New Britain herald., 1924-12-31
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to him. I know. For who could help being kind 10 Peter"
 She paused again with hand ex- tended frankly, as though to invite them into her perfect confidence in all mankind, and there was a little sway and stir in tho crowd as every man vainly strove |, get closer,
 And so, if any one will offer a price"
 I'll say three hu11red," said one.
 Three fifty
 Pour"
 Five hundred dollars
 Five flfty.'
 T. was much monev for catt!emen 10 pay for a horse. but Lee Ha.nes kncw they were bidding for a smile from the girl, not for the horse it. self And, though wonder in the Jail was d man 10 whom he owed his life and for whom he would have laid down his own safety, yet he knew that if he had the money in his pocket he would have joined the most enthusiastic bidders. The mere cowpunchers had drawn away n little, hopeless when they saw such money offered. lt was only the ranchers who were calling now. But the voice of Joan halted them, saying: Five hundred is what I need. Who offered that?'
 1T" came the shout, and there were Six voices in it,
 She shook her head bewildered
 Who offered it?" she asked.
 "I offered it." said Jud Garter pushing his gaunt form through tho crowd.
 Then Peter Is yours" There was shout of protest from the others.
 He was up for the highest bid. der, lady! You got to sell him that way"
 But five hundred" she argued Zig all that I need - poor Peter Good boy"
 A wave Of grief called her att"n- ton from the men to the horse be side her, and the demands of the higher bidders were suddenly for gotten,
 And here" said 1ud Carter climbing to her side, "ls the coin Lucky I had 1t handy with me-"
 He removed his hat with a flour ish, very conscious that he was mak' ing q picture which would he long remembered, and not at all aware ! that it would be remembered in fhC contrast of the slender girl, grace. full as music, with his hony, work. ! twisted hody, as he leaned above her.
 She took the money, rewardec ec poor Jud with d trembling smile and then threw her arms around Peter. A gaping crowd saw the tears tumble ont of her eyes, saw hcl lit his head and press her cheer against his muzzle, and then sh' vas gone, while Peter turned ant 'ro'ttd after her raising cloud o' dust from the roranda flooring. JuI Carter, by burst c. sprint Ing. captured the horse and led hin down 10 the ground, and there h' vas surrounded by cIamorou' crowd, laughing, roaring out q hun dred comments.
 But Joan had hurried do"n th' street with 6 step as free ani ath letic as the stride of boy. And s( she came to the courthouse and tht ! city hall, combined in one wide 1 lou'- -fronted building. From the olr 1 p~nsioner at the door she asked tn way to Judge Conley's oftice, ant 1 the ancient unknked his back ant ! strode grinning beside her until h' i had brought her 10 the sanctum 0 the judge himself
 They are all kind" thought Joal ss she entered the office Of tn judge. All these men are So gentle I wonder why my mother wantet 10 keep me away from them Wh, could it be-
 So she stood in front of Judg ronley who, as he turned in hi swivel chair, was encountered b the eloquent wink Of the old ma who was just closing the dool 1 Therefore, the judge, to cover a re sponsive grin, had to trown a- clear his throat, q proceeding whic, made Joan back step away.
 He seated her in another mo ment. however. And when all tn . wrinkles were out of his forehead it seemed to Joan that he was lik all the rest of his kind - over flowing with good nature and eager ness 10 help her. And as he dre' the chair out Of the shaft of sun shine and waved her into il, he re manned leaning over it with on hand rested on the arm.
 l. brought him So close to Joa that she had 10 lean farther hac in the chair 10 smile up al hin But smile she did, although ther was a wild riot Of fear and hop and grief for Peter - in he heart. For she was beginning find that smiles worked wonderful ly well with men. A smile struck light into their eyes made thoT alert, supplied the very joints their limbs.
 So 1t was, with the judge now. H heamed down upon her, q veTitab rain of goodwill.