Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1934-12-20

SUM- tiitf Ntit VII IlE NdNy fltltl
comfortably settled In the back of the
two-seated wagon and Jim riding be-
side Tasker In front.
A rancher, at whose place Tasker
stopped, invited them to pass the night
at his house, and next morning take
the road from there to Grand June
tion, which could be reached In a long
days drive. Jim accepted both Invita-
ton and advice. In the morning Tas-
ker babe them good-by and God-speed.
THANK YOU, Mr.. Tasker,' replied
Helen. Il shall remember your kind
ness. And I'd like to buy back the
two horses Jim traded you
I'll fetch them. If you'll tell me
where" replied the rancher.
"Star ranch, north Of Grand juno
tlon.p
I've heard Of thet. Wal, you may
expect me some day. though | had
taken a likin' to your bay hoss.''
Jim drove off In the clear cold air
OF q mountain autumn morning be
fore the sun had come up.
Helen, you shouldn't have asked
him to fetch the horses said Jim re-
provlngly. Hell find out | led
"Liedl What about2'
Il told Tasker you were my wife,
"Oh. that!' laughed Helen, and
turned away a scarlet face. 1T can be
explained easily-if necessary.
Look This glorious country
No. | don't ever want to leave IT.
Somehow Jim got through that long
ride of suspense. fear and thrills, and
when they reached Grand Junction
just after dark it was none too soon
for him. Fortunately he got Helen
into the little inn before she was rec
ognized, and then returned to put the
tired horses In the care of a stable
boy. Jim did not risk entering store
or saloon. Hays had had secret friends
there, Yet Jim was keen to hear the
gossip about Star ranch. He was late
for supper, having taken time to shave
and change his shirt.
To his surprise he found Helen radi-
ant.
what do you think Bernie has
done?'
.Bernie!" calculated Jim.
Yes. My brother. This good m
told me. Jim, you are the richer
by ten thousand dollars
"Iticher? Me-"
Indeed. Bernie offered ten thou
s~and-dollars for my safe RETURN
you know | wouldn't take a dol
lar" flashed Jim.
well! What do you want. Jimg'
she inquired, with a woman's sweet
tantalizing mystery. However. never
mind that now. Listen. Bernie hired
all the riders available to hunt for
me. Also he found where Hays sold
our cattle. and he forced the buyers
to sell back every head, at the price
they paid. He threatened to take the
case to Salt Lake City,
That's sur good news. 1t might
have a tendency to end rustling, at
least In wholesale lunches. Did YOU
hear how badly your brother was
hurt?'
AShe did not mention that. Any
way 1t couldn't have been much, for
Bernie has been here. Aren't you
going to eat any supper7 Oh, I shall
not sleep much tonight. /. And what
shall tell Bernie?'
The query was arresting to Jim and
he FASTENED to direct her mind into
other channels, trying to make her feel
concerned that they had still fifty
miles to cover.
Every moment Of that ride next, day
was a JOY and a pang. 1t seemed as
short as the preceding one had been
long. Helen was gay, sad, thoughtful,
and laxative by turns, but she did not
infringe on the one subject that cruel
fed Jim.
1t CHANGED that as they surmounted
the pass that led down into Star ranch
valley the sun was setting out Of q
glorious cloud pageant over Wild
Horse Mesa and the canyon brakes of
the Dirty Devil. Jim judged Of Its
beauty and %profundity by the sudden
silence 1t enjolned upon his compan-
Ion. She never spoke another word
until Jim halted the team III front of
the ranch-house porch. Home! y she
whispered as If she had neyer ex-
pected to see 1t again.
At Jim's halloa Herrick came out
on the porch. by Jove-here you
arel" was his greeting, as cool and
Unconditional as If they were returning
from a days visit to the village.
Eyes. Bernie. here | am-thanks to
my escort" replied Helen.
Jim helped her out, while some cow
boys came running.
"Ill take the team down." Jim said,
hurriedly.
You come In" returned Herrick, as
he gripped Jim's hand and gave him
q searching glance. He kissed Helen
and led her In, with his arm around
her. Jim ~purposely fingered at the
task OF collecting Helen's worn and
muddy luggage, and carried 1t In.
Brother and sister stood with arms
locked, and their gaze was hard to
meet. |