The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1945-09-13
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where they how stood eating with
the rest of the hands.
"Sure nuff," one was saying to
Hank "but that was the last war.
Somehow they figure old hands
like us couldn't stick cavalry
mount in this one.'
Rusty's heart lifted. How RI
diculous to have doubled them
to have thought they might be
deserters! They looked old
enough to have been in the last
war. And hadn't much of the
cavalry's force been picked from
the ranks of the Western cow
boys?
''Who knows" she told Fatso,
as she and the kitten walked to-
ward the house later, :"but what
Herb also will have some explain
alton some day."
Fatso, making her way daintily,
stopped short, shifted and then
growled.
"Gosh, Sis, that cats more like
dog than a cat" said Nanny
from the darkness.
"More like Rusty" chuckled
Decker, and now Rusty could see
him perched on a chopping block
beside the path. '"That's the way
Rusty goes through life. Comes
purring along, and when you
least expect it, stops and growls.
Where did you get the little beast,
Rusty?"
doc gave it to her." supplied
Nanny.
"You get rid of it, Rusty, and
I'll bring you a Persian" Decker
said quickly.
Nanny giggled. IF you're aim
in to keep up with Doc, Decker,
you'll have to bring her cat and
me two dogs"
NANNY" snapped Rusty. 1T
was Miss Westmore who gave me
the kitten"
THAT old" Decker checked
himself, Il didn't think she'd
give anyone anything but the
creeps. Rusty, want to talk to
you. Nanny, you may not know
it, but your mother wants you"
Rusty waited until Nanny was
gone, then asked, What do you
know about Miss Westmore?'
Enough to know she isn't Miss
'Westmore," Decker answered.
Enough to know she's a regis
tered veterinarian and registered
under another name"
Rusty stiffened. She believed
him because of the slip Adelaide
had made when she was at the
ranch-and because of her knowl-
edge of Herbs work, her ability
to carry on during his absence.
''They might be married" Rus
ty said slowly. "They could have
been married after she'd register
ed and the new name not yet plac-
ed on the license"
'"That's what l Think" Decker
returned. whats more, l don't
believe they want it known. With
every ranch filled with marriage
able girls, and the present man
shortage, any man of his age
could pull in business if he posed
as single"
Decker turned to see the two
new hands approaching.
well, what is it," he asked
brusquely.
WED like to speak to our
boss,' answered one.
II suppose it's something you
couldn't discuss with Piney?"
'That," responded the man, lis
for Miss Rowland to decide"
"Now, look herer"
"Decker!" Rusty closed her
hand about his wrist, then turned
to the two hands. What is it
you want?"
well, Miss, it's about the stump
below the spring. We was no.
ticing it. You could grow some
celery there if you had a mind to;
they like boys"
TOO bad you men didn't hire
out on farm where they need
Decker began.
"Decker!" Rusty wheeled on
him, then back to the hands. ~
appreciate your suggestions. Will
you please come to my office to
discuss it tomorrow? And thank
you for what you did today"
Then to Decker, I'm going in
now"
She walked away swiftly. Fat
so bounding before her.
In her room she considered
what Decker had said. How, if
only his men had gone with Slim
to Doctor Westmore's, had he
L.