White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1925-12-25
Compelling Story of the Romantic West
THE FIGHTING RANGER
BY F. j. MCCONNELL and GEORGE w. PYPER
Copyright 1925

also dismounted, and stood waiting.
"Why you're real, grown-up fine
young lady now, aren't you?" Tag
you were just toddling wee bit of
a kid. This is indeed an unexpected
pleasure"
Taggarts welcome of the girl,
originally feigned, had become genu-
ine His eyes sparkled with admira-
ton and real delight as he took In
the fullness of her beauty. Not in
many years had anyone cast such
spell over him. In spite of his hard
heart, and the better synicism with
which his crafty, evil, villanious life
had filled him, there still remained
in him something which responded
to the delicate, irresistible blue OF
Marys eyes, and the wisps Of gold
which stole prettily from beneath her
hat. g
Father sent me with the money
for the bills, taxes, marketing Of the
yearlings, and payrolls," said Mary
We've made a deposit in the bank
at Latigo, and brought up enough with
us to pay off the men,"
ooh, yes. The business can wait
little WHILE" replied Taggart, con-
tinuing to eye Mary with unconcealed
admiration while Terence stood I'M
easily by. 81 haven't yet begun to
get over the delightful surprise of see
ing you Do come in, Miss Marshall
and make yourself comfortable"
"Mr. Taggart, meet my friend Ter
ence O'Rourke," said Mary, bringing
Terence forward to introduce him.
If it hadn't been for his help the
money would never have reached
you"
She beamed dazzlingly upon Ter
: ence, who felt moment OF aWk-
ward embarrassment as he grasped
Taggart's hand.
, Taggart stiffened perceptibly as he
greeted O'Rourke. His "glad to meet
you" was cold and formal. Some
!, where back in his head the name
O'Rourke beat familiar sound-his
thoughts rolled back the years, and
he was suddenly seized by fear-panic
showed even in his face for a mo
!, ment, but he quickly bit it down
Terence's eyes caught a trace of this
fleeting emotion of Taggart's, and
was puzzled over it.
Father has appointed Mr.. O'Rourke
to become the new foreman you
need here" Mary announced.
"Ah, so-fine--fine," said Taggart
but do come in now and rest your
selves"
He led the way to the ranch house
J AS they. stepped on the porch Mar.
: paused moment with her emotions
, then quickly stepped across the
treshold through the door their hos
4 was holding open, into the parlor
Terence and Taggart followed, an(
all three seated themselves.
Mary quickly brought the CONVEX
: sation back to the business at hand
| and Taggart, now anxious to get his
plans under way, eagerly came bach
to it.
} well, I'll tell you what, Mis-:
Nos hn1 hn n
brought this money just in the nicl
of time. We owe for $50 head of cat
! tie already on the ranch, and thu
cowboys are refusing to work unit
they get their pay"
! Mary handed him the bag contain
t ing the remainder of the money.
. There's $4,000 in there to talk
g care of the payroll and current bills,
. she said. "The other things can b.
taken care Of through the bank.
:, deposited $4,000 there today"
1 ooh, good enough" said Taggart
taking the bag. well, you folk
make yourselves at home, and II
y go right out and fix up the boys
l back pay, and tell 'em it's roundup
day tomorrow"
9 He smiled jovially at Mary as h
!, passed out the door.
l Now that they were alone, Tel
t ence came over and sat beside Mar
on the sofa.
~ can't say that / altogether Xix
this Taggart fellow" he said. III
doesn't look quite straight to me
. l can't help being suspicious of him.
7 ooh, but he's been Daddy's frien
! for years and years." Mary protested
"Well, can't help thinking there
l. something wrong, Mary" He smile
3 tenderly at her, and added, "Mayb
J. it's simply that Pm jealous becaus
u he likes you"
IL His hand sought hers, and the
thoughts shifted to sweeter things
y Terences other arm stole around he
8 shoulder and drew her closer to hin
u I'D love to have home like thi
II with you dearest" he said dreamil.
She replied only with a. pressur
II on his hand, but that spoke volumes
Il She was dreaming, too.
20 "My lips are still burning from las
y night" Terence murmured into he
Z ear. "I'm going to kiss you again