United States or Niue ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"He's out of it for the time being," thought Lafe. "Good thing, too. Hard work to keep a strangle hold on that chap and keep his machine right side up. Hey there, Orry!" By this time Erwin had forged so close in swinging round again that only a few yards separated the planes. "Don't you go any nearer those Boches. I am all right. We got some of them. Look at those riderless horses!"
The other was Lafe, the chore boy, who, when Farmer Perkins had stirred the little fellow roughly with his boot-toe as he expressed his deep dissatisfaction, made reparation by gently stroking the baby colt and bringing an old horse-blanket to wrap him in. Old Kate understood. Lafe read gratitude in the big, sorrowful mother eyes.
Ashton flushed. "You know why." "You'll take it now," said Blake, with quiet confidence. "I will. I am going away," replied Ashton as he held out his bandaged hand. The big palm closed over it in a clasp as gentle as it was strong. "No, Lafe. I've got hold of you now. I can't let you go. I need you in my business. We're organizing the Belle Mesa Irrigation and Development Company.
Theodore staggered forward and sank slowly to the floor, while Maudlin fell headlong without a cry. As in a maze Lafe heard a motor leap away like a mad thing. Through the window he could see Theodore's car where the young man had left it. He made a desperate effort to rise, but sank back with a shuddering groan.
Blake looked down solemnly at his youthful heir. "Hear that, Tommy? Guess we'll have to pull out, too, and make it half and half to the ladies." He looked up at Ashton with a swift change from mock to real gravity. "We've got to begin by installing a turbine power-plant down here. Where will I find another engineer with nerve enough to go down these cliffs? I need you, Lafe."
Ever since she began to work, one of the desires of Jinnie's soul had been to purchase a flower. As she scrutinized the scarlet and white carnations, the deep red roses, and the twining green vines, she murmured. "Peg loves Lafe even if she does bark at him. She won't mind if I buy him one. I'll make more money to-morrow."
"That bein' the final business of this meetin'," said Scattergood, "I move we adjourn." The story swept the state. Twenty-four hours later Lafe Siggins visited Coldriver and was driven to Scattergood Baines's hardware store. Scattergood sat on the piazza, and as soon as the visitor was identified the male inhabitants of the village began to gather. "Kin we talk in private?" said Mr. Siggins.
Jinnie shook her head hopelessly. It was all so mysterious that her heart was gripped with fright. A short time before, an officer had been there cross-questioning Lafe suspiciously. Then he had gone away with the pistol in his pocket. She stared out of the window, fear-shadowed.
Peggy's eyes drew down at the corners, and her lip quivered. "Keep him if you want to, imp of Satan, but some day here, see if the beast'll eat this bit of meat." Jinnie placed the shivering dog on the floor, and Peg put a piece of meat under his nose. In her excitement, Jinnie rushed away to Lafe. Peg's mumble followed her even through the closed door.
Yet in the morning, immediately after the usual early breakfast, Gowan went up to the corral and returned driving a lively pair of broncos to the old buckboard. Ashton happened to come around the house as Knowles stepped from the front door. The cowman was followed by his daughter, attired in a new riding habit and a fashionable hat with a veil. "You're just in time, Lafe," said Knowles.
Word Of The Day