The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1922-08-25

Heat some water. Johnnie, and
make a good stiff toddy. Miss Kitty
has been out in the rain"
He lit the gas-log and from his bed
room brought towels. bathrobe, pa
jamas, sweater and wooden slippers.
On a lounge before the fire he dumped
the clothes he had gathered. He drew
up the easiest armchair in the room.
I'm goin' to the kitchen to jack up
Johnnie so he won't lay down on his
job" he told her cheerily. You take
yore time and get into these dry
clothes. Well not disturb you till you
knock"
When her timid knock came her host
brought in steaming cup. You drink
this. It'll warm you good"
What is it?' she asked shyly.
Medicine" he smiled. Doctors or
ders."
While she slipped the teddy Johnnie
brought from the kitchen a tray upon
which we're tea, fried potatoes, ham,
eggs, and buttered toast
The girl ate ravenously. 1t was an
easy guess that she had not before
tasted food that day.
Clay kept up flow of talk, mostly
about Johnnie's culinary triumphs.
Meanwhile he made up a bed on the
couch.
Once she looked up at him, her
throat swollen with emotion. You're
good"
"Shol We been needin' liT' sister
to brace up our manners for US. It's
lucky for US I found you. Now / ex-
pect you're tired and sleepy. We fixed
up yOre bed in here because it's warm
er. You'll be able to make out with 1t
all right. The springs are good"
Clay left her with a cheerful smile.
Turn out the light before you go to
bed, Miss Colorado. Sleep tight. And
don't you worry. You're back with
old home folks again now, you know"
Tired out from tramping the streets
without food and drowsy from the
toddy she had taken, Kitty fell into
deep sleep undisturbed by troubled
dreams.
The cattleman knew he had found
her in the nick of time. She had told
him that she had no money, no room
in which to sleep, no prospect of work.
Everything she had except the clothes
on her back had been pawned TO buy
food and lodgings. But she was young
and resilient. When she got back
home TO the country where she be-
lOnged, time would obliterate from her
mind the experiences of which she had
been the victim.
1t was past midday when Kitty
woke She found her clothes dry. After
she dressed she opened the door that
led TO the kitchen. Johnnie began to
hustle about in preparation for her
breakfast.
please don't trouble. I'll eat what
you've got cooked" she begged.
Its no trouble, ma'am.- If the's
thing on earth 1 enjoy doin it's sure
cookin'. Do you like yore aigs sunny
side up or turned?'
Either way. Whichever you like.
Mr. Green"
While she ate he waited on her So
licitously. Inside, he was a river of
tears for her, but with it went good
deal Of awe. Even now, wan-eyed and
hoIlow-cheeked, she was attractive
In Johnnie's lonesome life he had
never before felt so close to a girl as
he did to this one.
II don't like to be so much bother
to you" she said. Maybe l can go
away this afternoon"
mo, ma'am, we won't have that a
TALL" broke in the range-rider in
alarm. "We're plumb tickled to have
you here. Clay, he feels thataway
too"
Il could keep house for you while
stay" she suggested timidly. Il know
how to cook-and the place does need
cleaning"
"Sure it does. Say, What's the matter
with you bein' Clay's sister, jes' got