New Britain herald., 1921-09-06

be heard putting final. noisy touches to the supper.
 | You were sent me by some one who knew I needed help?" Glorlana put the question in the hope of obtaining as soon as possible some recommendation other than 1 personal appearance from which to consider the applicants. Nope!' answered Jasper, puffing cloudily from his pipe. Nobody sent us. We were just sitting along and dropped in to get the time of day. Baby elephant wonder told us how you were up against it for he-men. ! We allowed-Spider and me-that we might be open to a proposition in case you looked good to us. You sure do, and it aint right, noway, that delicate danes should have the run of great big ranch like this.'
 I'm running it, if that's what you mean," answered Gloriana. her man. ner offhand, although the question seemed added warning to be on guard. of course we have men to do the actual work with the horses and mules.''
 "Grub's piledi'
 Mary Ellen's triumphant announce ment cut short any further embarrass- ment.
 The response from the two. whose names probably were neither Smith nor Jones, was prompt. They were already eating by the time Gloriana took her seat at the head of the table, and Mary Ellen. the last plat ter placed, lowered herself carefully into hers.
 At meals end the guests sighed a duet of complete satisfaction, then lighted pipe and cigaret.,
 From a pocket of his worn, misfit coat one of the men drew a watch into the face of which he winked face tiously-a watch wafer-thin it was, gold-cased. expensive out of all keep ing with the wearer's general appear ance.
 Gloriana, spurred by more acute suspicion, began to think of defense. Her meaning frown, calculated to warn her ally, however, was lost upon Mary Ellen, plodding heavily kitchen ward.
 Spider, where's your manners?" the Jones person demanded. Make tracks out there and help your lady friend with the dishes. Miss Frazer and me have got business to chin over"
 The slim tramp did not look overly pleased at the assignment, but opened no question of obedience. He fol-, lowed the pleased giggle of the cook.
 ''Well?" demanded Gloriana- in censed anew by the mana geriaI air of Jones and the familiarity of his stare, doubtless meant to be propi- tiating.
 I've decided for Spider and me-" +, T your good looks and several other considerations. we'll settle down and help you out
 He laughed throatily at this con- clusion, evidently considering it quip. So pleased was he with him. self that he did not notice the change which had darkened Gloriana's face. Before she could bring him to book for his insolence, however. there came interruptions from the kitchen.
 Here. you!" wheczed Mary Ellen's voice. Leave go of mel"
 There followed the thud of a blow The chatter of broken china upon the floor told with what it had been struck.
 Springing to her feet, Gloriana rushed for the opening in the parti- tion, but did not gain it. Unfor- tunately Sne passed Wllflln TedcH ol Jasper Jones.
 She felt one shoulder seized in a glip that hurt. Surprise and the around. The next second the thugs free arm closed around her and she was drawn into a hideous embrace.
 The scar on the face, pressed close against hers, seemed to be soaring her own check as she struggled vain ly with all her strength.
 There could be no doubt that this uncouth stranger, this road-runner, meant to make good his threat actuSly to kiss her.
 The fingers of her hand, natures leadiest weapon, drew into claw. With all her strength rushing to their tips, she drove her nails into his cheek. A wrist strengthened by years of roping drew the claw downward. Blood began to ooze from the fur rows in the loose flesh.
 With a below of pain, Jag" re- leased her and sprang back out of reach.
 You damned wildcat! I'll choke the breath out of"
 His threat ended in a gurgle not from inc smart of scratches. A third eye glared at him-this the black one of a gun. round, open, an invitation to prayer.
 Gloriana's backward step was not in retreat, but to give her room for free aim.
 Down, you horned-toad-get down on the floor where you belong!"
 Have heart, lady pleaded Jones, dabbing at his cheek with a hand kerchief. ''I was only joshing, like I've done before with many and many's the girl I wasn't meaning to do anything if you really didn't" Crook your knees,' The automatic repeated its invita- tion to prayer.
 Converted to its will, he sank. You've spoiled my looks for life. Ain't you satisfied ?" he whimpered. Now" she ordered, "af1tten out on