The Washington herald., 1922-01-01

It looks pretty rough and tousled," he
said. indicating the big room. I'm seeing Il
through your eyes. and I'd no idea Il was
quite 90 awful. But you viii know Whist it
needs, When you're ready III give you . few
Of the boys and you can hold little roundup
in here"
But Helen was not noticing the room. Her
eyes were upon Lanhan, bright with wonder.
Booted and clothed for the saddle, he seemed
to be even broader Of shoulder and taller BY
inches. In gray dosskin brooches end soft
leather vest edged with = marrow hand of In.
dian beadwork. dull blue scarf kaotted
loosely about his throat and siiversd spurs at
his heels. he seemed to have regalned his
native element The 1.-the power and gentle,
dominant poise Of the man stood forth with
touch Of primitive splendor. She had not
thought Of him a. handsome until this mo-
msnt
Feeling her gaze upon him. he glanced
down At his boots and explained: -I'vs bssa
trying out q horse wired Lee TO break In for
you. After breakfast wen So ySu are
pleased with him. There II a little butte three
miles from here where would ike ysu To
meet Arizona"
II feel that am just meeting yeu,- Helen
answered. II wonder II I. too, can ever be-
long like THAR
The following day Helen hsld her roundup.
She could wait no longer to lay her hands
upon the possibilities OF the big room with its
Navajo rugs and its general spirit Of frontier
homeliness and rugged comfort. The boys
came at Lanham's command. shy and blum.
derins before the sweet voice and laughing
dark eyes OF the little herd boss" Their
embarrassment took the form Of Wild eyed
plunging rushes to do her will They seized
upon furniture or swept up indiscriminate
armfuls Of anything looss At the mere point
ing Of her finger, and hurtled into one an
other IN mad dashes for the door and versnda
with their burdens.
With quick intuition Helen promptly called
them by their first names and with . com
radely touch that 1t once relieved feeling Of
tension and dread the men had been under
since the receipt Of Lanhams telegram.
Deity she drove them with . arm hand and
lured them from their shells with q winsome
gayety that gradually reduced the outnt to .
state of willing servituds and adoration.
STOPPING over the woodbox with . broom,
Bud Sellers prodded q dust laden package
from the narrow space next to the wall. The
size and weight and shape Of the package
seemed to awaken memories In Bud Strip
the end, he identified the contents exactly.
Lanham's name, a. consisnes, lettered boldly
on the label. completed the story.
Bud crouched on hands and haunches, and.
fitting his chin To the heavens. he loossd Q
long. desolate how-and another. and an
other. in rising anguish. The sounds brought
Helen from her investigation Of Lanham's
room.
What in the name Of mercy has happened
now?" she asked. What 10 it7"
Bud solemnly handed her the package
1t happened q long time ago, maam." he
answered. Il reckon the Chief had ought
to tell you. 1 just can't. Ask him when
the little felIa amt around" he added, guard.
edly.
When Lnham returned in the evening he
stood in the doorway and gazed. The big
room was marvelously altered in arrange
ment, order, and cleanliness. Enticing vel.
come reached out to him from eveue point
with . sort Of peace-givins befediction.
Flowers and richly colored groupings Of wild
shrub branches frightened dull corners, and
in the lampltEht at the center table Helen
sat reading to Don. She was gowned in
something that fell softly in blue silken folds,
and light scarf lay about her shoulders
and over her bare arms. Don had q look Of
recent and thorough scrubbins and brushing
that brought a self-conscious but happy smile
to his lips as he gazed UP at his father.
Lanham unbuckled his spurs and dropped
them on the veranda by the door; and for
the first time In many years he changed be-
fore supper, to a suit Of gray tweeds.
Until Don's bedtime, Helen read to him
again after supper. finishing their story.
Lanham sat In silence with his cigar. watch
ing the play Of expression in the boys eyes
as he listened. absorbed by the tale. And
when they were alone. altar Don had been
tucked away. Helen brought out the mys.
terious package and asked Lanham why Bud
Sellers should have howied like wolf when
he discovered It. She mimicked Buds &C.
tions. and Lanham found himself laughing
whole-heartedly for the nrst time in many
years in his own house.
He united the package and told Helen the
story Of their great Christmas hasco Of the