Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1923-09-21

a cold and final refusal to near an
other word about the foreman. Still
well had been crushed.
AS days passed Stewart remained at
the ranch without his old faithfulness
to his work. Madeline was not moved
to a kinder frame Of mind to see him
wandering dejectedly around. 1t hurt
her, and because it hurt her she grew
all the harder
A telegram from Douglas, heralding
the coming of Alfred and a minister,
put an end to Madeline's brooding, and
she shared something of Florence
Kingsley's excitement. The cowboys
were as eager and gossipy as girls.
1t was arranged to have the wedding
ceremony performed in Madeline's
great hall-chamber, and the dinner in
the cool, flower-scented patio.
Alfred and his minister arrived at
the ranch in the big white car. They
appeared considerably wind-blown. In
fact, the minister was breathless, al
most sightless, and certainly hatleSs.
Alfred, used as he was to wind and
speed, remarked that he did not won
der at Nels' aversion to riding fleet
ing cannon-ball. The imperturbable
Link took off his cap and goggles and,
consulting his watch, made his usual
apologetic report to Madeline, deplor-
ing the fact that a teamster and few
stray cattle on the road had held him
down to the manana time of only a
mile q minute.
Arrangements for the wedding
brought Alfred's delighted approval.
When he had learned all Florence and
desire to have the cowboys attend |;
and then he went on to talk about
California, where he was going to take
Florence on a short trip.
On the following day Alfred and
Florence were married. Florence'S
sister and several friends from Ell
Cajon were present, besides Madeline
Stillwell, and his men. 1t was Alfred's s
express wish that Stewart attend the
ceremony. Madeline was amused
when she noticed the painfully sup
pressed excitement of the cowboys.
For them wedding must have been
an unusual and impressive event. She
began to have a better understanding
Of the nature Of it when they cast off
restraint and pressed forward to kiss
the bride. In all her life Madeline
had never seen a bride kissed so much
and so heartily, nor one so flushed
and disheveled and happy. This in
deed was a joyful occasion.
The dinner began quietly enough
with the cowboys divided between en-
barrassment and voracieus appetites
that they evidently feared to indulge.
Wine, however, loosened their tongues,
and when Stillwell got up to make the
speech everybody seemed to expect of
him they greeted him with a roar.
Stillwell was now one huge, noun
famous smile. He was so happy that
he appeared on the verge of tears. He
rambled on ecstatically till he came
to raise his glass.
AN now, girls an boys, let's all
drink to the bride an groom; to their
sincere an lastin' love; to their hap
piness an prosperity; to their good
health an long life. Let's drink to
the unitin' Of the East with the West.
No man full of red blood an the real
breath of life could resist a Western
girl an a good boss an Gods free
hand-that open country out there.
SO we claim Al Hammond, an may
we be true to him. An, friends, I
uulnK II mum that we drink to MS
sister an to our hopes. Heah's to the
lady we hope to make our Majesty!
Heah's to the man who'll come ridin'
out of the West, a fine, big-hearted
man with fast hoss an strong
rope, an may he win an hold her!
come, friends, drink"
A heavy pound Of horses hoofs and
a yell outside arrested StillwelTs
voice and halted his hand in midair.
The patio became as silent as an
unoccupied room.
Through the open doors and win
dows Of Madeline's chamber burst the
sounds Of horses stamping to halt.
then harsh speech Of men, and low
cry Of woman in pain.
Rapid steps crossed the porch, en-
tered Madeline's room. Nels appeared
in the doorway. Madeline was sur
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