He spelled out the words: "Wanted: A Wife.

A well-to-do and chivalrous rancher of abundant means and large holdings in a Western State wishes to correspond with a respectable young woman who will be willing to appreciate a good home and loving care.

Object--matrimony." Wid Gardner read this once, and he read it twice.

"Good God A'mighty!" said he to himself.

"Sim Gage!" He turned back to his cabin, and managed to find a corroded pen and the part of a bottle of thickened ink.