The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1922-03-16

pack load. an get away. Alive been
making canvass. an All find we have
six or seven families who can be ready
to pull out this afternoon. My team
will 60 along, with good tent an
some cooking outfit. Everyone has
bedding, so we're all right for that.
Now, II we all hustle we can be start
ed by o'clock, an out ten or II miles
before we pitch camp. How does It
suit your"
"What do you say, Mr.. MorrisonT
Il think Alexis plan is best. I've
my wife and the two girls, and there's
no roof for their heads here It suits
me-"
.sIf it's all settled" continued Nc
Craze, who had the leaders knack OF
suppressing indecision at the psychic
logical moment, ''we'l all turn in with
the unloading of the stock"
Harris ran to tell his wife that
they were to join a party for the
'front.' that very afternoon. She re-
ceived the news joyously.
In a few minutes all hands, both
men and women. were busy at the
cars. Many hands made the work
light, and by mid-afternoon six sleighs
we're loaded for the journey. All the
women and children were to 60 with
the party; Morrison and one or two
hired men would remain In Emerson,
complete the unloading, and take
charge Of the effects until the teams
should return from their long journey.
McCrae, on account of his knowledge
Of the town and of the needs OF the
Journey, was chosen to secure the sup
plies.
Each settlers sleigh carried that
which seemed most indispensable.
First came the settlers family. which,
large or small, was crowded into the
deep box. McCrae made them pack
hay In the bottom of the sleigh boxes.
and over this were laid robes and
blankets, on which the immigrants sat,
as thickly as they could be placed.
More robes and blankets were laid
ON top, and sacks stuffed very full Of
hay served the double purpose Of cush-
Joining their backs and conveying TOD
der for the animals.
Morrison came up to Harris sleigh,
and gave It an approving Inspection.
"You will all be fine" he said, land
great deal better than wearyin' about
here. Besides. you're just as well to
be away" he added. in somewhat
lower voice. "McCrae tells me II this
sun keeps up the roads win be gone
before we know it, and that means q
delay Of two or three weeks"
| At this moment McCrae himself
Joined the group. There's only two
in your party, Harris" he said. IAN
while All don't want to interrupt your
honeymoon. there's another passenger
/ to be taken care Of DIR. Blain Is go.
ing with us, and Aim going to put
him in your charge. He's bit pc.
culiar, but All don't think he'll give
you any trouble. It's just a case Of
being too much of good fellow. One
thing All knowles doctor. Aim
going up town for him now; you can
shift your stun little an make
ROOM"
| The whole party we're ready for the
road and waiting before McCrae ap
peared again. When he came 8 com
panion staggered somewhat uncertain
" By his side.
/ "I'm aw'right. McCrae," he was say
ing. "Tm aw' right. Shay, whasf
thish? Shildren " Ishrul?'
| "Come now. Doctor, straighten up
All want to introduce you"
| Halt leading and half pulling. Nc
Craze brought the doctor to Harris
sleigh. .This is Mr.. Harris. who YOU
will travel with-Jack Harris. An
Mrs. Harris"
The doctor had glanced only casual
" at Harris. but at the mention Of thu
woman's name he Strengthened up AMI
stood alone.
.Glad to meet you, madam" he said
]. And It's only proper that the pleas
ure should be all mine" There was !
little bitterness in his voice that dit
not escape her ear.
f"But indeed am glad to meet you,
she answered. "Mr. MeCrae has beef
telling US something Of your worl
among the settlers. We are very for
tunate to have you with us."
He shot keen look into her face
She returned his gaze frankly. and b
found sarcasm neither in her eyes no
her voice.
Help me ID, McCrae," he said. TN
bill unsteady There now, a.
bag. Don't move, Mrs. Harris
I think we are quite ready now. ar
we not?"
Most remarkable man." whispers
McCrae to Harris Wonderful HOY
he can pull himself together"
McCrae hurried to his own sleigh
called a CHEEKY .All ready!" and tn
party at once proceeded to get unde
way.
Harris thoughts were on his team
J. on the two cows trudging behind. an
on the multiplicity Of arrangement
which his new life would present "a
decision and settlement. But his wit