The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-12-07

lot OF that sort. Most of them didn't
stay long enough to grow up much.
David returned the grin and swung
out of the hotel into the storm. He
had experienced another impulse.
There were no kids in the hotel, but
he'd have a Christmas, anyway.
Bennington's was on Main street and
the biggest shops of the city were near
it. He lent himself to an orgy of buy
ing. He bought fifteen boxes of candy.
He bought fifteen prepared Christmas
stockings, full of trifles, and topped
each one with an orange and a candy
cane. He bought toy trumpets and toy
drums and humming tops. He return
ed to the hotel laden with packages and
accompanied by clerk similarly over
; burdened. Bennington, still at his desk
in the lobby, stared again and then
roared.
Hello, Santa Claus" he greeted jov-
tally. Bought out the town."
Just about"
David deigned to use the elevator this
time and got his packages up to his
ROOM Then he came downstairs again
for supper. He had killed one dragging
! hour and he was hungry. The appear
ance of the dining room cheered him.
/ 1t was big but homelike, and it fairly
shouted its message of Christmas cheer.
There was a lot of light, too, and the
people sitting around at the six or
eight small tables were reasonably
cheerful looking. The meal was excell-
ent. David's gloom had almost disap-
peared. He told himself he had made
no mistake in leaving the ranch and
! seeking change Of atmosphere.
The evening newspapers had given
him a list of good shows. AS he rose
from the table he looked at his watch
He'd go to show tonight One had to
do something Christmas eve.
In the lobby Bennington stopped him
as he passed the desk.
, Coin out again, Santa Claus?' he
asked Hospitality. II kinda thought II
you had minute I'd interduce you tc
young Bryant and his sister. I guess
they're kind of lonesome, too. The fell
low hung around the hotel most all day
and it's plain enough the girl don't
know what to do with herself. I tolG
'em you were one of our old-timers here
an had big ranch fifty or sixty miles
out. You might give 'em an earfu
about cattle raising an such, sense you
re so full of Christmas spirit" he add
ed tactfully. They're both green a!
grass. You could tell 'em a lot the!
oughta know"
i David frowned. Even yet he was mo-
wholly in the Christmas spirit and HI
was not feeling altruistic enough tt
tackle two eastern strangers, one O
them a girl However, he had half al
) hour on his hands before the show be-
gan. He'd do his good deed for the da.
and get it over.
Il "All right" he agreed indifferently
"Trot 'em out"
, II guess I better take you in to them,
the landlord suggested. They're in tn
cardroom playin' double Garfield"
) David followed him to the cardroom
He was not interested. He'd give tn
; pair handshake, he decided, ansWe
2 as we'll as he could any questions abou
| ranching the boy wanted to ask, an
then be on his way. His heart sam
, a bit as Bennington stopped at a tabl
: and went into what Worse mental
5 characterized as "his stuff"
This is Mr.. Vorse," Bennington wa
;, saying to the boy. Hes got a bi
2 ranch himself an there's nothing abou
2 ranching he don't know. thought 20
2 and your sister might like to talk t
him little-you bein' strangers in on
e midst" he added less confidently. HE
t II tell you anything you want to know
David got the immediate impressio
{ that the introduction was not welcom
] The brother and sister, a handsom
;. admirably dressed, dark young pa
:, whose facial resemblance plainly show
/ ed their relationship, looked distinct
l., bored. But the boy got to his feet an
2 perfunctorily shook hands.
0 lawfully good of you," he murmure
: Don't want to butt in," David grir
4 ned his likable grin and the boys e.