White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1923-12-07
The Dude
Wrangler
Caroline Lockhart
Copyright. Doubleday. Page & CO.


1IiiiliililliIliIIlliilliiIilliIIiiiiiiiliilllI
FOURTH INSTALLMENT
1t took Wallie only SO long TO or
der a horse as 1t required to get
the Riding Academy on the tele-
phone.
II want a good-looking mount
something spirited" he instructed
the person whe answered
We've just bought some new
horses," the voice replied. IN send
you the pick Of them"
Wallie hung up the receiver. fair
ly trembling with eagerness to dress
himself and get down on the yeran-
da. He looked well in riding toys
everyone mentioned it-and If he
could walk out swinging his crop
nonchalantly, well, they would at
least notice him! And when he
would spring lightly into the saddle
and gaIlop away-he saw it as plain
ly as II II were happening
Although Wallie actually broke hts
record, ne seemed to himself an un-
Questionable time In dressing. but
when he gave himself final survey
ia the mirror, he had every reason
to feel satisfied with the result. He
was correct In every detail, and he
thsugh complacently that he could
rot but contrast fayorably with that
aroughneck" from Montana-or was
Il Wyoming?
what you taking such hot day
Cd ride for?" Mrs. Appel called when
che caught sight of Wallie.
Tho question Jared on him and he
replied coolly:
Il had not observed that 1t was
warmer than usual. Mrs. Appel"
"Ifs ninety. with the humidity
goodness knows how much!" she re-
torted.
without seeming to look. Wallle
could see that both Miss Spencely
and Pinkey were on the veranda
and regarding him with interest. His
pose became little theatrical while
he waited for his mount. striking his
riding boot smartly with his croI
AZ he stood In full view of them.
Everyone WAS interested when they
saw the horse coming. and a few
sauntered over 70 have hook q
him, Miss SDencely and Pinke!
among the others.
-Is that the horse you Away
ride, Waller" inquired Miss Gas
kett
mo: its a new one I'm going t
try out for them" Wallie replied, in
- i1o1entl5.
willie, do be careful" his aun
ax.-onished him. Il don't like yo'
to ride strange horses-"
Wallie laughed lightly. and as h
went down to meet the groom VIII
was now at the foot of the steps witt
tne horses he assured her that Their
was not the least cause for anxiety
why. that's Western horse!
Miss Spencely exclaimed. Isn't tina
a brand on the shoulder"
1T looks like It," Pinkey answered
ruftng the hair. then smoothing II
Shore rs a brand" He stepped Of
a pace to look at 1t.
Pardon me, but l think your
mistaken" Wallie said, politely blu
positively. THE academy buy pnl
thoroughbreds."
III that amt bronc. I'll eat 1t,
Ptnkey declared. biuntly.
Can you make ont the brand?
asker Miss Spencely.
Pinkey ruffed the hair again an
stepped back and squinted. Then hi
cracked lips stretched in grin tina
threatened to start them bleeding
"'S8' is the way read It,"
She nodded: THE brand of Cain.
Then they both laughed immodei
ately.
Walife could see no occasion 10
merriment, and It nettled him.
Nevertheless, maintain that yo
are tn error" he declared, obsti
atnly.
IT doubt II I could set one Of the,
hen-skin saddles," observed Pinkey
changing the subject.
Wallie replied airiy:
"Oh. it's very easy IL you've bee
taught properly"
Taught? You mean" wondering
iy, that somebody learnt you to rid
horseback"
Wallie smiled patronizingly:
How else would I known"
Il was Jest throwed on horse an
told to stay there"
(which accounts for the fact tina
you Western riders have no form
II you'll excuse nay frankness."
Don't mention IT," replied Pinke,