The Holbrook news., 1921-04-29

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 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 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 close at hand had a vague glimpse of 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, "our 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 preIiminaries. 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.i 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 deae," lie protested. 'I merely labored with you and urged this upon you as the better course. 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. impatient Iy, her bosom rising and falling tu- 
 And I've got to choose which one I'd rather marry?"
 "Well, yes, that is the idea crudely Not that you are com pelled in any way; only we feel 1t highly desirable; that-well, perhaps [ may say, it is the will of God that you make some such choice"
 Her eyes wandered up and down he shrinking line, resting calmly on 'ace after face. If she felt any humor n the situation, there was no expres- sion of it visible. She retained an ap- 1earance of sullen indifference, which vas almost insolent
 "There ain't no more of 'em?"
 "No; this is all."
 And I got to pick from these?"
 The preacher nodded his head, as he glanced inquiringly in his direc- ion. The pent-up breath came in a igh from between her lips.
 "Well, if I've got to, have, I SUD- ,ose, and, so far as I can see. 1t don't | nake no difference. I'll take the fel- ow sittin' over there on the window; he one with the pink shirt"
 Shelby was upon his feet instantly, o thoroughly startled by this sudden Ienouement as to scarcely find words.
 ''But say, hold on I"i he exclaimed xcitedly. T don't belong to this lunch; don't even live in Ponca. I ust came along to help out"
 The girl looked from face to face n bewilderment, which, judging from he expression of her eyes, was al- eady verging on anger.
 "What does the man mean?" she sked hurriedly of the preacher, who