In Quarantine
: The OutletWe reached Miles City shortly after midnight. It was the recognized
cattle centre of Montana at that time, but devoid of the high-lights
which were a feature of the trail towns. The village boasted the usual
number of saloons and dance-houses, and likewise an ordinance compelling
such resorts to close on the stroke of twelve. Lovell had been there
before, and led the way to a well-known hostelry. The house was crowded,
beds. This was perfectly satisfactory, as it was a large apartment
and fronted out on an open gallery. Old man Don suggested we take the
mattresses outside, but as this was my first chance to sleep in a bed
since leaving the ranch in March, I wanted all the comforts that were
due me. Sponsilier likewise favored the idea of sleeping inside, and our
employer yielded, taking the single bed on retiring. The night was warm,
and after thrashing around for nearly an hour, supposing that Dave and I
were asleep, old man Don arose and quietly dragged his mattress outside.
Our bed was soft and downy, but in spite of the lateness of the hour and
having been in our saddles at dawn, we tossed about, unable to sleep.
After agreeing that it was the mattress, we took the covering and
pillows and lay down on the floor, falling into a deep slumber almost
instantly. "Well, wouldn't that jar your eccentric," said Dave to me the
next morning, speaking of our inability to sleep in a bed. "I slept in
one in Ogalalla, and I wasn't over-full either."
Lovell remained with us all the next day. He was well known in Miles
City, having in other years sold cattle to resident cowmen. The day was
spent in hunting up former acquaintances, getting the lay of the land,
and feeling the public pulse on the matter of quarantine on Southern
cattle. The outlook was to our liking, as heavy losses had been
sustained from fever the year before, and steps had already been taken
to isolate all through animals until frost fell. Report was abroad that
there were already within the jurisdiction of Montana over one hundred
and fifty thousand through Texas cattle, with a possibility of one
third that number more being added before the close of the season. That
territory had established a quarantine camp on the Wyoming line, forcing
all Texas stock to follow down the eastern side of the Powder River.
Fully one hundred miles on the north, a dead-line was drawn from
Powderville on that watercourse eastward to a spur of the Powder River
Mountains, thus setting aside a quarantine ground ample to accommodate
half a million cattle. Local range-riders kept all the native and
wintered Texas cattle to the westward of the river and away from the
through ones, which was easily done by riding lines, the Southern herds
being held under constant control and hence never straying. The first
Texas herds to arrive naturally traveled north to the dead-line, and,
choosing a range, went into camp until frost relieved them. It was an
unwritten law that a herd was entitled to as much grazing land as it
needed, and there was a report about Miles City that the quarantine
ground was congested with cattle halfway from Powderville to the Wyoming
line.
The outlook was encouraging. Quarantine was working a hardship to herds
along the old Powder River route, yet their enforced isolation was
like a tempered wind to our cause and cattle, the latter then leisurely
grazing across Dakota from the Little Missouri to the mouth of the
Yellowstone. Fortune favored us in many respects. About Miles City there
was no concealment of our mission, resulting in an old acquaintance of
Lovell's loaning us horses, while old man Don had no trouble in getting
drafts cashed to the amount of two thousand dollars. What he expected to
do with this amount of money was a mystery to Dave and myself, a mystery
which instantly cleared when we were in the privacy of our room at the
hotel.
"Here, boys," said old man Don, throwing the roll of money on the bed,
"divide this wad between you. There might be such a thing as using
a little here and there to sweeten matters up, and making yourselves
rattling good fellows wherever you go. Now in the first place, I want
you both to understand that this money is clear velvet, and don't
hesitate to spend it freely. Eat and drink all you can, and gamble a
little of it if that is necessary. You two will saddle up in the morning
and ride to Powderville, while I will lie around here a few days and try
the market for cattle next year, and then go on to Big Horn on my way
to the Crow Agency. Feel your way carefully; locate the herds of Field,
Radcliff & Co., and throw everything in their way to retard progress.
It is impossible to foretell what may happen, and for that reason only
general orders can be given. And remember, I don't want to see that
money again if there is any chance to use it."
Powderville was a long day's ride from Miles City. By making an early
start and resting a few hours at noon, we reached that straggling
outpost shortly after nightfall. There was a road-house for the
wayfaring man and a corral for his beast, a general store, opposition
saloons, and the regulation blacksmith shop, constituting the business
interests of Powderville. As arriving guests, a rough but cordial
welcome was extended us by the keeper of the hostelry, and we mingled
with the other travelers, but never once mentioning our business. I was
uneasy over the money in our possession; not that I feared robbery, but
my mind constantly reverted to it, and it was with difficulty that I
refrained from continually feeling to see that it was safe. Sponsilier
had concealed his in his boot, and as we rode along, contended that
he could feel the roll chafing his ankle. I had tied two handkerchiefs
together, and rolling my share in one of them, belted the amount between
my overshirt and undershirt. The belt was not noticeable, but in making
the ride that day, my hand involuntarily went to my side where the money
lay, the action never escaping the notice of Sponsilier, who constantly
twitted me over my nervousness. And although we were tired as dogs after
our long ride, I awoke many times that night and felt to see if my money
was safe; my partner slept like a log.
Several cowmen, ranching on the lower Powder River, had headquarters at
this outpost. The next morning Sponsilier and I made their acquaintance,
and during the course of the day got a clear outline of the situation.
On the west the river was the recognized dead-line to the Wyoming
boundary, while two camps of five men each patroled the dividing line on
the north, drifting back the native stock and holding the through herds
in quarantine. The nearest camp was some distance east of Powderville,
and saddling up towards evening we rode out and spent the night at
the first quarantine station. A wagon and two tents, a relay of saddle
horses, and an arsenal of long-range firearms composed the outfit. Three
of the five men on duty were Texans. Making ourselves perfectly at home,
we had no trouble in locating the herds in question, they having already
sounded the tocsin to clear the way, claiming government beef recognized
no local quarantine. The herds were not over thirty miles to the south,
and expectation ran high as to results when an attempt should be made
to cross the deadline. Trouble had already occurred, where outfits
respecting the quarantine were trespassed upon by three herds, making
claim of being under government protection and entitled to the rights of
eminent domain. Fortunately several of the herds on the immediate line
had been bought at Ogalalla and were in possession of ranch outfits who
owned ranges farther north, and were anxious to see quarantine enforced.
These local cowmen would support the established authority, and trouble
was expected. Sponsilier and I widened the breach by denouncing these
intruders as the hirelings of a set of ringsters, who had no regard
for the rights of any one, and volunteered our services in enforcing
quarantine against them the same as others.
Our services were gratefully accepted. The next morning we were
furnished fresh horses, and one of us was requested, as we were
strangers, to ride down the country and reconnoitre the advance of
the defiant drovers. As I was fearful that Field or Radcliff might
be accompanying the herds, and recognize me, Sponsilier went instead,
returning late that evening.
"Well, fellows," said Dave, as he dismounted at the quarantine camp,
"I've seen the herds, and they propose to cross this dead-line of yours
as easily as water goes through a gourd funnel. They'll be here by noon
to-morrow, and they've got the big conversation right on tap to show
that the government couldn't feed its army if it wasn't for a few big
cowmen like them. There's a strange corporal over the three herds and
they're working on five horses to the man. But the major-domo's the
whole works; he's a windy cuss, and intimates that he has a card or two
up his sleeve that will put these quarantine guards to sleep when he
springs them. He's a new man to me; at least he wasn't with the gang at
Ogalalla."
During the absence of my partner, I had ridden the dead-line on the
north. A strip of country five miles wide was clear of cattle above the
boundary, while below were massed four herds, claiming the range from
the mountains to the Powder River. The leader of the quarantine guards,
Fred Ullmer, had accompanied me on the ride, and on our return we
visited three of the outfits, urging them to hold all their reserve
forces subject to call, in case an attempt was made to force the
dead-line. At each camp I took every possible chance to sow the seeds
of dissension and hatred against the high-handed methods of The Western
Supply Company. Defining our situation clearly, I asked each foreman, in
case these herds defied local authority, who would indemnify the owners
for the loss among native cattle by fever between Powderville and the
mouth of the Yellowstone. Would the drovers? Would the government?
Leaving these and similar thoughts for their consideration, Ullmer and I
had arrived at the first quarantine station shortly before the return of
my partner.
Upon the report of Sponsilier, Ullmer was appointed captain, and lost
no time in taking action. After dark, a scout was sent to Camp No. 2, a
meeting-place was appointed on Wolf Creek below, and orders were given
to bring along every possible man from the local outfits and to meet
at the rendezvous within an hour after sun-up the next morning. Ullmer
changed horses and left for Powderville, assuring us that he would rally
every man interested in quarantine, and have his posse below, on the
creek by sunrise. The remainder of us at headquarters were under orders
to bring all the arms and ammunition, and join the quarantine forces at
the meeting-place some five miles from our camp. We were also to touch
at and command the presence of one of the four outfits while en route.
I liked the determined action of Captain Ullmer, who I learned had
emigrated with his parents to Montana when a boy, and had grown into
manhood on the frontier. Sponsilier was likewise pleased with the
quarantine leader, and we lay awake far into the night, reviewing the
situation and trying to anticipate any possible contingency that might
thwart our plans. But to our best reasoning the horizon was clear, and
if Field, Radcliff & Co.'s cattle reached Fort Buford on the day of
delivery, well, it would be a miracle.
Fresh horses were secured at dawn, and breakfast would be secured en
route with the cow outfit. There were a dozen large-calibre rifles in
scabbards, and burdening ourselves with two heavy guns to the man and an
abundance of ammunition, we abandoned Quarantine Station No. 1 for the
time being. The camp which we were to touch at was the one nearest the
river and north of Wolf Creek, and we galloped up to it before the sun
had even risen. Since everything was coming our way, Sponsilier and I
observed a strict neutrality, but a tow-headed Texan rallied the outfit,
saying:
"Make haste, fellows, and saddle up your horses. Those three herds
which raised such a rumpus up on Little Powder have sent down word that
they're going to cross our dead-line to-day if they have to prize up
hell and put a chunk under it. We have decided to call their bluff
before they even reach the line, and make them show their hand for
all this big talk. Here's half a dozen guns and cartridges galore, but
hustle yourselves. Fred went into Powderville last night and will meet
us above at the twin buttes this morning with every cowman in town. All
the other outfits have been sent for, and we'll have enough men to make
our bluff stand up, never fear. From what I learn, these herds belong to
a lot of Yankee speculators, and they don't give a tinker's dam if all
the cattle in Montana die from fever. They're no better than anybody
else, and if we allow them to go through, they'll leave a trail of dead
natives that will stink us out of this valley. Make haste, everybody."
I could see at a glance that the young Texan had touched their pride.
The foreman detailed three men to look after the herd, and the balance
made hasty preparations to accompany the quarantine guards. A relief was
rushed away for the herders; and when the latter came in, they reported
having sighted the posse from Powderville, heading across country for
the twin buttes. Meanwhile a breakfast had been bolted by the guards,
Sponsilier, and myself, and swinging into our saddles, we rounded a
bluff bend of the creek and rode for the rendezvous, some three miles
distant. I noticed by the brands that nearly every horse in that country
had been born in Texas, and the short time in which we covered the
intervening miles proved that the change of climate had added to their
stability and bottom. Our first glimpse of the meeting-point revealed
the summit of the buttes fairly covered with horsemen. From their
numbers it was evident that ours was the last contingent to arrive; but
before we reached the twin mounds, the posse rode down from the lookout
and a courier met and turned us from our course. The lead herd had been
sighted in trail formation but a few miles distant, heading north, and
it was the intention to head them at the earliest moment. The messenger
inquired our numbers, and reported those arrived at forty-five, making
the posse when united a few over sixty men.
A juncture of forces was effected within a mile of the lead herd. It was
a unique posse. Old frontiersmen, with patriarchal beards and sawed-off
shotguns, chewed their tobacco complacently as they rode forward at a
swinging gallop. Beardless youths, armed with the old buffalo guns of
their fathers, led the way as if an Indian invasion had called them
forth. Soldiers of fortune, with Southern accents, who were assisting in
the conquest of a new empire, intermingled with the hurrying throng, and
two men whose home was in Medina County, Texas, looked on and approved.
The very horses had caught the inspiration of the moment, champing bits
in their effort to forge to the front rank, while the blood-stained
slaver coated many breasts or driveled from our boots. Before we met the
herd a halt was called, and about a dozen men were deployed off on each
flank, while the main body awaited the arrival of the cattle. The latter
were checked by the point-men and turned back when within a few hundred
yards of the main posse. Several horsemen from the herd rode forward,
and one politely inquired the meaning of this demonstration. The
question was met by a counter one from Captain Ullmer, who demanded to
know the reason why these cattle should trespass on the rights of others
and ignore local quarantine. The spokesman in behalf of the herd turned
in his saddle and gave an order to send some certain person forward.
Sponsilier whispered to me that this fellow was merely a segundo. "But
wait till the 'major-domo' arrives," he added. The appearance of the
posse and the halting of the herd summoned that personage from the rear
to the front, and the next moment he was seen galloping up the column of
cattle. With a plausible smile this high mogul, on his arrival, repeated
the previous question, and on a similar demand from the captain of
the posse, he broke into a jolly laugh from which he recovered with
difficulty.
"Why, gentlemen," said he, every word dripping with honeyed sweetness,
"this is entirely uncalled for. I assure you that it was purely an
oversight on my part that I did not send you word in advance that these
herds of mine are government cattle and not subject to local quarantine.
My associates are the largest army contractors in the country, these
cattle are due at Fort Buford on the 15th of this month, and any
interference on your part would be looked upon as an insult to the
government. In fact, the post commander at Fort Laramie insisted that he
be permitted to send a company of cavalry to escort us across Wyoming,
and assured us that a troop from Fort Keogh, if requested, would meet
our cattle on the Montana line. The army is jealous over its supplies,
but I declined all military protection, knowing that I had but to show
my credentials to pass unmolested anywhere. Now, if you care to look
over these papers, you will see that these cattle are en route to
Fort Buford, on an assignment of the original contract, issued by the
secretary of war to The Western Supply Company. Very sorry to put you to
all this trouble, but these herds must not be interfered with. I trust
that you gentlemen understand that the government is supreme."
As the papers mentioned were produced, Sponsilier kicked me on the
shin, gave me a quiet wink, and nodded towards the documents then being
tendered to Captain Ullmer. Groping at his idea, I rode forward, and
as the papers were being returned with a mere glance on the part of the
quarantine leader, I politely asked if I might see the assignment of the
original contract. But a quizzical smile met my request, and shaking out
the heavy parchment, he rapped it with the knuckles of his disengaged
hand, remarking as he returned it to his pocket, "Sorry, but altogether
too valuable to allow out of my possession." Just what I would have done
with the beribboned document, except to hand it over to Sponsilier,
is beyond me, yet I was vaguely conscious that its destruction was of
importance to our side of the matter at issue. At the same instant in
which my request was declined, the big medicine man turned to Captain
Ullmer and suavely remarked, "You found everything as represented, did
you?"
"Why, I heard your statement, and I have also heard it disputed from
other sources. In fact I have nothing to do with you except to enforce
the quarantine now established by the cattlemen of eastern Montana.
If you have any papers showing that your herds were wintered north of
latitude 37, you can pass, as this quarantine is only enforced against
cattle from south of that degree. This territory lost half a million
dollars' worth of native stock last fall from Texas fever, and this
season they propose to apply the ounce of preventive. You will have
ample time to reach your destination after frost falls, and your
detention by quarantine will be a good excuse for your delay. Now,
unless you can convince me that your herds are immune, I'll show you
a good place to camp on the head of Wolf Creek. It will probably be a
matter of ten to fifteen days before the quarantine is lifted, and we
are enforcing it against citizens of Montana and Texas alike, and no
exception can be made in your case."
"But, my dear sir, this is not a local or personal matter. Whatever you
do, don't invite the frown of the government. Let me warn you not to act
in haste. Now, remember--"
"You made your cracks that you would cross this quarantine line,"
interrupted Ullmer, bristlingly, "and I want you to find out your
mistake. There is no occasion for further words, and you can either
order your outfit to turn your cattle east, or I'll send men and do it
myself."
The "major-domo" turned and galloped back to his men, a number of whom
had congregated near at hand. The next moment he returned and haughtily
threatened to surrender the cattle then and there unless he was allowed
to proceed. "Give him a receipt for his beeves, Fred," quietly remarked
an old cowman, gently stroking his beard, "and I'll take these boys over
here on the right and start the cattle. That will be the safest way,
unless the gentleman can indemnify us. I lost ten thousand dollars'
worth of stock last fall, and as a citizen of Montana I have objections
to leaving a trail of fever from here to the mouth of the Yellowstone.
And tell him he can have a bond for his cattle," called back the old man
as he rode out of hearing.
The lead herd was pointed to the east, and squads of men rode down and
met the other two, veering them off on an angle to the right. Meanwhile
the superintendent raved, pleaded, and threatened without avail, but
finally yielded and refused the receipt and dispossession of his cattle.
This was just what the quarantine captain wanted, and the dove of peace
began to shake its plumage. Within an hour all three of the herds
were moving out for the head of Wolf Creek, accompanied only by the
quarantine guards, the remainder of the posse returning to their homes
or their work. Having ample time on our hands, Sponsilier and I expected
to remain at Station No. 1 until after the 10th of September, and
accordingly made ourselves at home at that camp. To say that we were
elated over the situation puts it mildly, and that night the two of us
lost nearly a hundred dollars playing poker with the quarantine guards.
A strict vigilance was maintained over the herds in question, but
all reports were unanimous that they were contentedly occupying their
allotted range.
But at noon on the third day of the enforced isolation, a messenger from
Powderville arrived at the first station. A troop of cavalry from Fort
Keogh, accompanied by a pack-train, had crossed the Powder River below
the hamlet, their avowed mission being to afford an escort for certain
government beef, then under detention by the local authorities. The
report fell among us like a flash of lightning. Ample time had elapsed
for a messenger to ride to the Yellowstone, and, returning with troops,
pilot them to the camps of Field, Radcliff & Co. A consultation was
immediately held, but no definite line of action had been arrived at
when a horseman from one of the lower camps dashed up and informed us
that the three herds were already trailing out for the dead-line,
under an escort of cavalry. Saddling up, we rallied what few men were
available, determined to make a protest, at least, in the interest of
humanity to dumb brutes. We dispatched couriers to the nearest camps and
the outer quarantine station; but before a posse of twenty men arrived,
the lead herd was within a mile of the dead-line, and we rode out and
met them. Fully eighty troopers, half of which rode in column formation
in front, halted us as we approached. Terse and to the point were
the questions and answers exchanged between the military arm of the
government and the quarantine authorities of Montana. When the question
arose of indemnity to citizens, in case of death to native cattle, a
humane chord was touched in the young lieutenant in command, resulting
in his asking several questions, to which the "major-domo" protested.
Once satisfied of the justice of quarantine, the officer, in defense of
his action, said:
"Gentlemen, I am under instructions to give these herds, intended for
use at Fort Buford, a three days' escort beyond this quarantine line.
I am very much obliged to you all for making so clear the necessity
of isolating herds of Texas cattle, and that little or no hardship may
attend my orders, you may have until noon to-morrow to drift all native
stock west of the Powder River. When these herds encamp for the night,
they will receive instructions not to move forward before twelve
to-morrow. I find the situation quite different from reports;
nevertheless orders are orders."
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The drama of the hold-up and of the retribution that had fallen upon the bandits had moved as swiftly as though it had been rehearsed. There had been no wasted words, no delay in the action. But in life the curtain does not always drop at the righ... In A Pioneer Restaurant
CHAPTER I. There was probably no earthly reason why the "Poco Mas o Menos" Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals. Still l... In A State Of Sin
Thunder sat imminent upon the missionary's brow. Many were to be at his mercy soon. But for us he had sunshine still. "I am truly sorry to be turning you upside down," he said importantly. "But it seems the best place for my service." He spoke of ... In Butte
Dave overheard the conversation between the two rough-looking men in the crowded car, and so did Phil and Roger. All glanced at each other suggestively. "Do you think they are talking about the Abe Blower we want to find?" asked Roger of Dave, ... In Dead Man's Cache
Not since the start of their journey had Melissy broken silence, save to answer, in few words as possible, the questions put to her by the outlaw. Yet her silence had not been sullenness. It had been the barrier which she had set up between them--... In Los Angeles
When she felt bewildered, Jean had the trick of appearing merely reserved; and that is what saved her from the charge of rusticity when Robert Grant Burns led her through the station gateway and into a small reception. No less a man than Dewitt, Pr... In Quarantine
We reached Miles City shortly after midnight. It was the recognized cattle centre of Montana at that time, but devoid of the high-lights which were a feature of the trail towns. The village boasted the usual number of saloons and dance-houses, and l... In Sanctuary
When James Hurlstone reached the shelter of the shrubbery he leaned exhaustedly against the adobe wall, and looked back upon the garden he had just traversed. At its lower extremity a tall hedge of cactus reinforced the crumbling wall with a cheva... In The Arroyo
Senor Johnson quietly approached Estrella. The girl had, during the struggle, gone through an aimless but frantic exhibition of terror. Now she shrank back, her eyes staring wildly, her hands behind her, ready to flop again over the brink of hyster... In The Dark
Trevison faced the darkness between him and the pueblo with a wild hope pulsing through his veins. Rosalind Benham had had an opportunity to deliver him into the hands of his enemy and she had not taken advantage of it. There was but one interpret... In The Devil's Frying-pan
Luck, riding confidently on the trail of the three horsemen who had taken to the south along the front of the square butte, believed that the turn of the trail around the southern end meant simply that the three who came this way would meet their co... In The Fog
By noon of the following day the coast of the Peninsula of California had been sighted to leeward. The lower temperature of the northwest Trades had driven Mrs. Brimmer and Miss Chubb into their state-rooms to consult their wardrobes in view of an... In The Image Of God
Houck's jeering laugh of triumph came back to the humiliated boy. He noticed for the first time that two or three men were watching him from the door of the saloon. Ashamed to the depths of his being, he hung his head dejectedly. All his life he w... In The Land Of Revolutions
The knock that sounded on the door was neither gentle nor apologetic. It sounded as if somebody had flung a baseball bat at it. O'Connor smiled, remembering that soft tap of yore. "I reckon--" he was beginning, when the door opened to admit a visi... In The Lazy D Hospital
Helen's first swift glance showed that the wounded man was Bannister. She turned in crisp command to her foreman. "Have him taken to my room and put to bed there. We have no time to prepare another. And send one of the boys on your best horse for ... In The Mountain Cave
Dave had been in perilous situations before, and had learned the important lesson that if he lost his wits all would be lost. The mountain lion was large and powerful and evidently in full fighting humor. The youth was armed, carrying a pistol ... In The Saddle
White winter covered the sage hills and gave the country a bleak and desolate look. The Slash Lazy D riders wrapped up and went out over the wind-swept mesas to look after the cattle cowering in draws or drifting with the storm. When Bob could sle... In The Secret Chamber
The escaping party groped its way along the passage in the wall, down a rough, narrow flight of stone steps to a second tunnel, and along this underground way for several hundred yards. Since he was the only one familiar with the path they were trav... In The Tules
He had never seen a steamboat in his life. Born and reared in one of the Western Territories, far from a navigable river, he had only known the "dugout" or canoe as a means of conveyance across the scant streams whose fordable waters made even tho... In Which Hatred Is Born
For some persons romance dwells in the new and the unusual, and for other persons it dwells not at all. Certain of Rosalind Benham's friends would have been able to see nothing but the crudities and squalor of Manti, viewing it as Miss Benham did,... Injuns
Bob swung down from the saddle in front of the bunkhouse. Reeves came to the door and waved a hand. "'Lo, Sure-Shot! What's new in Bear Cat?" "Fellow thinkin' of startin' a drug-store. Jim Weaver is the happy dad of twins. Mad dog shot on Mai... International Courtesies
The garden over whose wall Brace had mysteriously vanished was apparently as deserted as the lane and plaza without. But its solitude was one of graceful shadow and restful loveliness. A tropical luxuriance, that had perpetuated itself year after ... Into The Depths
"Good Lord, Race! What's happened?" Senator Rexhill, on the next morning, surprised that Moran did not show up at the hotel, had gone in search of him, and was dumbfounded when he entered the office. Moran, in his desperate efforts to free hi... Into The Desert
If you want to know what mad adventure Bud found himself launched upon, just read a few extracts from the diary which Cash Markham, being a methodical sort of person, kept faithfully from day to day, until he cut his thumb on a can of tomatoes which he... Irish Works For The Cause
Big Medicine with Weary and Chip to bear him company, rode up to the shack nearest his own, which had been hastily built by a raw-boned Dane who might be called truly Americanized. Big Medicine did not waste time in superfluities or in making threat... Its Awful Easy To Get Lost
The Kid wriggled uncomfortably in the saddle and glanced at the narrow-browed face of H. J. Owens, who was looking this way and that at the enfolding hills and scowling abstractedly. The Kid was only six, but he was fairly good at reading moods and ... Jack Goes To The Head Of The Class
She trailed the bridle reins, went up the porch steps, and drew off her gauntlets. Her hand was outstretched to open the door when her gaze fell upon a large bill tacked to the wall. Swiftly she read it through, and, having read it, remained in su... Jane
After that night, there began a sort of persecution, skillfully conducted by Jasper and Betty, against the ferocity of Jane. It was a persecution impossible to imagine in any other setting, even the social simplicity of Lazy-Y found itself a trifl... Jealousy
Meantime, many things of great interest to Gordon Wade happened without his knowledge. A national election at which the previously dominant party was defeated, was a sad blow to Senator Rexhill, who not only suffered in prestige but in pocket. ... Jean
The still loneliness of desertion held fast the clutter of sheds and old stables roofed with dirt and rotting hay. The melancholy of emptiness hung like an invisible curtain before the sprawling house with warped, weather-blackened shingles, and sa... Jean Believes That She Takes Matters Into Her Own Hands
After all, Jean did not have to fight her way clear through "Warring Mexico" and back again, in order to reach Nogales. She let Lite take her to the snug little apartment which she was to share with Muriel and her mother, and she fancied that she h... Jean Learns What Fear Is Like
Sometime in the still part of the night which comes after midnight, Jean woke slowly from dreaming of the old days that had been so vivid in her mind when she went to sleep. Just at first she did not know what it was that awakened her, though her e... Jean Meets One Crisis And Confronts Another
"Well, say! This is like seeing you walk out of that picture that's running at the Teatro Palacia. You sure are making a hit with those moving-pictures; made me feel like I'd met somebody from home to stroll in there and see you and Lite come ridi... Jean Rides Into A Small Adventure
At the mouth of the coulee, she turned to the left instead of to the right, and so galloped directly away from the Bar Nothing ranch, down the narrow valley known locally as the Flat, and on to the hills that invited her with their untroubled lights... Jean Spoils Something
Jean found the padlock key where she had hidden it under a rock ten feet from the door, and let herself into her room. The peaceful familiarity of its four walls, and the cheerful patch of sunlight lying warm upon the faded rag carpet, gave her the... Jim Finds Sara And Pen
"Since time began Indians have climbed my back and have cried their joys and sorrows to the sky. I wonder who has heard!" MUSINGS OF THE ELEPHANT. Mr. Dennis laughed. He still was holdi... Jim Gets A Blow
"The eagle has lived long in my side. He is cruel with talons built for seizing. Is this why so many nations choose him as their emblem?" MUSINGS OF THE ELEPHANT. Jane never had looked ... Jim Makes A Speech
"I am permanent so I cannot fully understand the tragedy that haunts humans from their birth, the tragedy of their own transitoriness." MUSINGS OF THE ELEPHANT. Jim drank his tea, stari... Jim Plans A Last Fight
"The coyotes are going leaving behind them bleaching bones. The Indians are going leaving a few arrow heads and water vessels. What will the whites leave?" MUSINGS OF THE ELEPHANT. Jim ... Joan And Prosper
The situation was no doubt an extraordinary, an unimaginable one, but it had to be met. When he returned to the box, Prosper had himself in hand, and, sitting a little farther back than before, he watched the second act with a sufficiency of outwa... Joan Disobeys
What he next knew was a fire of agony that wrapped his whole body and consciousness flashed back on him. Strong arms lifted him up, up; above him he sensed the eyes of his torturer, dim in moonlight, and he beat his clubbed left fist into that face.... Joan Reads By Firelight
There is no silence so fearful, so breathless, so searching as the night silence of a wild country buried five feet deep in snow. For thirty miles or so, north, south, east, and west of the small, half-smothered speck of gold in Pierre Landis's ca...