Marion Marlowe in Omaha, or, Held up by Accident — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

MY QUEEN. 15 falling back into his chair. right, but it ain’t ter my likin’.” The others smiled, but Marion blushed ; painfully. The picturesque ranchman was becoming “T reck'n it’s all a enibarrassing. The love scenes were cut short after that, 4 and only the minor paris rehearsed, and be- | fore it was all over the old fellow had grown quite amiable. “Now, then, mister—what’s your name— ‘Tve got er. invite "tex yer,” he said, jovially. "JT want ther hull kit an’ boodle of yer ter — come fer a sleighride. I’ve got er couple 0’ dozen or so of horses right here in Omyha, and yer kin hev yer Rice of ther teams— ennything thet suits yer.” Mr. Temple thanked him. There was no use declining. It would only have hurt the old fellow’s feelings.’ It was a beautiful dav for a drive, and, although the weather was mild, the snow wa tion. ? “I'll hev er lot er rigs at ther door in er _ shake,”” he went on; ‘an’ all I want is ther honor of drivin’ Miss Marler. I’ve ‘got er pair of mustangs thet kin make ther snow fly, ‘J tells ver. Thar ain’t nothin’ in this part of ther country thet kin touch ’em.”’ ia Here was a dilemma for Marion, but she _ knew they were all looking at her, and, half in the spirit of mischief, she turned to the ._ old fellow. : _ “I shall be delighted to ride behind your _ mustangs, sir,” and it is very kind, indeed, for you to give us the invitation.” _ “Then thet thar’s settled! I’m er goin’ fer ther hosses,” said the old fellow, starting. “Great snakes! but won’t them ponies be tickled when they see her! They arter go like blazes with thet thar girl behind ’em !” There was a general laugh as the old fel- - low went out, but Marion was still able to do ___ her share of the teasing. she said, very sweetly; “ was still in excellent condi- “He grows more charming every minute,” she said, with a gay look at Miss Allyn. “Really, would make some woman an adorable hus band!’ ‘ “Wait until after you see the mustangs,’ Alma, I think you are right—he was Bert’s laughing suggestion. “If they are lean and lanky, look out for him, Marion; but if they look sleek and well fed, it may be safe to marry him!” 33 “He’s-a jealous old chap,” spoke up Miss “Why, for a minute, I al- most thought he was going to hit the doc- tor!” Ellis, quickly. ‘‘He’d be worse than a buffalo to fight with,” laughed Dr. Brookes, good-naturedly. “The fates forbid that I should ever come to blows with such a rival as the ranchman !” “Oh, we've all forgotten something again !” exclaimed Mrs. Burnside; “we’ve forgotten How wonderfully stupid!” “I know who he is,” spoke up Orrin Olcott. “T meant to tell before, but I clean forgot it. to ask his name! He is known as Commodére Dickson, and he’s a bachelor, they say. and besides, he’s the richest ranchman in Arizona!’ “Gee whiz!” in a tone of We are murmured Bert, alarm. ‘Phat last item settles it! sure to lose Marion!” The young girl smiled, and a mischievous light sprang into her eyes. She was going to have a little harmless fun out of the commodore’s wooing. “I just dote on horses and sheep and dogs,” she said, merrily; ‘and, of course, he has a lot of them if he has a ranch. — And then, oh, Bert, just think of seeing a ‘round-up!’ I've read all about them, and I think they must be grand! Now, if I can just learn to fove the commodore, what an ideal life T could live in Arizona! She laughed merrily as she spoke, and the others all joined her except Dr. Brookes, who had suddenly grown silent. (EO) JOO SHaCO