New Britain herald., 1921-09-07

whip. In a flash or anger she refuses to sell to him.
 | The surveyor sent one of his amia : ble smiles Gloriana's way. Tt would seem that I called the turn when I spoke of all your in- vited guests. This is some party" He was looking at Floriana medi- tatively.
 Tt was stupied of me not to recog- nize you at once. Truth is, I didn't t appreciate who you really were until after you had gone. I'd been ex- pecting you for some time. But that anon"
 Philomena's voice, raised in com paint. demanded attention. Thought I was bringing the party. deary. But, helIs fire and brim- stone, we're too late arriving, Still, you can make room for another or two. I feel sort of responsible for this guest as how I made him come'' T can't think of any one more welcome than MT. Timothy Rudd.'' Glory said pleasantly.
 "Welcome?"
 Welcome. yes: you heard me-" re- iterated Glorjana. You see, his ar rival saves me a whole lot of exertion. It really is a great relief. Now I won't have to ride into Rabbit Ear to settle this ranch misunderstanding. We can close our deal right here"
 The trader was the first to speak hut not until after he had cast a hesi- tant glance into the corner where the discounted thugs were making them selves as inconspicuous as possible.
 I'm ready to talk turkey-as we say in Missouri-any time you are, Miss Frazer. Hoped to find you alone. but don't mind witnesses if you don't. Let's sit down and thresh out our little spat in a friendly spirit. letting bygones be bygones."
 And sleeping dogs lie. I suppose" burst from Seth Gilson, unable longer to restrain some comment at the horse-bully's effrontery.
 A bristling invective from Philo- mena carried the same double mean ing.
 Yes. let's sit down-a good sug- gestion.' The young boss seemed obviously complacent. We have lot to talk over. but first. I'd like to hear Menas report"
 Scorning a chair. Philomena plant ed herself against the wall. One arm she va to rest upon one hip. The other. with revolver dangling, she held free for gesticulation.
 The first I knowed that something unusual was doing hereabouts," she began. was when I come acrost couple of saddle-dressed nags hid out in that aspen thicket just beyond Rip pie Creek. I never thought of the missing riders troubling Glory and Mary Ellen, calculating they was off scouting the lay of the market band for some chap-flapping stampede. or other devilment. So I cached Flame and laid for their return. My stomach was getting out of patience with my mouth when all to onct I seen this hombre-"
 Her gun-point indication of Rudd caused his whole body to squirm so noticeably that he could steady it only by clutching the seat of his chair on both sides.
 The forewoman smiled her gratifi- cation and continued:
 The minute I seen this here man from the showme state, riding like he was on a sneak and looking for something that"
 "I was looking for a trail to the ranch house, interrupted the horse trader indig nantly. I'd lost my way trying to make short cut as you very well known, hyena. Didn't I tell you exactly"
 shut up! Who's making this dod- sasted report. you or me?" Mena in- tcrrupted In turn. Say. folks, I nearly scared him offen his saddle when I stepped out with a pressing invite to lift his hands He looked and talked and acted sc suspicious to me that I brought him in and them other horses, too. never thinking I was coming to a love-feast And that's my first report and my last if ] I drop dead the next Philomena was destined not to fin- ish the oath.
 And they said this was no-man's ranch."
 The commen,--the first from either of the stranded derclicts since the party had svel!ad in rumbers-issued gruffly from Jazz Jones.