The Coolidge examiner., 1932-07-15

was slight narrowing of the lids.
OF course. He might have known IL.
Who else could she be except the
daughter of the arch enemy of his
house, that daughter who had been
away to school in Los Angeles half
a dozen years? During that time
he had not seen her. The last
glimpse of her had been a charac-
teristic one. Astride a bareback
horse she had flashed past him, a
stringy thirteen-year-old girl, all long
legs and flying black hair and big
dark eyes. 1t was hard to believe
that wild little hoyden had grown
up into a beauty. He remembered
her a pert and saucy mink, brought
up wholly among men except for an
old Mexican cook. Even then there
had been war between the McCanns
and the Starks.
His instinct now was not to let
her know just yet who he was.
he did not search for the reason
Of 1t. The feeling was enough. 1t
was clear she did not recognize him.
Five years had transformed him
from gangling boy to a man.
unless you want a rookus In the
house, better not tell her who | am.
Jim," young McCann suggested.
shes sure enough pepper box
when she gets to going good"
Yerby chuckled. ''Tha's right,
Wills. dunno as there's any use
startin' any thing. She'll find out
soon enough, anyhow"
The girl returned with a basin Of
water. towel. and a piece of torn
rag for a wash cloth.
The old-timer protested. "NoY.
looky here, ma'am, I'm a heap
obliged to you. but | can wash my
own face an not trouble you.
been doing 1t a right smart time
without a valley"
"Off an on-for a hundred an
how many years, Jlm?" murmured
the younger man.
"Hmpl I'm fifty-seven, If you
want TO know. An l never was sick
day in my life. You young sprouts
think" Jim became sputteringly
inarticulate.
II like mature men myself" Miss
Stark announced and sat down on
the edge Of the bed prepared for
business.
Before Yerby could master effec-
tive opposition soapy rag was
travelling over his face.
"Wash him good behind the ears,
ma'am." advised McCann solicit
ously.
You go to-Yuma !" retorted the
indignant homesteader.
His nurse took charge imperious-
ly. Better go out and take the
saddle off Mr.. Yerby's horse. l put
IL in the corral"
McCann went. When saddle and
bride were off, the animal flung
up its heels and went flying round
the corral.
Meanwhile Miss Julia Stark was
asking her host a question.
"Who Is he?"
"Fellow from over the Frio way.
get them young riders all mixed
up" he answered evasively.
zone of McCann's riders?" she
asked quickly. II don't remember
him."
They're always driftin' In an
out. Mostly their homes are under
their hats"
"Yes," she agreed, not wholly
satisfied with this explanation. She
had an impression that she had seen
him before and ought 10 remember
who he was.
McCann appeared in the door
way. Expect I'd better go for Doc
Sanders now," he said to the girl.
unless you'd rather ride home and
have one of yore boys go for him.
Maybe that would be better"
mo, I'll stay. But l wish you'd
stop at the Circle Cross and tell my
father | won't be home till late.
He'll get to worrying. Tell him not
to send for me. I'll come back with
the doctor"
On the brown face of the young
man was a faint sardonic grin. In
not letting her know who he was he
had built trap for himself. He re-
flected that he would be as welcome
at the Circle Cross as a June hail
storm In a grain-raising country.
But he had to go through now or
drag his tail.
"rll stop on my way" he prom
ised.
The suns rays streamed down the
arroyo through which McCann and
Doctor Sanders rode. By the time
they came to a sight Of the desert
long shadows were stretching across
from the Tomas.
Mccain drew up. 81 reckon
here's where we part, Doc. See you
later"
Doctor Sanders, a small plump
man in q land of lank giants, gave