New Britain herald., 1924-08-16
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

den back into the hills to sec som
 of the prize cattle; they might no
 be back until late. If Sally and tn
 Wreck wanted to take a couple o
 horses and look around bit the.
 could have their pick of what wa
 left in the corral. Charley though
 he could find a riding skirt for her there were always some outfits fol
 possible guests.
 The Wreck did not enjoy his>ride
 He never did. although 1t woult
 have been useless to expect him |, admit it. If only he knew wher.
 Charley had hidden the front whee
 of the flivver he could laugh at ever,
 horse on Montana. But just now
 there was a certain method tn hi,
 grim purpose to stay in the saddle
 If things came to the worst he and
 Sally could steal horses, and with that event as a possibility he was be-
 hooved U learn something about this
 painful and primitive method of travel
 Sally had just suggested that they turn back, certain that by the time they reached the house the Wreck would have enough for the day, when they encountered the Underwoods--- father, son, and daughter. It was the first close glimpse of the family, and she studied them with interest, especially Harriet. Charley per- l formed the introduction.
 The Underwoods did not pay much attention to the Wreck, but they were frankly interested in Sally. Even Jerome Underwood was disposed to be gracious, for he was not unmindful of the dishes that came to his table. It was his first experience with 8 woman cook at the ranch, and it suited him so we'll that he had for gotten all the admonitions of his New York specialist.
 On the homeward ride Underwood and his foreman rode together, talk ing of the ranch. That left Sally and Chester Underwood paired. Chester found himself in a><state of agreeable surprise. He did not know that cooks were young and good to look at, and knew how to sit in a saddle. He did not know that they could laugh and talk and be un- affectedly interesting at the same time. But he discovered all these things, and he forgot that the ranch bored him He had quite gay time of 1t all the way home. People from the east always had an interest for Sally; she liked to hear about things of which she knew very little, being possessed of healthy and enthusias- tic curiosity She led him to talk as much as he would, and found him willing.
 Watching from the rear, the Wreck's breeding turned into a mo- rose channel. Why was it that he couldn't talk to a woman in that fashion. He knew that he had none of the graces; he scorned them. But why were they given to the stripling sons of rich men? How did it come that he was always clumsy and ill at ease whenever a woman was about?
 Even Sally Morgan bothered him. If she bothered him, why didn't she bother Chester Underwood? But she didn't: not a bit. Nor did Chester Underwood bother. her. But Henry Williams did; the Wreck knew 1t. She was on an easy footing of con- radeship with the newcomer in five minutes; it was always the same way with ranch hands, or anybody else. But with himself he felt that she was constantly under a Constraint, even though she tried to mask it. She never understood him; sometimes she laughed at him; sometimes he was certain that she had a sense of pity for him, a realization that fairly sickened him. What the devil was the matter with him anyhow? And with her?
 When the ranch house came into sight. some idiot urged his horse to a gallop. The Wreck assumed that 1t was Chester, but he could not be sure. He was too busy. The Wrecks | gray galloped also; he had brain- less way of initiating other horses. | Everybody galloped The Wreck sur yived the gallop by some astonishing trick of fortune, but he did not sur | vive the sudden stop at the gate of | the corral. He went right on for a | on all fours. As he slowly arose he became aware that Chester was grin ming down at him.
 His hands rolled themselves into fists automatically. and he took a step forward. Then Sally was at his side, him firmly by the arm.
 Let go of me-" he said savagely I'm all right"
 Why. of course you are, Henry" And then, In whisper: You come with me. You're not going to do any lighting today. I'm ashamed of you. Henry Williams, you're worse than ocoed steer. l don't know what I'll 10 with you"
 CHAPTER XII.
 The Sheriff Arrives
 Wild. and yet wilder, were the tales hat came from the Underwood family the short and simple incl lent of borrowed gasoline. Even Charley McSween conceded that the vest must be reverting to halcyon imes. Jerome Underwood stuck to lis four bandits with tenacity worthy of the best possible imagina- ion. Harriet Underwood, at first disposed to he literal and 10 report ,nly those things which she saw, re-