American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1919-03-14
Brad Merrell,
Guardian
co

BY HERBERT H. GOODWIN

dee on turkey creek. Inc ONheI VI
the ranch, himself temporarily brought
low by a refractory cayuse, was eX-
pecting q visitor from the East-hls
niece-and Brad Merrell had been told
off 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
woman-hater. This fact made it TOO
much for Brad.
"Why couldn't It hev been Paper
Collar Joe?' he demanded collectively
and tiercely of the men. as they
loitered outside the clubhouse. He'd
hev been like a high-stepper with a
new harness on. He'd sooner talk soft
to a woman than rope the liveliest
steer that ever bellered. But me!
won't hev nothin' to do with her. I'll
take my time in the mornin', I'll light
ont overnight-I1l burn down the
whole ranch"
Now, Brad" wheedled Tom Mason,
aff%ectionately known as Old Soft Soap,
by reason of his peacemaking procliv-
ities-'nOw, Brad, jest stop an think.
Ye've yer own nice little place up on
Turkey creek, where We kin look after
II 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 it'll be a rest fer
ye-"
REST - beloved Brad. "Restl 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 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.
Rest A womanil let a man rest only
when she's been buried an has a gran
lite monument over her."
Old Soft Soap. prevailed, however,
in the end. Next morning Brad start
ed for the railroad, as a lamb begins
Its journey to the SHAMELESS, yet with
q most unlamblike mien and %accouter-
ment, for his pistol-belt and dirk, his
leathern "chaps" and rakish sOmbrero,
proclaimed him a bad man." indeed,
The Overland Limited was late, and
the engine seemed to pun and whistle
it's disgust Mt being stopped at the lit
tie station that raised itself above the
surrounding sea Of grass. With much
complaining and creaking 1t halted for
a moment, and then Its rafting links
climbed slowly up the rise.
Brad looked for a mass of furbelOws
and a Saratoga trunk, but the platform
was vacant except for an ample fa-
male, standing beside a bullying carpet
bag, a heap Of boxes and bundles, and
a shrouded 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 a pleasant face of ford
complexion, beneath a broad hat and q
veil Of grass green.
Can you tell me II Turkey Crec+,
ranch Is anywhere near here?' she
asked.
Yes, ma'am," answered Brad, awk.
wardly pulling at his hatbrim; "ft's
only about twenty-five miles over east
Was We wantin' to go there?"
That's what | came for" she re.
piled promptly. I'm Orphelia Gordon
an I've ONE to VISIT my uncle, JOIN
Taylor"
"Ye're Orph-MIss Gordon" ex.
claimed Brad. why, thought" he
checked himself suddenly.
yes, ! s'pose you did think | was q
young girl" she retorted. mo harm
done. | was once, an If amt sc
goodiooking as | was then, | know q
heap more. II 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, n q
brilliant red and green head appeared
II cooked Itself impertinently on on,
side, one beudy eye looked Brad ovei
from head to foot. and a high pitched
energetic voice calculated:
you be blamed :"
For the first time the bewlldereC
look IN the mans face relaxed. and :
grin spread over his bronzed features
The wOman's fioridity ~deepened, anc
finally she, too. laughed.
Tn ashamed of Polly's language
Old Doctor Henderson told me ono,
that II was as bad for me. a professor
to keep a profane parrot as If I wa.
profane myself but | might've had 4,
husband that swore. and the minister
|, wouldn't have wanted me to ger a di
vorce for that. Besides. this bird /,
more KNOWN and less troublesom,
: than any man ! ever saw"
Il don't mind him swearin' AT me
said Brad, recollecting his ~ferociou.
armament. II reckon | amt much o.
q picture"
She turned. and for the first tim,