The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-12-02

''No-er-thank you, Miss Ruty. Maybe as I'm yere. could help you with the hurdles. Wouldn't like to keep you from yer work
 An I'll be glad of yer help" said Ruth. I've been havin' trouble with the frame"
 She led the way to the corral. The walls had crumbIed down i places and she had been trying to fill the gaps.
 4 Blue Ribbon.
 St!mer went to work industriously. Ruth stood at his side assisting him. In doing so they brushed against each other occasionally. Once their hands touched. They glanced up quickly and their eyes met for brief second. After that he felt more al ease.
 IT met the man that moved yer plunder over" he said presently.
 "'Yes-Mr. Graham
 He 'uz sayin' yer from Benvanue.' g
 "Qnite a settlement over there. l breve."
 EYes"
 "Ain't ye 'fraid you goin' to be lonesome way over we're ?''
 .ITI not have time for that-an have grandpa an Tom"
 Tom is-is lively. Guess it would be hard to git lonesome an 'Im round" He held the hammer a sec ond in mid air and chucled.
 The man said he's ekaI to a circus an I b'Peye it. Cuttest kid I ever seen" he said approvingIy.
 From has taken a fancy to you, Mir. Stimer," Ruth said. when he reached for another slat.
 'Tm shore glad O that" he re- turned warmly.
 They worked a space in silence.
 "Pd think. though Miss Ruth, you'd miss the young folks over yere," Stinler said after a little reYert1ng 10 the former topic.
 "Wha-what young folks?''
 IT jest lowed as betn' in the settlement you might "a got used to havin' company roun' -
 'Stimer yer dog an Bob acz like they'd knowed each other alIers," Tom broke in. coming up. Been tumblin' bout in the grass an snaw- in each other like two pups" He sprang to the top of the wall and dangled his feet. 'fSeams like there's nothin' ovr we're fer yer ter ave run. Don't see why them dogs couldn't CT fit. like dogs ought ter do. Whats dogs fer ef they won't fight? Elf they'd wanted ter be friends they could CT made up"
 How you ever goin' ter know which is got the best dog eff they won't fight? Bob whipped every dog in Benvanue 'cept one-that 'uz oI' BOyds dog, an he oughtn't count. Them bulldogs air more Iiyons n dogs, an yer can't 'spect 'nordary dog ter whu9 CT liyOn. Wacher dogs name, Stimer? Cap? Well. I bet Bob could whup i'm ef he'd fight" He rose and walked along the edge of the wall.
 T take it as a good sign, Miss Ruth the dogs not f1ghtin," Stimer said, looking up.
 The sun dipped toward the west 4 glory Of white and gold quivered in .he interminabIe stretches A sud- den calm settled on the plain. Stfmer gazed to where Red Buette rose like the crumbling walls of a deserted fortress. Something stirred in him akin to pain.
 Miss Ruth. I'm glad you've moved over yere-an'-an' if anyb ody- comes prowItn' roun' CT -''
 ''Pshaw, Stimer. yer dog afn't got a lick O spunk. He's so 'fraid Bob's CT shame of i'm"
 SHmer and Ruth turned Tom had tied the dogs tails together with the piece of blue ribbon. Instead or fighting, 0s he expected, they stood shamefaced, as if disgraced for some unknown offense, casting furtive glances at each other and Tom.
 ''BOth of 'em ain't got 'nouRh grit fer a mouse. Hod Graham tied two mice tergether that way an they fit till they ct ther years off. Faint no use tryin' ter ave fun-sick i'm, Bob sick i'm"
 Bob Ieaped forward. but dropped back confused, glancing backward al the ribbon. He doubled his body. much to the discomfort of Cap and snifffed it, Cap moved uneasiIy, look ing appeaGngIy toward Stimer.
 Tom, unite the dogs. where'd you git the ribbon ?'' asked Ruth.
 "I happened to pass where you camped last night an I foun' this!''
 Tom ioosened the ribbon with jerk. He threw it into the a1r and staggered about, laughing hysteric- ally.
 Ruth looked questioningly to Stimer.
 IT foun' it this mornin'-an'- give 1t to Tom-didn't know if-ifTd ride by-then." he stammered.
 The hurdles were finished. Stimer turned as if to go.
 I'm much 'bliged to you fer yer help, MT. stimer. IT -
 Not at all. I'll be glad to come over an help you any time" he said. '.Stay fer dinner, Mir Stimer.'' NO, thank you, Miss Ruth. Good goodby. Miss Ruth"
 "Goodby. MT. Sttner"
 Ruth watched him mount his horse and ride slowly acrossh the prairie. Her eyes were still on him horse and ride slowly across the glanced back Her face flushed req when he stopped on the divide and ground as if busy with something there. When she rose. she gazed . long time at the sky where he had paused. and wondered why she was so stran ge1y lonesome
 CHAPTER VII.
 Sinners Story. In anticipation of visit from Tom.