Emerson Hough

The Sagebrusher Emerson Hough

Book Excerpt: ...e than any other of the owner's treasures. It was, curiously enough, to this little heap of literature that Wid Gardner presently turned. Forgetful of the hour and of his waiting cows, he sat down, a copy in his hands, his face taking on a new sort of light as he read. At times, as lone men will, he broke out into audible soliloquy. Now and again his hand slapped his knee, his eye kindled, he grinned. The pages were ill-printed, showing many paragraphs, apparently of advertising nature, in fine type, sometimes marked with display lines. Wid turned page after page, grunting as he did so, until at last he tossed the magazine upon the top of the box and so went about his evening chores. Thus the title of the publication was left showing to any observer. The headline was done in large black letters, advising all who might have read that this was a copy of the magazine known as Hearts Aflame. Curiously enough, on the front page the headline of a certain advertisement showed plainly. I...