The state herald., 1919-11-21
Ilfssfrofions b.
IRWIN MYERS

S6N600SSSSSNSS ~ ~ ~ ~
Every good, my boy" said the man.
"That was wonderful lift. The leg
is broken-compound. Can you get
some way Of moving me to shelter7
1 will pay you WELL"
The last words were unfortunate.
Hospitality In the ranching country is
not bought and sold.
"You can't pay me nothin'." he said
rudely. "But can bring 4 light
wagon, II you can ride In that, and
put you up at the ranch. The old
mans soused," he added, as an after
thought, "but it's better than sleepln'
out. won't be long"
He was back at his horse. and In
u moment they heard the clatter Of
hoofs galloping down the hillside.
The girl rested her fathers head in
her lap. Tears made her bright eyes
brighter still.
Don't cry, Reenie." he said gently.
I'VE are very lucky to be SO close to
help. OF course I'll be laid up for
while. but It will give you a chance
to see ranch life us 1t really is." He
WINGED with pain but continued: II
fancy we shall find 1t plain and un-
veneered. What a horsemanl II
could run an automobile like he does
horse we should not be here"
Hes strong" she said. "But he's
rude"
THE best fields for muscle are often
poor schools for manners" he an
swered.
The boy was soon back with a
wagon and stretcher. He avoided
the eyes of his guests. but quickly
and gently enough he placed the in
jured man on the stretcher. II guess
you'll have to take the feet" he said.
The words were for the girl although
he did not look at her. II could
hustle him myself but 1t might hurt
'im."
But the injured man interrupted.
Il beg your pardon" he said. "that I
did not introduce my daughter. am
Doctor Hardy; this is my daughter
Irene, Mr."
"They don't call me mister" said
the boy. "Misters is scarce In these
woods. My name is Elden-Dave
Elden."
The girl came up with extended
hand. He took 1t shyly. but 1t made
him curiously bold.
'rm glad to meet you, Mr.. Eden"
she said. -
'rm glad to meet you. too." he an
swered. "Misses is scarcer than mis-.
ters In this neck o. the woods"
Carefully they lifted the injured
man into the wagon. and Dave drove
to the ranch building with an un-
wonted caution that must have caused
strange misglvings In the hearts Of
his team.
ut amt much Of place." he said.
as they pulled up at the door. II
guess you can see that for YOURSELF"
he added. with grin. You see
there's Just dad and me. and he's
soused most OF the time. and handle
lasso better'n scrubbin' brush"
He was already losing his shyness.
"Now you take the feet again. Steady !!
Look out for that barrel hoop. This
way now"
He led into the old ranch house.
kicking the door wider open with his
heel us he passed. A partition from
east to west divided the house. and
another partition from north to south
divided the northern half. In the
northeast room they set the stretcher
on the floor.
"Now." said the boy. ''rm goin' for
the doctor. It's forty miles to town.
and It'll likely be mornin' before I'm
back. but I'll sure burn the trail.
There's grub In the house. and you
won't stnrve-that is II you can cook"
(This was evidently for Irene. There
was a note In II that suggested the
girl might have her limitntions.) "Dig
into anythln' In sight And l hope
your fathers ley won't hurt very
much"
"Oh. III stand IT," said Doctor
Bardy. with some cheerfulness. ave
medical men become accustomed 10
sufrering-in other people. You are
very kind. My daughter mny remain
In this room. supposef There ID
no one clsc?'
mo one but the old man," he an.
swered. Hes asleep In the next
room. safe I'LL mornin'. I'll be back
by that time. That's my bed" indi.
cnting corner. "Mnke yourselves at
home" He lounged through the door,
md they heard his spurs clankina
across the hard earth.
The girls frst thought was for her
father. She removed his boot and
stocking. md, under his direction. silt
the leg Of his trousers nbovc the In.
Jury. II was bleeding q little. In this
large room Of the house she found d
pail Of winter. and she bathed the
wound, wiplng It with her handkcr'
chief and mingling n tear o. two with
| the wurm blood TINT drippcd fr0fn n