Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1926-02-25

fering from thirst he removed his
horses BIT, so that he could drink in
comfort. before he accepted the
proffered cup Of water which Jack
brought him from the well. Jack and
spoke Of It afterward and agreed
that a chap who did that sort Of thing
was good bit of a man.
After o hearty drink Brook took off
his hat and tunic. produced towel,
soap. comb and brush. and cleaned up
even more thoroughly than seemed
necessary. As watched him parting
his hair by the reflection in the water
I realized that Brook had-not forgotten
what so many of usN pioneers. often
did forget--the value Of personal APP
pearance. While we walked up the
bank together admitted to myself
that although l was as good a man as
he was, didn't look it.
The meal which the girls had pre-
pared loosened all our tongues, and be-
fore 1t was over we were chatting
merrily. Brook had the latest gossip
from Regina, and interesting news
about himself. At last he had es-
capped from barracks. temporarily. at
any rate. He was detailed to two
months relief duty at point farther
west; he promised himself another
meal at our board on his way back, a
prospect which Jean and Marjorie and
Jack received with much satisfaction,
and I trust I showed no smallness
about Il.
At length Brook insisted that he
must be on his way, but before going
he laid a dollar bill on the table in pay
ment for his meal We objected most
strenuously to accepting money for our
hospitality, but as he pointed out that
1t was the government that footed the
bill, we allowed ourselves to be per-
suaded. Governments, like railways
are legitimate prey Also, frap some
where, the policeman produced a small
box Of candy. which he presented Inn
partially to Marjorie and Jean. But
most important. in so far as this story
is concerned, was bundle Of letters.
They were tied together with a stoft
string. with only the backs Of the en-
velopes exposed, and on them was
written IN a bold hand the single word
Spool"
They're for young Englishman
who is to be q neighbor of yours"
Brook explained. HE left word at the
Regina post Office, asking to have his
mail sent out If there was any chance
1t seems he had some local fame under
the name Of Spool, and the clerk in
the post Office readdressed his letters
that way. That's discipline for you !!
My word, what they wouldn't, do to a
man in the force"
II know him." broke in; "at least
| have heard of him. Jake, our land
guide told US about him. Where does
he settler"
Northwest quarter of Two" said
the policeman. 1.-TWO miles due south
of you, as the crow flies, or would fly
If he had occasion to. Spool isn't there
yeti came by the quarter this morn
Ing. suppose he's travelling by OK
team and will arrive some time later
in the season. You'll see his sign up
on Two when he gets here. and per.
haps one of you wouldn't mind drop
ping In on him with this mail, If he
doesn't call on you within few days.
He's English, and he may wait for an.
introduction"
We shook hands with the policeman
and parted with him, and the girls
stood watching the scarlet figure as 1t
faded to a speck in the distance.
isn't he wonderful. Frank?" said
Jean, turning to me with an enthu-
siasm dancing in her eyes which, under
any other circumstances, it would have
been good to see. Don't you think
that he-that all of the mounted police
are very wonderful?'
"All of the mounted police are won
derful," I agreed. catching at the i'm
personal noun.
Two mornings later we saw the.
white CLEAN of tent on section Two.
We quit work early that afternoon,
AAtShCo SkiC AO<ACh " lhS "oSOI, dhu
went down en- masse to call on Spool
He saw us when we were yet affair
of, and. when it was evident we were
headed for his tent, he< came striding
out to meet US. He was tall and slim
and sunburned; he wore leggings and
corduroy trousers and belt, and he
took off his hat when he saw the girls,
my first callers" he said, in his
clear, English voice .'This is jolly de-
cent of you. Won't you get down.
ladies. and visit my farm-thfs is it,
all around here-while we unhitch the
bullocks and turn them to grass I
suspect you are my neighbors from
Fourteen
fourteen and Twenty-Five" said l,
acting as spokesman, and introducing
our little party. 1--WE have heard of
you, but only as Spool"
"Spoof is good enough. In fact,
think It Is rather ripping name, don't
you? And know enough already
about the West TO know that a catchy
nickname, once applied, sticks. So
Spool I am. to everybody. except the
dear folks at home, who, of course,
could never understand. When Lwrote