The Pulaskian., 1920-12-23

proposition rather appealed to the ma jority, who saw in 1t q chance for some unusual fun and excitement, with only a vague probability of being caught. Shelby slipped in word.
 "Pll bet five to one," he said quietly, sthat she turns down the whole gang"
 "Ter h-l she will Not after she gets one glimpse O Cowan. She'll think he owns the town"
 "That's it, boys! Come on, you fellers; the bunch O us don't run no risk. She'll copper on Cowan an if she misses him them sideburns O Ar chibald's will sure get her goat"
 'Is this we're two thousand a sure thingT It was Cowan who asked somewhat anxiously. ''It ain't got no string tied to it?"
 A yell greeted the question, punctu- ated with various remarks.
 'sTal1in' it seriously, old man?"
 "Goin' to start an opposition store?~
 'T 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 surging forward indi- cative of readiness. Evidently the proposition had caught on, and the bunch was eager to learn the result.
 Lead us to 1t, Mac,' someone cried gayly, "gittin' married is my long suit"
 "All right, boys" and Mccarthy glanced at his watch. "I reckon the preacher ought ter have her ready for the delegation by this time. How about it, 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 it 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 gleam of q 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 rapped on the closed door. The preach CT opened it, his round face beaming benignantly in the glare of the single oil-lamp within, his bulk absolutely blocking the entrance. Beyond, those the girl, who stood back against the wall, staring toward them with wide open eyes. The Buffalo Gap man smiled blandly in welcome, impressed by the number of faces he saw, and stepped heavily aside.
 Come right in, gentlemen" he ex- claimed, gesturing impressively with one hand tour accommodations are not extensive, as you will perceive, yet ample, I trust. Just circle about the wall thereto the left, please. You have explained the circumstances, Mir. McCarthy?"
 Sure"
 "Very well, then" his voice assum- ing soothing tone. "We need waste no unnecessary time in preliminaries. I have very frankly laid the entire matter before the young lady and have finally convinced her of the righteous ness of our purpose. Do fitly express your state of mind, my child?"
 She lifted her eyes slightly, red flush burning on either cheek.
 q suppose. so; that's what you told me to say"
 Shelby, slipping in through the door last of all, had found a precarious seat on the sill of the window, where he had full view of the room His glance wandered appreciatingly along that solemn line of men backed up rigidly against the wall. They were an odd-looking bunch, crowded to- gether under the glare of the oil-lamp the most of them roughly dressed and unshaven and all of them visibly em- barrassed and a little ashamed. The girl stood alone Just before them and to Shelby she appeared younger and far better looking than in the after noon. She would have been almost pretty but for the pathetic droop at the corners of her mouth and the re- bellious, sullen look In her eyes. The preacher spread his hands in .disap- probation of her remark.
 "Oh, no my dear" he protested. "T merely labored with you and urged this upon you as the better course I even made it the subject of prayer that we might be divinely guided. It is now a matter entirely for your own decision"
 She looked from him to the row of breathless men facing her, inpatient ly, her bosom rising and failing tu- multously.
 And I've got to choose which one I'd rather marry?"
 "Well, yes, that is the idea crudely ovnraccaI Mot thof yof, ora cnun-