The Coolidge examiner., 1934-12-07

"and what's more. think we'd
better start right back II were 10
go alone. Soon as Marks better
we'll be glad Of the chance 10 come
and get him: but really. I'd feel
easier 70 so back today"
Hes right. Matthew" commend.
81 Uncle Tom. Its not quite fair
FOR me 10 steal two of your "a.
ther's sons and his hired man as
weil' And as Jack says. It's be-
ter for them 20 start soon and
take their time. Run Up and say
a word 20 Mark. you two. while
Aunt I'm gets you a good lunch.
You won't mind eating early after
the long ride"
II never saw my sister refuse
food. early or late. ride or no ride. "
Erinned Jack as they went upstairs.
They were away by noon. regret
ful not TO stay longer with this hos
pltAble family. but glad 20 think
they would return 50 soon.
These plains are such surprising
things" said Nancy. whcn Prairie
ranch and its big eottonwoods were
miles behind them. From a distance
they look fat as a huge billiard Ia
bic. who would believe that there
are mesas and hills out hercT~
Il Ike the pralrIes better from n
distance confessed her brother.
They're 50 desolate and lonely
when you're on EN-. SIS. T."
The boy paused. brushing one
hand against his cheek.
Queer. but I'd swear n snowflake
hlt me- why. there's another
Strange to see snow drlft down this
way while the suns shining. May.
be Cousin Columblne was right. and
were In Tor a storm"
Nancy laughed
Lost on the prairie IN a blizzard
on the twenty sixth of March II
would be some story to tell the folks
back homel"
Jack said. his eyes following the
cloud: Don't tempt Providence.
Sis. That cloud Is turning inky /:
and billiards. on these plains are
something awful. they come so sud.
denly. Mr. Adam told me about a
time"
gust OF wind was upon them
before Jack nnIshed speaking. Big
balls OF tumbleweed scurrled across
the prairie: and clouds OF dust Oh
liberated the road.
Perhaps we'd better turn and
20 back" suggested Nance. ducklng
her head against the particles OF
dust. Cousin Columb!ne insisted we
mustn't start In any sort OF storm.
you know. and" cher voice rose IN
alarml ~and It's really showing. It's
beginning 10 snow hard :"
The boy leaned forward. scanning
q sky that grew darker with In
credible rapidlty.
How far back did we pass that
schoolhouseT~ His voice. Nance no
ticed. was tense. unnatural. Il don't
want 20 scare you. Sis. but this
looks bad 20 me. II we could reach
the school I'd take a chance al walt
Ing there until the worst Is over.
What do you sayf"
Il say we keep right on 10 the
frst ranch. That school was SIX
or eight miles back; and when we
passed noticed particularly that
the bus had left Perhaps they
closed at noon today"
A stinging furry OF snow was on
them now. cutting across their faces
like a whip. For a moment IL took
Jacks breath away: then he re
piled: Il guess you're right. There
WAS n ranch somewhere along here.
l remember seeing the gate and
mail box. Help me into this jacket.
VIII you? / don't want 10 stop the
car. GOSH Nancy, we're headed
straight Into this storm. That's Il"
(as she struggled TO get his arm
into a sleeye). don't bother about
the other. Get Into your own coat
quiek-or wrap II round you. Look
az this snow The windshield's Gov
cred already. I'll have to get out
and wipe Il Of"
Are there any side curtains In
this old cart" cried Nancy as they
started on after a short delay.
Jack shook his head as he bent
tensely above the wheel.
'Darned II know; and you
couldn't put 'em on In this wind
anyway. Keep your eyes peeled for
that mail box. Nance. We mustn't
miss IL We've can't miss Il. Do
you underestimate"
Nance understood only too well.
There followed a mile or so when
neither spoke. Twice Jack got out