The Lamar register., 1923-02-28
Continued from Page Two)

and mind. Bclding received the same
impression nf power that Ben Chase
had given him. only here II was minus
any hardness or hard quality He
gathered that Mr.. Gale was Il man of
authority. Mrs. Gale rather fright
ened Bedding, but he could not have
told why. The girl was Just like Dick
as he used to he
Beldlng imagined the sooner the
Gales We're told that Dick was to
marry Nell the better for all con
cerned and especially for Nell In
the general conversation that ensued
he sought for an opening In which to
tell this important news. hut he was
kept so busy answering questions
about his position ON the border. the
kind OF place Forlorn River was. the
reason for 50 many tents. etc, that he
was unable to find opportunity.
ITS Interesting. very interesting
said Mr.. Gale AT another time
want to learn all you'll tell me about
the West It's new to me. I'm sur
prised, amazed, sir, ! may say.
But, Mr. Belding, what want TO know
most Is about my son. I'm broken in
health. I've worried myself III over
him. don't mind telling you. sir, that
we quarreled. He went away. And
rve come to see didn't know Rich
ard. was wrong to upbraid him.
For IA year we've known nothing Of his
ioings. and now for almost six months
we've not heard from him at all,
Frankly. Mr. Belding. weakened first.
huTn IA "a
fear Is that didn't start soon
enough"
Mr.. Gale paused. and the white hand
ne raised expressively shook a little.
Belding was not 50 thick-wltted
where men were concerned. He saw
how the matter lay between Dick Gale
and his father.
well. Mr. Gale, sure most young
bucks from the East go TO the bad
out here" he said bluntly. They
blow their money, then 20 TO punch
ing cows, take to whisky"
Mr.. Gale lifted hnggard eyes.
..Then it's bummIng around regular
tramps. and to the bad generally
Beldlng spread wide his big arms. and
when one Of them dropped round Nell,
who sat beside him, she squeezed his
hand tight sure. Its the regular
thing" he concluded. cheerfully.
He rather felt little glee at Mr.
Gales distress. and Mrs, Gales
crushed ItOld-you-so woe in no wise
bothered him: but the look in the big
dark eyes Of Dicks sister was toe
much for Belding.
He choked on his characteristic
oath when excited and blurted out
Say. but Dick Gale never went TO the
bad LISTEN
Beldlng had scarcely started Dick
Gales story when he perceived that
never In his life had he such an ab
sorbed and brenthless audience. Pres
emily they were awed. and at the con
clusion Of that story they sat white
faced, still, amazed beyond speech
Belding kept back nothing but the
present doubt OF Dicks safety.
Mr.. Gale rose unsteadlly from his
chair. Ills frailty was now painfully
manifest.
mfr. Beldlng. do you mean my son
Richard Gale-has done all that you
told us?' he asked. incredulously.
Il sure do" replied Bedding, with
hearty good VIII.
Martha. do you hear?' Mfr. Gale
turned to question his wife. She could
not answer Her face had not yet
regained its natural color.
'.He faced that bandit and his gang
alone-he fought themf' demanded
Mr. Gale. his voice stronger.
Bedding nodded with "A grin.
Hes ranger nOw-riding, fight
ing. sleeping on the sand, preparing
mis- own food? Mr. Belding. you say
Richard works for you. May I ask
ut what salary
''He gets forty dollars board and
,Lttit," replied Belding, proudly.
'Forty doIlarsT' echoed the father.
.sBy the day or weekf'
"The month, Of course said Beld'
ing. somewhat taken aback.
Forty dollars a month for young
man who spent five hundred. In the
same time when he. WAS at college, and
who ran 1t into thousands when lie
got OUT"
Mfr. Gale laughed for the first time,
and it was the laugh of man who
wanted to believe what he heard yet
scarcely dared to do IL