Adventure Magazine, Mid-September 1917 — page 53: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Longhorns tie Windigo to the tailboard. I think I'll be sociable for once and ride with you.” “Shore, hop right in,” invited Chuck, and stopped his team. “You probably don’t want me,” con- tinued the Rainbow blithely, making fast the bridle of the red horse. ‘‘But I’m used _to that. It doesn’t bother me one little bit— You needn’t move clear out on the wheel, Chuck. You’re perfectly safe with me. I sha’n’t make love to you, really.” “Huh!” In spite of himself the reddening Chuck moved uneasily on the seat. The Rainbow laughed heartily, calmly pulled the tobacco bag out of his upper vest-pocket and constructed a cigaret. ‘‘Much obliged,” said she, stuffing the bag back into the pocket. ‘“—— handy having a man round once in a while. I was just wondering how on earth I was going to get a smoke before I saw you.” She pulled a match from his hatband and adroitly lighted the slim white roll. “T believe the boy thinks I’m trying to flirt with him,” she observed, with a side- long glance. “Don’t you flatter yourself, you conceited thing!’ “T don’t! I ain’t! I—” incoherently be- gan the badgered Chuck. “Don’t mention it, old-timer, or you’ll choke. When’s it coming off?” ‘‘When’s what coming off?” “The wedding, Mister Innocence, the wedding.” ‘“‘What wedding?” Chuck was red to the ears. “Yes, I wonder what wedding. I do in- deed. You don’t mean to tell me, Chuck Morgan, that you haven’t asked her yet?” The Rainbow’s expression radiated unbe- lief. “I dunno what yo’re talkin’ about.” Hufhly. “Then V’ll explain,” said the Rainbow, and began. ‘Now look here,”’ Chuck cut in at the end of her second sentence, “‘there ain’t nothin’ a-tall between that young lady an’ me. Why, Rainbow, I’m shore surprised at yuh even thinkin’ such a thing.” “Yes? Then of course you won’t mind Bill Holliday’s going to see Jane.” “Has he been to see her?” demanded Chuck fiercely, sitting erect with a jerk. ‘“‘Not that I know of. I merely wished to make you give yourself away. But indeed you did that the day uncle was shot and SI you and I rode to the C-Y and you rushed up to Jane and asked her if she was all right. Remember, old-timerP— Yes, well, if I were you I’d declare my intentions pretty soon. A young man like yourself, strong, willing, not warranted to stand with- out hitching, is an article that’s badly needed at the C-Y. The father isn’t much of a protection, Chuck.” “TI know, but——”’ “But what?” ‘““Maybe now she wouldn’t have me.” Chuck had determined to take the Rainbow into his confidence. Which was just as well. She had broken in anyhow. *fAsk her and find out.” “Bub-but she—she’s different an’— may- be I’d sort o’ better let her get used to havin’ me round a li’l more ’fore I ask her. Why, she don’t even know [I lul-lul-like her.”’ ‘Don’t fret yourself. She knows. Why, Chuck, even I could tell the instant you opened your mouth and spoke of her. Of course she knows. And it isn’t lul-lul-like. It’s lul-lul-love, and you needn’t boggle at it either.” “‘Djuh think she’d look at me, Rainbow?” Anxiously. ‘“‘Be a sport and take a chance. Good Lord, do you have to know everything in advance?” “I’m only pullin’ down forty-five a month.” ‘“‘A good manager can do a whole lot on forty-five a month. You’ll get enough to eat, and there’ll be plenty left over for tobacco, if that’s what you’re thinking of. She’s a regular cook, that Jane Dale. I spent the night there, and say! Hashed brown potatoes with little young onions chopped up fine, steak, and coffee that would put your eye out. She’s an awfully sensible girl too. We became quite well acquainted in the evening, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her now. She’s a dear, and I just love her.” CHAPTER XV RIDERS OF THE NIGHT “(UL down on yuh an’ killed my mules!” bawled Mr. Saltoun, red-faced with wrath. ‘An’ yuh couldn’t get no sight of 2em!’’ “‘Nary a flicker,’”’ declared Chuck. “D’juh ventilate any?” | COmMicloo ©