The Red Cloud chief., 1920-12-09

IOrlty, who saw In 1t a chance for some
unusual fun and excitement, with only
a vague probability Of being caught.
Shelby slipped In word.
"I'll bet five to one. She said quietly.
that she turns down the whole gang"
"Ter HI she viii. Not after she
gets one glimpse o. CoSan. She'll
think he owns the town"
''Thats 1t, boys! Come on, you
fellers; the bunch o us don't run no
risk. She'll copper on COwan an IL
she misses him them sIdeburns o. Ar
chlbald's will sure get her goat"
as this we're two thousand sure
thingY II was Cowan who asked
somewhat anxiously. ut amt got no
string tied to tn"
A yell greeted the question, punc.u-
ated with various remarks.
"Takin' 1t seriously, old MANI"
"GOIn' to start an opposition store?"
~ guarantee the sum-" said Nc
Carthy. "every last cent Of 1t. Who
ever the girl chooses. when he marries
her. I'll pay him the money. That's
fiat an you boys know whose talking"
There was a surging forward indl-
cative OF readiness. Evidently the
proposition had caught on. and the
bunch was eager to learn the result.
LEAD us to It, Mac" someone cried
gayly. "gittin' married is my long
suit"
"All right. boys" and Mccarthy
glanced at his watch. 81 reckon the
preacher ought ter have her ready for
the delegation by this time. How
about 1t. TOm?"
They moved slowly out. jostling
each other. and indulging In horse
play and rude jokes. none taking the
affair seriously, but eager to learn how
1t would terminate.
Mccarthy led the way. directly
across the main street. and down the
path past the dance hall, which by
this time was In full blaze. Beyond
they were plunged into darkness, but
could see ahead of them the faint
CLEAN OF a light through the window
Of Calkins' shack. One or two sought
to drop out. but Shelby collared them
promptly, so that the entire bunch
finally lined up behind Mccarthy as he
raped on the closed door. The preach
er opened 1t, his round face beaming
benignantly In the glare Of the single
oil-lamp within, his bulk absolutely
blocking the entrance. Beyond. those
close at hand had vague glimpse of
the girl, who stood back against the
| wall. staring toward them with wide
open eyes. The Buffalo Gap man
H smiled blandly In welcome, impressed
y by the number Of faces he saw, and
stepped heavily aside.
4 "COme right in, gentlemen" he ex-
claimed, gesturing impressively with
one hand. "our accommodations are
not extensive. Us you will perceive,
n yet ample, I trust. Just circle about
! the wall thereto the left, please
You have explained the circumstances
\ Mr.. Mccarthy"
y "Sure."
every well, then" his voice assum
ing a soothing tone. 1--WE need waste
no unnecessary time In preliminaries
have very frankly laid the entire
matter before the young lady and have
finally convinced her Of the righteous
ness Of our purpose. Do fifty express
r your state Of mind. my child?"
She lifted her eyes slightly, RET
flush burning on either cheek.
81 suppose so; that's what you tolt
me to say"
Shelby, slipping in through the doc
y last of all. had found a precariou
! seat on the sill Of the window. where
he had a full view of the room. Hi
glance wandered appreciatingly alon,
u that solemn line of men backed III
y rigidly against the wall. They wer
n an Odd-Iooklng bunch, crowded to
y gether under the glare Of the Oil-lamr
u the most Of them roughly dressed ant
unshaven and all OF them visibly EN-
II barrassed and little ashamed. TIL
n girl stood alone just before them an
It to Shelby she appeared younger an
p far better looking than In the after
r, noon. She would have hecn almOs
a pretty but for the pathetic droOp a
n the corners Of her mouth and the RI
y bellious. sullen look In her eyes. TIL
e preacher spread his hands In disaI
TO probation of her remark.
y ooh. no, my dear" he protested
81 merely labored with you and urge
10 this upon you as the better course.
lp even made It the subject Of praye
10 that we might be dIvinely guided.
d. Is now a matter entirely for your Ow
* decision"
She looked from him to the row {
breathless men facing her, impatien
~. her bosom rising and falling t
We multously.
Is sand I've got to choose which or
p" I'd rather marryr'
ut swell, yes, that Is the idea crude
expressed. Not that you are cor
N. PEELED In any way; only we feel
y" highly desirable; that--well. perhal
We I may say. It is the will Of God TIL