Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-08-09

IDENTIFY he had been carefully dressed
down for this occasion, for there was
no dust on him, nor kink In his beau
tiful name, nor a mark on his glossy
hide.
"Come hyar, you son-of-a-gun," said
Stillwell.
The horse dropped his head, snorted,
and came obediently up. He was nei-
ther shy nor wild. Unlocking the stir
rups from the pommel, Stillwell let
them fall and began to search the sad
die for something which he evidently
expected to find. Presently from some
where among the trappings he pro
duced a folded bit of paper, and after
scrutinizing it handed it to AL.
Addressed to you; an I'll bet you
two bits know what's in it," he said.
Alfred unfolded the letter, read 1t,
and then looked at Stillwell.
"Bill, you're pretty good guesser.
Genes made for the border. He sent
the horse by somebody, no names men,
toned, and wants my sister to have
him If she will accept"
ANY mention Of Danny MainsT'
asked the rancher.
"Not a word"
"Thet's bad. Gene'd know about
Danny if anybody did. But he's
close-mouthed cuss. So he's sure hit
tin for Mexico. Wonder If Danny's
goin', too? Wal, there's two of the
best cowmen ever seen, gone to hi,
an I'm sorry"
With that he bowed his head and,
grumbling to himself, went into the
house. Alfred lifted the reins over
the head Of the horse and, leading him
to Madeline, slipped the knot over her
arm and placed the letter in her hand.
Majesty, I'd accept the horse" he
said. Stewart Is only cowboy now,
and as tough as any I've known. But
he comes Of good family. He was a
college man and gentleman once. He
went to the bad out here, like SO many
fellows go, like nearly did. Then
he had told me about his sister and
mother. He cared good deal for
them. think he has been source Of
unhappiness to them. 1t was mostly
when he was reminded of this in some
way that he'd get drunk. / have al
ways stuck to him, and / would do so
yet If l had chance You read the
letter, sister, and accept the horse"
In silence Madeline bent her gaze
from her brothers face to the letter:
Friend Al: I'm sending my horse
down to you because I'm going away
and haven't the nerve to take him
where he'd get hurt or fall into
strange hands.
IF you think it's all right, why, give
him to your sister with my respects.
But If you don't like the idea, AL, or
If she won't have him, then he's for
you. I'm hoping your sister will take
him. She'll be good to him, and she
can afford to take care Of him. And
while I'm waiting to be plugged by a
Greaser bullet, If happen to have
picture in mind of how she'll look
upon my horse, why, man, it's not
going to make any difference to you.
She needn't ever know it.
Between you and me, AL, don't let
her or Flo ride alone over Don Carlos
way. If I had time / could tell you
something about that slick Greaser.
And tell your sister, If there's ever
any reason for her to run away from
anybody when she's up on that roam,
just let her lean over and yell in his
ear. She'll find herself riding the
wind. So long.
GENE STEWART"
Madeline thoughtfully folded the
letter and murmured, "How he must
love his horsei''
well, should say So" replied Al
fred. FLO will tell you. She's the
only person Gene ever let ride that
horse. Well, sister mine, how about
twill you accept the horse?
"Assuredly. And very happy in
deed am l to get him. Al, you said,
NAMM4 !