that. Besides, this bird is
more KNOWN and less troublesome
than any man | ever saw"
II don't mind him Swearin' at me-"
said Brad recollecting his ferocious
armament. ~ reckon | amt much of
picture"
She turned, and for the first time
dcrutinized her companion.