Hope Hathaway

and bare feet, played noisily on the outskirts, dogs and pigs scurried about everywhere, while in the doorway of the dingy, dirt-covered kitchen in the rear hove

onally by more or less Indians, whose tepees stood at one side, or more or less

r or later, a search for a new country, or utter ruination. He brought with him, years before from the north, a weird record, no tangible tale of which got about, but the mysterious rumor, combined with the man's striking personality, his huge form, bearded face, piercing blue eyes, and great voice, all combined to make people afraid of him. He was considered a dangerous man. At this date he possessed one thousand head of good cattle, a squaw, and fifteen strong, hu

at the large man's coat. He stooped and picked her up in his arms, leading the hungry throng into the house, where a rude supper was eaten in almost absolute silence. Occasionally a pig would ve

small dingy window looking out upon the mountains at the back of the ranch-a clear view, unobstructed by scurrying dogs, pigs, or children. She leaned far out, drawing in deep, sweet breaths, and wondering if she would follow the impulse to climb out and run to the top of the nearest hi

girl in a timid voice. "The men are thr

e. It doesn't seem just right-here. Call me Hope. It will make me feel more at

e to eat alone," ans

I'd much prefer it. You know it would be

till after the boys get theirs," said

not?" When she had finished unpacking she turned to the breed girl, who had become quite friendly and was watching her interestedly, and explained: "Just a few things that I thought would be suitabl

as Hope held it up for ins

ing, but I'll put it on

s, fringed properly, her black eyes, and quiet expressionless face, made a very picturesque representation of an Indian girl. Truly she was one of them. The breed girls must have thought something of the same, for they became at their ease, talking very much as girls talk the world over. There were three of

large spring crept lazily out, spreading itself as it went into a miniature lake which lay between the house buildings and the stables. It was the on

mother, and even the pigs had drowsily gone to their sleeping quarters.

ke. The water into which she looked and dreamed was shallow, but the deepening shadows concealed that fact. To her fancy it might have bee

past; it looks so clear and cold." She bowed her head in assent, and, bringing a cup from

noticing the girl more closely, continued: "I have been talking w

home that he would bring back an Indian wife, as one of historical fame had done centuries before. He laughed heartily at the time-he smiled now, but thought of it. He thought of it again many times that e

e that team I have been wanting. I am

yes, of course. I thought--Would yo

inute. He watched her supple figure as she stooped to refill the tin cup. What perfect physiques some of these Indian g

hly, returning the cup. She did not speak again, so bidding her a courteo

study of the water; then two of the breed girls

ool him. He's new out here, and don't know much, anyhow. He's Edward Living

claimed Hope, "Is

men, too?" asked

er, something that grows in the air if you're raised among cattle. I despise sheep, detest the

are all gettin' down on him. He runs his sheep al

ary, they're only talkin', an

care neither, if he gets into a scrape; only he's got such a nice, pleasant face, an' he ain't on to the ways

ut maybe she don't want to hear such ta

g as she bade Mary good-night at her door: