Project Gutenberg's The Coming of the Law, by Charles Alden Seltzer This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Coming of the Law Author: Charles Alden Seltzer Illustrator: R. W. Amick Release Date: March 5, 2010 [EBook #31512] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COMING OF THE LAW *** Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net “What have you done with Hollis?” demanded Norton, thrusting his big six-shooter against Ten Spot’s stomach. Page 165 The Coming of the Law THE COMING OF THE LAW BY CHARLES ALDEN SELTZER Author of “The Range Riders,” “The Two-Gun Man,” “The Triangle Cupid,” etc. WITH FRONTISPIECE IN COLORS BY R. W. AMICK A. L. BURT COMPANY Publishers New York Copyright 1912, By OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY All Rights Reserved First Printing, August, 1912 Second Printing, September, 1912 CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. THE ARRIVAL OF THE MAN 9 II. THE RULE OF CATTLE 25 III. NORTON MAKES A DISCOVERY 42 IV. AT THE CIRCLE BAR 53 V. THE GIRL OF DRY BOTTOM 73 VI. HOLLIS RENEWS AN ACQUAINTANCE 87 VII. THE “KICKER” BECOMES AN INSTITUTION 107 VIII. CONCERNING THE “SIX O’CLOCK” 119 IX. HOW A BAD MAN LEFT THE “KICKER” OFFICE 127 X. THE LOST TRAIL 151 XI. PICKING UP THE TRAIL 161 XII. AFTER THE STORM 169 XIII. “WOMAN–SHE DON’T NEED NO TOOTER” 177 XIV. THE COALITION 187 XV. TO SUPPORT THE LAW 198 XVI. THE BEARER OF GOOD NEWS 209 XVII. THE RUSTLER 224 XVIII. THE TENTH DAY 238 XIX. HOW A RUSTLER ESCAPED 246 XX. THE “KICKER’S” CANDIDATE 257 XXI. DUNLAVEY PLAYS A CARD 267 XXII. PROOF OF GRATITUDE 280 XXIII. TEN SPOT USES HIS EYES 289 XXIV. CAMPAIGN GUNS 294 XXV. HANDLING THE LAW 314 XXVI. AUTUMN AND THE GODS 327 XXVII. THE SEAR AND YELLOW DAYS 336 XXVIII. IN DEFIANCE OF THE LAW 342 XXIX. THE ARM OF THE LAW 354 XXX. FORMING A FRIENDSHIP 364 XXXI. AFTERWARD 375 THE COMING OF THE LAW THE COMING OF THE LAW CHAPTER I THE ARRIVAL OF THE MAN IF THE PASSENGERS ON THE WEST-BOUND TRAIN THAT PULLED UP AT THE LITTLE RED WOODEN STATION AT DRY BOTTOM AT THE CLOSE OF A JUNE DAY IN 18–, WERE INTERESTED IN THE YOUNG MAN BEARING THE TWO SUIT CASES, THEY GAVE NO EVIDENCE OF IT. TRUE, THEY NOTED HIS DEPARTURE; WITH CASUAL GLANCES THEY WATCHED HIM AS HE STEPPED DOWN UPON THE PLATFORM; BUT IMMEDIATELY THEY FORGOT HIS ATHLETIC FIGURE AND HIS REGULAR FEATURED, SERIOUS FACE AS THEIR THOUGHTS RETURNED TO THE HEAT, THE DUST, AND THE monotony of travel. THERE WAS THE USUAL BUSTLE AND ACTIVITY WHICH ALWAYS FOLLOWS THE ARRIVAL OF A TRAIN. A MAIL BAG WAS DUMPED OUT OF THE MAIL CAR, ANOTHER THROWN IN; SOME EXPRESS PACKAGES WERE UNCEREMONIOUSLY DEPOSITED NEAR THE DOOR OF THE STATION BY THE AGENT; THE CONDUCTOR RAN TO THE TELEGRAPHER’S WINDOW TO RECEIVE AN ORDER; RAN BACK, SIGNALING AS HE RAN; THE ENGINE bell clanged, the drivers clanked, the wheels ground, the passengers sighed, and the train departed on its way. 9 10 THE YOUNG MAN WHO HAD ALIGHTED STOOD MOTIONLESS FOR A MOMENT, LISTENING TO THE CLATTER OF THE WHEELS OVER THE RAIL- JOINTS, WATCHING THE SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE-STACK BEFOUL THE CLEAR BLUE OF THE SKY. THEN HE SMILED GRIMLY, THREW A RAPID GLANCE TOWARD A GROUP OF LOUNGERS STANDING AT A CORNER OF THE STATION, AND WALKED OVER TO WHERE THE STATION AGENT STOOD examining some newly arrived packages. “Do you mind directing me to the courthouse?” said the young man. THE AGENT LOOKED UP, TURNED, AND RAN A MEASURING, SPECULATIVE EYE OVER THE NEW ARRIVAL. HE NOTED THE EASTERN CUT OF THE YOUNG MAN’S CLOTHING AND BENEATH THE DUST OF TRAVEL THE CLEAR, HEALTHY WHITE SKIN OF HIS FACE. “STRANGER HERE?” OBSERVED the agent, with a slight, humorous narrowing of the eyes. “Yes.” “NO, I DON’T MIND,” RESUMED THE AGENT, ANSWERING THE YOUNG MAN’S QUESTION. “YOU WON’T HAVE ANY TROUBLE FINDIN’ THE COURTHOUSE. THERE’S ONLY ONE STREET IN THIS TOWN AN’ THE COURTHOUSE IS DOWN TO THE OTHER END OF IT–YOU COULDN’T MISS IT IF YOU TRIED.” HE GRINNED WITH SOME AMUSEMENT AT THE YOUNG MAN’S BACK AS THE LATTER WITH A CORDIAL “THANK YOU,” RETURNED TO HIS SUIT CASES, GRIPPED THEM FIRMLY BY THE HANDLES, AND STRODE DOWN THE WOODEN PLATFORM TOWARD THE STREET, IGNORING the group of loungers at the corner of the station. “’NOTHER TENDERFOOT,” REMARKED ONE OF THE LOUNGERS AS THE YOUNG MAN PASSED OUT OF HEARING; “THEY’RE RUNNIN’ THIS country plum to hell!” THE YOUNG MAN STRODE SLOWLY DOWN THE BOARD SIDEWALK THAT PARALLELED THE BUILDINGS ON ONE SIDE OF THE STREET, MENTALLY TAKING IN THE DIMENSIONS OF THE TOWN. IT WAS NOT AN INVITING PICTURE. MANY BUILDINGS OF VARIOUS DESCRIPTIONS SNUGGLED THE WIDE, VACANT SPACE WHICH THE STATION AGENT HAD TERMED A “STREET.” MOST OF THE BUILDINGS WERE UNPAINTED AND CRUDE, COMPOSED OF ROUGH BOARDS RUNNING PERPENDICULARLY, WITH NARROW BATTENS OVER THE JOINTS. THERE WERE SEVERAL BRICK BUILDINGS TWO STORIES IN HEIGHT, BEARING THE APPEARANCE OF HAVING BEEN RECENTLY ERECTED, AND THESE TOWERED OVER THE SQUAT, ONE-STORY FRAMES IN SEEMING CONTEMPTUOUS DIGNITY. THERE WERE MANY PRIVATE DWELLINGS, SOME STORES, BUT THE young man’s first impression was that there was an enormous number of saloons. HE SAW FEW PEOPLE; THOSE WHO CAME WITHIN RANGE OF VISION WERE APPARENTLY COWBOYS, FOR THEY WERE RIGGED IN THE PICTURESQUE GARB THAT HE HAD STUDIED MANY TIMES IN THE ILLUSTRATIONS OF EASTERN MAGAZINES. HE HAD ADMIRED THEM AFAR, FOR THERE WAS SOMETHING ABOUT THEM, SOMETHING IN THE FREE, WILD LIFE THEY LED, THAT APPEALED TO HIM; SOMETHING THAT STRUCK AT THE PRIMITIVE IN HIS HEART. HE HAD HEARD TALES OF THEM; TRAVELERS RETURNING FROM THESE REGIONS HAD RELATED SUNDRY STORIES OF these wild men of the plains; stories of their hardihood, of their recklessness, of their absolute fearlessness–clothing them with a glamor and romance that had deeply impressed the young man. His own life had been rather prosaic. HE SAW SOME COWPONIES HITCHED TO RAILS IN FRONT OF SEVERAL OF THE SALOONS; IN FRONT OF A STORE HE OBSERVED A CANVAS- COVERED WAGON WHICH HE RECOGNIZED (FROM SKETCHES HE HAD SEEN) AS A “PRAIRIE SCHOONER”; IN FRONT OF ANOTHER STORE HE SAW A SPRING WAGON OF THE “BUCKBOARD” VARIETY. THAT WAS ALL. THE AROMA OF SAGE-BRUSH FILLED HIS NOSTRILS; THE FINE, FLINT- like, powdered alkali dust lay thick everywhere. It was unattractive and dismal. THE TOWN, AS IT LAY BEFORE HIM, BEGAN IN DESOLATION AND ENDED IN DESOLATION. EXCEPT THAT IT WAS A TRIFLE LARGER IT DIFFERED IN NO IMPORTANT PARTICULAR FROM MANY OTHERS THAT LITTERED THE FACE OF THE WORLD THROUGH WHICH HE HAD PASSED DURING THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. IT WAS A MERE DOT IN THE CENTER OF A FLAT GRASS COUNTRY COVERING A VAST AREA. IT SAT, SERENE IN ITS ISOLATION, AS FAR FROM CIVILIZATION AS GENESIS FROM REVELATION. IN THE STIFLING HEAT OF THE LAZY JUNE AFTERNOON IT DROWSED, SEEMINGLY DESERTED EXCEPT FOR THE PONIES AND THE TWO WAGONS, AND THE FEW INCURIOUS COWBOYS WHO HAD REWARDED THE YOUNG MAN WITH THEIR GLANCES. APPARENTLY WHATEVER CITIZENS WERE HERE WERE BUSY IN THE SALOONS. AS THIS THOUGHT FLASHED UPON THE YOUNG MAN HIS LIPS STRAIGHTENED GRIMLY. BUT HE CONTINUED SLOWLY ON HIS WAY, GIVING MUCH ATTENTION TO OBJECTS that came within his range of vision. The more he saw of the town, the less pleased he was with it. THE SUIT CASES WERE HEAVY; HE PAUSED IN FRONT OF A BUILDING AND SET THEM DOWN, WHILE WITH HIS HANDKERCHIEF HE MOPPED THE DUST AND PERSPIRATION FROM HIS FOREHEAD. HE SAW A FLARING SIGN ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF WHICH HE HAD STOPPED AND HE READ THE LEGEND WITH A SMILE OF DERISION: “THE FASHION SALOON.” SEVERAL PONIES WERE HITCHED TO THE RAIL IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING; THE BRIDLE OF ONE WAS GAILY DECORATED WITH A BOW OF RIBBON. ONLY A WOMAN WOULD HAVE DECORATED A PONY THUS, THE YOUNG MAN DECIDED WITH A SMILE. YET WHAT SORT OF WOMAN WOULD HITCH HER PONY IN FRONT OF A SALOON? HE LOOKED ABOUT HIM FOR SOME EXPLANATION AND SAW A VACANT SPACE BESIDE HIM AND BESIDE THE VACANT SPACE A STORE. THERE WAS NO HITCHING RAIL IN FRONT OF THE STORE, THEREFORE HERE WAS THE EXPLANATION. HE HEARD A SOUND BEHIND HIM and turning he beheld the figures of a man and a woman in the vacant space between the two buildings. THE WOMAN SEEMED TO BE LITTLE MORE THAN A GIRL, FOR AS THE YOUNG MAN WATCHED SHE TURNED SLIGHTLY TOWARD HIM–THOUGH NOT SEEING HIM–AND HE SAW YOUTH PICTURED ON HER FACE, AND INNOCENCE, THOUGH WITHAL SHE GAVE THE YOUNG MAN AN impression of sturdy self-reliance that awakened instant admiration for her in his mind. SHE WAS ATTIRED IN PICTURESQUE COSTUME, CONSISTING OF SHORT RIDING SKIRT, BOOTS, FELT HAT, WOOLEN BLOUSE WITH A FLOWING TIE AT THE THROAT, GLOVES, AND SPURS. IT WAS NOT THE SORT OF THING TO WHICH THE YOUNG MAN WAS ACCUSTOMED, BUT SHE MADE AN attractive picture and he took in every detail of her appearance with eager eyes. IT WAS SOME TIME BEFORE HE NOTICED THE MAN. THE LATTER STOOD FACING THE GIRL AND HE COULD NOT GET A VIEW OF HIS FACE. HE HAD A GIGANTIC FRAME, WITH HUGE SHOULDERS THAT LOOMED ABOVE THE GIRL, DWARFING HER. THE YOUNG MAN REMAINED MOTIONLESS, WATCHING THE TWO, FOR THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE BIG MAN’S ATTITUDE THAT HELD HIM. THE MAN TURNED PRESENTLY 11 12 13 14 15 AND THE YOUNG MAN HAD A GLIMPSE OF HIS FACE. IT WAS HEAVY FEATURED, COARSE, AND AN UNMISTAKABLE BRUTALITY WAS BETRAYED IN IT. THE YOUNG MAN’S LIPS CURLED. HE DID NOT LIKE THE TYPE, AND IT WAS THE GIRL’S FACE THAT HELD HIM NOW THAT HE HAD SEEN the man’s. HE LEANED EASILY AGAINST THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING, NOT OVER FIFTEEN FEET DISTANT FROM THE TWO, TRYING TO APPEAR UNINTERESTED, BUT NOT CONCEALING HIS INTEREST. HE BELIEVED THE GIRL HAD NOT SEEN HIM, FOR THOUGH SHE HAD LOOKED IN HIS DIRECTION HE WAS SURE THAT HER GLANCE HAD PASSED HIM TO REST ON THE PONY AT THE HITCHING RAIL. SWIFT AS THE GLANCE HAD BEEN THE YOUNG MAN HAD SEEN IN HER FACE AN EXPRESSION THAT CAUSED HIM TO DECIDE TO REMAIN WHERE HE WAS UNTIL THE GIRL MOUNTED HER PONY, NO MATTER HOW LONG THAT TIME MIGHT BE. SO HE RELAXED, LEANING AGAINST THE BUILDING–ATTENTIVE, LISTENING, THOUGH APPARENTLY entirely unconcerned over their conversation. THE GIRL SEEMED MOVED WITH SOME DEEP EMOTION OVER SOMETHING THE BIG MAN HAD SAID, FOR HER SLIGHT FIGURE HAD STIFFENED AND SHE STOOD LOOKING AT HIM WITH AN ANGRY, INTENSE GAZE. THE BIG MAN HAD BEEN TAUNTING HER, FOR HIS TEETH SHOWED IN A MOCKING GRIN AS HE HOVERED NEAR HER, APPARENTLY SURE OF HER. IT WAS LIKE A LION PLAYING WITH A MOUSE. THEN THE YOUNG man heard the big man’s voice: “SO YOU DON’T TAKE KINDLY TO MY COURTING? DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH ME AT ALL?” HIS FORCED LAUGH HAD A HARSHNESS in it that caused the young man’s muscles to stiffen. He took a sly glance at the girl and saw her chin uplift with disdain. “Do you think it necessary for me to tell you that–again?” she said. A STRANGE SATISFACTION THRILLED THE YOUNG MAN; SYMPATHY FOR HER DREW HIS MOUTH INTO A PECULIARLY GRIM SMILE. BUT HE HAD no time to enjoy his satisfaction for the big man spoke and this time he did not laugh. “WELL,” HE SAID SHORTLY, “YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH ME. YOU’RE GOING TO HOOK UP WITH ME OR I’M PUTTING that crazy brother of yours out of business!” THE GIRL WAS SUDDENLY RIGID AND A DEEP RED AS SUDDENLY SUFFUSED HER CHEEKS. THE YOUNG MAN’S FACE PALED AT THE THREAT, HIS TEETH CAME TOGETHER WITH A SNAP, AND HE LEANED FORWARD, WISHING TO HEAR SOME MORE OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY CONVERSATION. MORE OF IT CAME QUICKLY. THE GIRL SPOKE, HER VOICE EVEN AND WELL CONTROLLED, THOUGH BURDENED WITH A biting sarcasm: “WHAT A TERRIBLE MAN YOU ARE, TO BE SURE, TO THREATEN TO MAKE WAR UPON A DEFENSELESS GIRL AND HER AFFLICTED BROTHER. BUT I’m not afraid of you!” SHE TOOK A STEP TOWARD HIM, STANDING VERY CLOSE TO HIM AND LOOKING STRAIGHT INTO HIS EYES. SHE WAS FIGHTING BRAVELY FOR HER COMPOSURE, BUT THE YOUNG MAN HAD SEEN THAT HER LIPS HAD QUIVERED PITIFULLY DURING HER BRIEF SPEECH. HE STIFFENED WITH SYMPATHY. HE COULD NOT, OF COURSE, UNDERSTAND THIS STRANGE CONVERSATION, BUT HE COULD DISCERN ITS DRIFT, AND THE SUGGESTIVE UNDERPLAY IN THE BIG MAN’S WORDS. BUT PLAINLY HE HAD NOT BEEN MISTAKEN IN HIS ESTIMATE OF THE YOUNG WOMAN– she seemed entirely able to take care of herself. HE CROWDED A LITTLE CLOSER, THOUGH HE KNEW THAT THIS CONVERSATION WAS NONE OF HIS AFFAIR FURTHER THAN THAT HE WAS INTERESTED–AS ANY MAN WOULD BE INTERESTED–IN SEEING THAT THE YOUNG WOMAN RECEIVED DECENT TREATMENT. CERTAINLY SO FAR SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED THAT, YET NEITHER HAD THE BIG MAN SAID ANYTHING TO WARRANT INTERFERENCE BY A STRANGER. STEALING ANOTHER GLANCE, THE YOUNG MAN SAW A HEAVY REVOLVER AT THE MAN’S HIP, AND HE DID NOT DOUBT, FROM WHAT HE HAD THUS FAR SEEN OF HIM, THAT HE WOULD USE THE WEAPON SHOULD HE TURN AND DISCOVER THAT THERE WAS A LISTENER TO HIS CONVERSATION. SUCH AN ACTION WOULD ACCORD PERFECTLY WITH TALES THAT THE YOUNG MAN HAD HEARD OF THIS SECTION OF THE COUNTRY. BUT HE edged closer. The big man’s face had become poisonously bloated. The girl’s defiance seemed to have enraged him. “HELL!” HE SAID VENOMOUSLY. “YOU’RE TALKING DAMN BRAVE!” HE LEANED CLOSER TO HER. “AND YOU THINK YOU’D BE DISGRACED IF FOLKS KNOWED YOU WAS A FRIEND OF MINE?” HE LAUGHED HARSHLY. “MOST FOLKS ARE TICKLED TO BE KNOWN AS MY FRIEND. BUT I’M TELLING YOU THIS: IF I AIN’T A FRIEND I’M AN ENEMY, AND YOU’RE DOING AS I SAY OR I’M MAKING THINGS MIGHTY UNPLEASANT FOR you and your poor, ‘afflicted’ brother!” THE YOUNG MAN SAW THE GIRL’S HANDS CLENCH, SAW HER FACE GROW SLOWLY PALE. TWICE NOW HAD THE BIG MAN TAUNTED HER ABOUT HER BROTHER, AND PLAINLY HIS WORDS HAD HURT HER. WORDS TREMBLED ON HER LIPS BUT REFUSED TO COME. BUT FOR AN instant she forced her eyes to meet those of the man and then they suddenly filled with tears. She took a backward step, HER SHOULDERS DROOPING. THE BIG MAN FOLLOWED HER, GLOATING OVER HER. AGAIN THE YOUNG MAN’S THOUGHTS WENT TO THE LION and the mouse. “Hurts, does it?” said the big man, brutally. “Well, you’ve brought it on yourself, being such a damn prude!” HE REACHED OUT AND GRASPED HER BY THE SHOULDER. SHE SHRANK BACK, STRUGGLING WITH HIM, TRYING TO GRASP THE BUTT OF AN ivory-handled revolver that swung at her right hip. The big man pinned her arms and the effort was futile. AND THEN RETRIBUTION–LIKE AN AVALANCHE–STRUCK THE BIG MAN. HE HEARD THE MOVEMENT, SENSED THE DANGER, AND FLUNG HIS RIGHT HAND TOWARD HIS PISTOL BUTT. THERE WAS A SILENT STRUGGLE; A SHOT, ONE OF THE YOUNG MAN’S ARMS SWUNG OUT–FLAIL LIKE– THE CLENCHED HAND LANDING WITH A CRASH. THE BIG MAN WENT DOWN LIKE A FALLING TREE–PRONE TO THE GROUND, HIS REVOLVER FLYING TEN FEET DISTANT, A LITTLE BLUE-WHITE SMOKE CURLING LAZILY UPWARD OUT OF ITS MUZZLE. THE BIG MAN WAS RAISED AGAIN– bodily–and hurled down again. He lay face upward in the white sunlight–a mass of bruised and bleeding flesh. 16 17 18 19 THE YOUNG MAN’S ANGER HAD COME AND GONE. HE STOOD OVER THE BIG MAN, LOOKING DOWN AT HIM, HIS WHITE TEETH GLEAMING through his slightly parted lips. “I think that will do for you,” he said in an even, passionless voice. FOR AN INSTANT THERE WAS A TENSE SILENCE. THE YOUNG MAN TURNED AND LOOKED AT THE GIRL, WHO WAS REGARDING HIM WITH surprised and bewildered eyes. THE YOUNG MAN SMILED MIRTHLESSLY. “I THINK I WAITED RATHER TOO LONG. BUT HE WON’T BOTHER YOU AGAIN–AT LEAST FOR A FEW minutes.” HE SAW THE GIRL’S GAZE DIRECTED TO A POINT SOMEWHERE BEHIND HIM AND HE TURNED TO SEE THAT A DOOR IN THE SIDE OF THE FASHION SALOON WAS VOMITING MEN. THEY CAME RUSHING OUT, FILLING THE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO BUILDINGS–COWBOYS MOSTLY, WITH A SPRINKLING OF OTHER MEN WHOSE APPEARANCE AND ATTIRE PROCLAIMED THEM CITIZENS. THE YOUNG MAN STOOD SILENT WHILE THE NEWCOMERS RANGED THEMSELVES ABOUT HIM, OTHERS GIVING THEIR ATTENTION TO THE BIG MAN WHO STILL LAY ON THE GROUND. THE GIRL HAD NOT MOVED; SHE WAS STANDING NEAR THE YOUNG MAN, HER FACE PALE, HER SLIGHT FIGURE RIGID, HER EYES WIDE AND FLASHING. THE YOUNG MAN LOOKED FROM HER TO THE MEN WHO HAD CROWDED ABOUT HIM AND HE BECAME AWARE THAT ONE OF THE MEN–A SLENDER, OLIVE-SKINNED COWBOY–EVIDENTLY A HALF-BREED–WAS SPEAKING TO HIM. HE STOOD LOOKING AT THE MAN, SAW menace in his eyes, heard his voice, writhing in profane accusation: “SO YOU’VE SHOT BEEG BEEL, YOU TENDERFOOT―!” SAID THE MAN. HIS RIGHT HAND WAS HOOKED IN HIS CARTRIDGE BELT, NEAR THE butt of his six-shooter. THE YOUNG MAN HAD BEEN COLDLY SCRUTINIZING THE FACE OF THE HALF-BREED; HE HAD SEEN A SNEERING INSOLENCE ON THE THIN, SNARLING LIPS, AND HE KNEW INSTANTLY THAT THIS MAN WAS A FRIEND OF HIS FALLEN ADVERSARY. HE HAD SMILED GRIMLY WHEN THE MAN HAD BEGUN SPEAKING, BEING WILLING TO ARGUE THE JUSTICE OF HIS ACTION IN STRIKING THE BIG MAN, BUT AT THE MAN’S VILE INSULT HIS WHITE TEETH GLEAMED AGAIN AND HIS RIGHT ARM FLEW OUT–LIKE A FLAIL–THE FIST CRASHING AGAINST THE HALF-BREED’S JAW. LIKE THE BIG MAN THE HALF-BREED COLLAPSED IN A HEAP ON THE GROUND. THERE WAS A SUDDEN MOVEMENT IN THE CROWD, AND PISTOLS flashed in the sunlight. The young man took a backward step, halted, drew himself up and faced them, his lips curling. “Of course you’ll shoot now,” he said bitterly. HE HEARD A RUSTLE BESIDE HIM, AND TURNED TO SEE THE GIRL STANDING WITHIN A FOOT OF HIM, THE IVORY-HANDLED PISTOL IN HAND, her eyes flashing coldly. “I DON’T THINK THAT ANY OF THEM ARE GOING TO SHOOT,” SHE DECLARED EVENLY, HER VOICE RESOUNDING IN THE SUDDEN SILENCE THAT had fallen; “Big Bill got just what he deserved, and this gentleman WILL NOT BE MOLESTED. HE ISN’T ARMED,” SHE SAID, WITH A DRY LAUGH; “SHOOTING HIM WOULD BE MURDER, AND IF HE IS SHOT I PROMISE TO AVENGE HIM IMMEDIATELY.” SHE TURNED SLIGHTLY, SPEAKING TO THE YOUNG MAN WHILE KEEPING HER EYES ON THE MEN AROUND HER. DURING THE PAUSE THAT FOLLOWED HER WORDS several of the men stealthily sheathed their weapons and stepped back. “I THINK BIG BILL IS ABLE TO FIGHT HIS OWN BATTLES,” CONTINUED THE GIRL, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE EVIDENT RELUCTANCE OF THE MEN to force trouble. HER FACE BECAME SLIGHTLY PALER AS SHE SAW THE BIG MAN SIT UP AND STARE ABOUT HIM. HE GOT TO HIS FEET AND STOOD, SWAYING DIZZILY FOR AN INSTANT, AND THEN HIS GAZE SOUGHT OUT THE YOUNG MAN AND WAS FIXED ON HIM WITH FOREBODING MALIGNANCE. HIS RIGHT HAND FELL TO HIS HOLSTER, AND FINDING NO WEAPON THERE HE TURNED AND SOUGHT IT, FINDING IT, AND RETURNING TO A POINT NEAR THE YOUNG MAN, THE WEAPON IN HAND. AS HE HALTED THERE WAS ANOTHER MOVEMENT AND THE HALF-BREED WAS ON HIS FEET AND dragging at his revolver. The young man crouched, prepared to spring, and the big man spoke sharply to the half-breed. “QUIT IT!” HE SAID, SNARLING. “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!” THEN HE SEEMED TO REALIZE THAT THE HALF-BREED HAD BEEN WORSTED also, for he looked at the latter, saw the dust on his clothing and grinned expressively. “So he got you too, did he, Yuma?” His heavy features wreathed into a mocking sneer as he faced the young man. “KNOCKED ME DOWN!” HE SAID IN A SILKY, EVEN VOICE. “KNOCKED ME COLD WITH A PUNCH. KNOCKED YUMA ED DOWN TOO!” HE TOOK ANOTHER STEP TOWARD THE YOUNG MAN AND SURVEYED HIM CRITICALLY, HIS EYES GLINTING WITH SOMETHING VERY NEAR amusement. Then he stepped back, laughing shortly. “I AIN’T SHOOTING YOU,” HE SAID. “I’VE GOT AN IDEA THAT YOU AND ME WILL MEET AGAIN.” THERE WAS AN OMINOUS THREAT IN HIS VOICE AS HE CONTINUED: “SHOOTING YOU WOULDN’T HALF PAY YOU BACK. MARK THAT, YOUNG MAN–SHOOTING YOU WOULDN’T HALF pay you back.” HE STEPPED AWAY FROM THE YOUNG MAN, MOTIONING THE OTHER MEN INTO THE DOOR THROUGH WHICH THEY HAD EMERGED TO COME TO HIS ASSISTANCE, AND THEY FILED SLOWLY IN WITHOUT PROTEST. THE BIG MAN PAUSED LONG ENOUGH TO LOOK AGAIN AT THE YOUNG man. “KNOCKED ME DOWN!” HE SAID AS THOUGH SCARCELY ABLE TO REALIZE THE TRUTH; “KNOCKED ME COLD WITH A PUNCH!” HE LAUGHED, HIS COARSE FEATURES TWISTING INTO AN ODD EXPRESSION. “WELL, I’LL BE DAMNED!” HE TURNED ABRUPTLY AND disappeared through the door through which the other men had gone. FOR AN INSTANT THE YOUNG MAN STOOD, LOOKING AFTER HIM. THEN HE TURNED AND SAW THE YOUNG WOMAN, STANDING NEAR HER pony, regarding him with grave eyes. 20 21 22 23 24 “THANK YOU,” SHE SAID. HE CAUGHT A FLASHING SMILE AND THEN SHE WAS IN THE SADDLE, LOPING HER PONY DOWN THE STREET TOWARD THE STATION. FOR A MOMENT THE YOUNG MAN LOOKED AFTER HER AND THEN WITH A SMILE HE RETURNED TO HIS SUIT CASES AND was off down the street toward the courthouse, which he saw in the distance. CHAPTER II THE RULE OF CATTLE THE COURTHOUSE WAS A LOW, ONE-STORY REDBRICK BUILDING, SITTING WELL BACK FROM THE STREET. IT WAS EVIDENTLY NEWLY BUILT, FOR AN ACCUMULATION OF DÉBRIS, LEFT BY THE WORKMEN, STILL LITTERED THE GROUND IN THE VICINITY. A BOARD WALK LED FROM THE STREET TO THE WIDE, ARCHED ENTRANCE. FROM THE STEPS ONE COULD LOOK DOWN THE STREET AT THE STATION AND THE OTHER BUILDINGS SQUATTING IN THE SUNLIGHT, DINGY WITH THE DUST OF MANY DRY DAYS. EXCEPT FOR THE COWPONIES AND THE BUCKBOARD AND THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER THERE WAS A TOTAL ABSENCE OF LIFE OR MOVEMENT, OFFERING A STRIKING CONTRAST TO THE BUSTLING CITIES TO WHICH the young man had been accustomed. HE WALKED RAPIDLY DOWN THE BOARD WALK, ENTERED THE COURTHOUSE, AND PAUSED BEFORE A DOOR UPON WHICH APPEARED THE LEGEND: “UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT. J. BLACKSTONE GRANEY.” THE YOUNG MAN SET HIS SUIT CASES DOWN, MOPPED HIS FOREHEAD WITH HIS HANDKERCHIEF, MAKING A WRY FACE AT THE DUST THAT APPEARED ON THE LINEN AFTER HIS USE OF IT, AND THEN KNOCKED LIGHTLY, BUT FIRMLY, ON THE DOOR. A VOICE INSIDE IMMEDIATELY ADMONISHED HIM TO “COME IN.” THE YOUNG MAN SMILED WITH SATISFACTION, TURNED THE KNOB AND OPENED THE DOOR, STANDING ON THE THRESHOLD. A MAN SEATED AT ONE OF THE WINDOWS OF THE ROOM WAS GAZING STEADILY OUT AT THE VAST, DRY, SUN-SCORCHED COUNTRY. HE TURNED AT THE YOUNG MAN’S ENTRANCE AND GOT SLOWLY TO HIS FEET, APPARENTLY WAITING FOR THE VISITOR TO SPEAK. HE WAS A SHORT MAN, NOT HEAVILY, BUT STOCKILY BUILT, GIVING A CLEAR IMPRESSION OF STOLIDITY. YET THERE WAS A CERTAIN GLEAM IN HIS EYES THAT GAVE THE LIE TO THIS impression, a gleam that warned of an active, analytical mind. Judicial dignity lurked all over him. The young man bowed respectfully. “Are you Judge Graney?” he questioned. The judge nodded and the young man smiled slightly. “I am Kent Hollis,” he said. THE JUDGE HAD BEEN APPROACHING A BIG TABLE THAT STOOD IN THE CENTER OF THE ROOM AND AT THE YOUNG MAN’S WORDS HE TOOK A SECOND GLANCE AT HIM, BUT DID NOT HESITATE IN HIS WALK TOWARD THE TABLE. HOWEVER, HE SMILED WHEN HE REACHED IT, sinking into a chair and motioning the young man to another. “I HAVE BEEN EXPECTING YOU,” HE SAID AFTER HE HAD BECOME SEATED. “TAKE A CHAIR.” HE WAITED UNTIL THE YOUNG MAN HAD DRAWN A CHAIR OPPOSITE HIM AND THEN HE LEANED OVER THE TABLE AND STRETCHED OUT HIS HAND IN GREETING. “I’M GLAD TO SEE YOU,” HE CONTINUED CORDIALLY. HE HELD THE YOUNG MAN’S HAND FOR AN INSTANT, PEERING STEADILY INTO THE LATTER’S UNWAVERING EYES, APPARENTLY MAKING A MENTAL ESTIMATE OF HIM. THEN HE DROPPED THE HAND AND SAT BACK, A HALF SMILE ON HIS FACE. “You look like your father,” he said. The young man’s face clouded. “Poor dad,” he said slowly. FOR A MOMENT THERE WAS A SILENCE; THE JUDGE STUDIED THE YOUNG MAN’S FACE. SOMETHING THAT HE SAW IN IT MUST HAVE pleased him, for he smiled, becoming serious instantly. “I am sorry you could not get here in time,” he said. “We buried your father yesterday.” “I COULDN’T MAKE IT,” RETURNED THE YOUNG MAN REGRETFULLY. “I SHOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE HIM BEFORE HE DIED. WHERE DID YOU bury him?” “WE TOOK HIM OUT TO HIS RANCH–THE CIRCLE BAR,” RETURNED THE JUDGE, “WHERE HE SAID HE WANTED TO BE BURIED WHEN HE DIED. YOU’LL FIND THAT THE CIRCLE BAR BOYS HAVE DONE THEIR BEST FOR HIM–WHICH WAS LITTLE ENOUGH. POOR FELLOW, HE deserved something better.” He looked keenly at the young man. Lines of pain came into the latter’s face; he bowed his head, nodding at the Judge’s words. “I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT IT WAS HIS OWN FAULT,” HE SAID GENTLY. “IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT.” HE LOOKED SLOWLY UP AT THE JUDGE, HIS FACE REDDENING WITH EMBARRASSMENT. “OF COURSE YOU KNOW SOMETHING OF HIS LIFE,” HE SAID. “YOU WERE HIS FRIEND–HE WROTE ME A WHILE BACK, TELLING ME THAT. I DON’T PRETEND TO KNOW WHAT CAME BETWEEN HIM AND MOTHER,” HE CONTINUED; “MOTHER WOULD NEVER TELL AND FATHER NEVER MENTIONED IT IN HIS LETTERS. I HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS DRINK,” HE ADDED, WATCHING THE JUDGE’S FACE CLOSELY. HE CAUGHT THE LATTER’S SLIGHT NOD AND HIS LIPS STRAIGHTENED. “YES, IT MUST HAVE BEEN DRINK,” HE CONTINUED; “I HAVE INFERRED THAT FROM WHAT MOTHER HAS HINTED NOW AND THEN. BUT―” AND A WISTFUL GLEAM CAME into his eyes–“I have hoped that it would not be drink that would cause his―” HE CAUGHT THE JUDGE’S SLOW, GRAVE NOD AND HE BROKE OFF ABRUPTLY, HIS EYES FILLING WITH AN EXPRESSION OF RESIGNATION. “WELL,” HE SAID, “IT IS ENDED, NO MATTER WHAT DID IT.” HE SHOVED BACK HIS CHAIR. “I THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR HIM,” he added, rising; “I assure you that if it is possible for me to repay―” “SIT DOWN,” SAID THE JUDGE, WAVING A HAND TO THE YOUNG MAN’S CHAIR. “NO THANKS ARE DUE ME. I DID ONLY WHAT ANY FRIEND WOULD DO FOR ANOTHER. I HAVE ARRANGED FOR YOU TO GO OUT TO THE CIRCLE BAR,” HE INFORMED HOLLIS AS THE LATTER HESITATED OVER RESUMING HIS CHAIR. “NEIL NORTON, YOUR RANGE BOSS, IS TO BE HERE AT SIX O’CLOCK WITH THE BUCKBOARD.” HE CONSULTED 25 26 27 28 29 HIS WATCH. “HE OUGHT TO BE HERE IN HALF AN HOUR–IF HE IS ON TIME. MEANTIME THERE ARE SOME THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO you.” Hollis smiled. “Fire away,” he directed. THE JUDGE LEANED HIS ELBOWS ON THE TABLE AND NARROWED HIS EYES AT HOLLIS. “DON’T THINK MY QUESTIONS IMPERTINENT,” HE SAID GRAVELY, “FOR I ASSURE YOU THAT NOTHING IS FURTHER FROM MY MIND THAN A DESIRE TO PRY INTO YOUR AFFAIRS. BUT I TAKE IT YOU WILL NEED SOME ADVICE–WHICH, OF COURSE, YOU MAY DISREGARD IF YOU WISH. I SUPPOSE YOU DON’T MAKE A SECRET OF YOUR age?” “No,” was the instant reply, given with a grin, “I am twenty-six.” THE JUDGE SMILED DRYLY. “WE HAVE GREAT AMBITIONS AT TWENTY-SIX,” HE SAID. “I REMEMBER THAT AT TWENTY-SIX I WAS RATHER DETERMINED ON MAKING THE SUPREME BENCH. YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW FAR I MISSED IT. I DO NOT SAY THAT WE NEVER REALIZE OUR AMBITIONS,” HE ADDED QUICKLY AS HE SAW A FLASH LIGHT UP THE YOUNG MAN’S EYES; “I MERELY WISH TO SHOW THAT IN MY CASE THEY WERE RATHER EXTRAVAGANT.” HE GRIMACED, CONTINUING WITH A SMILE: “YOU ARE A COLLEGE MAN, OF COURSE–I CAN see that.” Hollis nodded. The judge continued, with an admiring glance at the young man’s muscular frame and broad shoulders. “WENT IN FOR ATHLETICS–FOOTBALL, AND SUCH?” HE SAID. “WELL,” HE ADDED, CATCHING THE YOUNG MAN’S NOD, “IT DIDN’T HURT YOU A PARTICLE–IT DOESN’T HURT ANYBODY. RATHER PREPARES A MAN FOR HARD KNOCKS–WHICH HE IS SURE TO GET SOONER OR LATER. IF you have decided to live in this country you must expect hard knocks. And I presume you are going to live here?” “THAT DEPENDS.” RETURNED HOLLIS. “IF FATHER HAS LEFT HIS AFFAIRS IN SUCH SHAPE THAT IT IS NECESSARY FOR ME TO STAY HERE AND STRAIGHTEN THEM OUT, WHY OF COURSE I SHALL STAY. OTHERWISE―” HE HESITATED AND LAUGHED QUIETLY, CONTINUING: “WELL, I ALSO HAVE AN AMBITION, AND IF I AM COMPELLED TO REMAIN HERE IT WILL HAVE TO BE SACRIFICED. IT IS A RATHER HUMBLE AMBITION COMPARED TO YOURS,” HE LAUGHED. “IT IS JOURNALISM,” HE CONTINUED, SUDDENLY SERIOUS; “I WANT TO OWN A NEWSPAPER. I AM city editor now and in a few years―” He laughed. “I am not going to prophesy, but I have been working hard.” THE JUDGE’S EYELASHES FLICKERED, BUT HIS FACE REMAINED GRAVE. “I AM AFRAID THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO REMAIN HERE. THAT IS”–HE added dryly–“if you expect to realize anything from the property.” “I expect there can’t be much property,” observed Hollis. THE JUDGE SMILED. “A THOUSAND ACRES OF GOOD GRASS LAND, SOME BUILDINGS, AND”–HERE THE JUDGE’S EYES GLEAMED AND HE drawled his words–“a newspaper.” Hollis sat erect. “A newspaper!” he gasped. “A newspaper in this country? Why, man, a newspaper―” THE JUDGE LAUGHED. “SO YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO GO BACK EAST IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO REALIZE YOUR AMBITION–YOU CAN OWN A NEWSPAPER HERE–YOUR FATHER’S NEWSPAPER–THE DRY BOTTOM Kicker. IT WAS QUITE A RECENT VENTURE; I BELIEVE IT APPEARED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES–INTERMITTENTLY. OSTENSIBLY IT WAS A WEEKLY, BUT IN REALITY IT WAS PRINTED AT THOSE TIMES WHEN YOUR FATHER’S AFFLICTION SAT LEAST HEAVILY UPON HIM. HE USED TO HIRE A COMPOSITOR FROM LAS VEGAS TO SET THE TYPE,–A MAN NAMED POTTER–A WORTHLESS SORT OF FELLOW, BUT A GENIUS IN HIS WAY–WHEN SOBER. I SUSPECT THAT MUCH OF THE MATTER THAT went into the Kicker emanated from the brain of Dave Potter.” HOLLIS’S SMILE REVEALED JUST A TRACE OF DERISION. “YOU DON’T HAPPEN TO KNOW HOW FATHER HAPPENED TO THINK THAT A newspaper would pay–in this place?” he asked. THE JUDGE LOOKED AT HIM MEDITATIVELY, A GLEAM OF QUIET AMUSEMENT IN HIS EYES. “I DON’T REMEMBER TO HAVE SAID THAT THE PAPER MADE ANY MONEY FOR YOUR FATHER,” HE RETURNED SLOWLY; “NOR DO I REMEMBER HEARING YOUR FATHER SAY THAT HE EXPECTED IT TO MAKE ANY MONEY. AS I UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION, YOUR FATHER FOUNDED THE PAPER ON PRINCIPLE. HE EXPECTED to use it as a weapon.” “Please go on,” urged Hollis. “That strikes me as a rather Quixotic proceeding.” “IT WAS, RATHER,” ADMITTED THE JUDGE; “THAT IS, IT WOULD SEEM QUIXOTIC AS VIEWED BY AN EASTERN NEWSPAPER MAN. BUT OUT HERE PEOPLE ARE APT TO IGNORE MONEY AND METHODS IN CONSIDERING RESULTS. AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN HERE A WHILE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE FORCE AND TRUTH OF THAT STATEMENT. YOUR FATHER WAS AFTER RESULTS AND HE SEIZED UPON THE IDEA OF FOUNDING A newspaper as a means by which to obtain them. And I feel certain that had he lived he would have succeeded.” “I plead ignorance,” said Hollis, watching the judge closely. “What particular result did my father desire?” Judge Graney’s eyes gleamed with earnestness. He leaned forward, speaking slowly and distinctly. “I AM GOING TO ILLUSTRATE MY POINT BY GIVING YOU A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR FATHER’S EXPERIENCES OUT HERE–AS I HAD IT FROM HIM. HE CAME OUT HERE ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS AGO AND TOOK UP A QUARTER-SECTION OF LAND OVER ON RABBIT-EAR CREEK, THE PRESENT SITE OF THE CIRCLE BAR RANCH. FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS HE WAS A NESTER–AS THE SMALL OWNER IS CALLED IN THIS COUNTRY, BUT HE WAS UNMOLESTED FOR THE REASON THAT THERE WERE FEW LARGE OWNERS IN THE VICINITY AND EACH MAN WAS WILLING THAT HIS NEIGHBOR SHOULD SUCCEED. YOUR FATHER PROSPERED AND AFTER A FEW YEARS BEGAN TO BUY LAND. HE FINALLY ACQUIRED A THOUSAND ACRES; HE TOLD ME THAT AT ONE TIME HE HAD ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND HEAD OF CATTLE. OF COURSE, THESE CATTLE COULD NOT LIVE ON YOUR FATHER’S THOUSAND ACRES, BUT THE RANGES ARE FREE AND THE THOUSAND ACRES ANSWERED VERY WELL AS A headquarters. 30 31 32 33 “EIGHT YEARS AGO SOME MEN IN SANTA FE ORGANIZED WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE UNION COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION. THIS COMPANY SECURED A SECTION OF LAND ADJOINING YOUR FATHER’S PROPERTY, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF RABBIT-EAR CREEK. THE COMPANY CALLED ITS RANCH THE CIRCLE CROSS. PERHAPS IT STRIKES YOU AS PECULIAR THAT THE ASSOCIATION SHOULD HAVE CHOSEN A brand so closely resembling your father’s. I will digress long enough to explain the action.” THE JUDGE DREW OUT A PENCIL AND PICKED UP A PIECE OF PAPER THAT LAY NEAR HIM ON THE DESK, MAKING SOME CRUDE hieroglyphics and poising his pencil above them. “HERE,” HE EXPLAINED, INDICATING A SKETCH WHICH HE HAD DRAWN, “IS THE CIRCLE BAR BRAND–A BAR WITHIN A CIRCLE. AND THIS–” INDICATING ANOTHER SKETCH, “–IS THE CIRCLE CROSS–A CROSS WITHIN A CIRCLE. IT IS OF COURSE, PERFECTLY OBVIOUS THAT ALL THE CIRCLE CROSS COMPANY HAD TO DO WHEN IT DESIRED TO APPROPRIATE ONE OF THE CIRCLE BAR CATTLE WAS TO ADD A VERTICAL BAR TO THE CIRCLE BAR BRAND AND THE BRAND BECAME THE CIRCLE CROSS. FROM A MECHANICAL STANDPOINT IT WAS A VERY TRIFLING OPERATION, THE MANIPULATOR OF THE BRANDS HAVING MERELY TO APPLY THE HOT IRON THROUGH A PIECE OF WET BLANKET–THAT GIVES A new brand the appearance of age. “TO GET BACK TO THE MAIN SUBJECT. THE NEW COMPANY CALLED ITS RANCH THE CIRCLE CROSS AND IT ERECTED NEW BUILDINGS WITHIN A FEW MILES OF THE CIRCLE BAR BUILDINGS. NOT LONG AFTER THE ADVENT OF THE NEW COMPANY IT TRIED TO BUY THE CIRCLE BAR, BUT YOUR FATHER REFUSED TO SELL. BILL DUNLAVEY, THE CIRCLE CROSS MANAGER, ATTEMPTED TO NEGOTIATE THE PURCHASE OF THE CIRCLE BAR AND WHEN HE WAS MET WITH REFUSAL HARD WORDS PASSED BETWEEN HIM AND YOUR FATHER. NOT LONG AFTER THAT YOUR FATHER BEGAN TO MISS CATTLE–RUSTLERS BEGAN A SYSTEMATIC ATTACK UPON HIS HERDS. YOUR FATHER RECOGNIZED THIS THIEVERY AS THE work of the Cattlemen’s Association and he fought back. “A NUMBER OF TIMES HE CHANGED HIS BRANDS BUT EACH TIME THE COMPANY CHECKMATED HIM. TO ILLUSTRATE: YOUR FATHER CHANGED HIS BRAND TO APPEAR THUS:” THE JUDGE DREW AGAIN ON THE PAPER. “THAT IS THE ‘WINE-GLASS’ BRAND. YOU CAN SEE THAT IT RESEMBLES A WINE GLASS WHEN HELD UP VERTICALLY, THOUGH OF COURSE AS IT APPEARED ON THE CIRCLE BAR CATTLE IT LAY ON ITS SIDE. BUT THIS MOVE WAS FUTILE, FOR AMONG THE CIRCLE CROSS CATTLE NOW APPEARED MANY BRANDED WITH THE SIGN OF THE ‘HOUR-GLASS,’ THUS:” THE JUDGE DREW AGAIN. “THIS WAS ACHIEVED BY MERELY ADDING A SEMI-CIRCLE TO THE WINE-GLASS, closing over the bowl.” “AS I HAVE SAID YOUR FATHER ALTERED HIS BRAND A GOOD MANY TIMES. BUT THE CIRCLE BAR CATTLE CONTINUED TO DISAPPEAR. YEARS OF WARFARE FOLLOWED. THE CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION LOST NO OPPORTUNITY TO HARASS YOUR FATHER OR, FOR THAT MATTER, all THE OTHER SMALL OWNERS IN THE VICINITY. DESPERATE, DISSOLUTE MEN WERE IMPORTED FROM TEXAS AND ARIZONA, MEN WHO TOOK DELIGHT IN THE SHEDDING OF HUMAN BLOOD. THESE MEN ROAMED THE RANGES, STEALING THE CIRCLE BAR CATTLE AND KILLING CIRCLE BAR COWBOYS. YOUR FATHER HAD TROUBLE IN KEEPING MEN; IN ORDER TO SURROUND HIMSELF WITH ENOUGH MEN TO PROTECT HIS cattle and resist the aggressions of Dunlavey’s hired assassins he was forced to pay ruinous wages. “EVEN THEN HE COULD NOT PREVENT RUSTLING. DUNLAVEY BRIBED HIS MEN; HIS HERDS DWINDLED; HE SAW THAT HE WAS FACING RUIN IF HE DID NOT DEVISE SOME MEANS TO SUCCESSFULLY COPE WITH HIS ENEMIES. HE WENT OVER TO SANTA FE TO SEE THE GOVERNOR–A PIFFLING CARPET-BAGGER. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS POWERLESS; THAT THE SAME CONDITION EXISTED ALL OVER THE country, and that the government was unable to combat it. The Law had not come. “YOUR FATHER RETURNED HOME, DISCOURAGED BUT NOT BEATEN. HE APPROACHED THE SEVERAL OTHER SMALL OWNERS IN THE VICINITY, ASKING FOR CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE. FEARFUL OF DUNLAVEY’S WRATH, THE SMALL OWNERS REFUSED TO ORGANIZE. BUT YOUR FATHER DECIDED TO CARRY ON THE FIGHT ALONE. HE RECOGNIZED THE FACT THAT NOTHING BUT THE LAW COULD DEFEAT THE ASSOCIATION’S AIMS, AND HE DETERMINED TO FORCE THE LAW INTO THE TERRITORY. WITH THIS END IN VIEW HE ESTABLISHED HIS NEWSPAPER. HE succeeded in arousing public interest with the result that a court was established here.” THE JUDGE SMILED DRYLY, CONTINUING: “YES, THE LAW IS HERE. OR WHAT IS MORE TO THE POINT, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LAW IS HERE. ‘I AM THE LAW,’” HE QUOTED, IRONICALLY. “BUT MY HANDS ARE TIED; THIS COURT IS A MERE TRAVESTY UPON JUSTICE. THE GOVERNMENT AT WASHINGTON HAS SEEN FIT TO SEND ME HERE–ALONE. I CAN’T GO OUT AND GET EVIDENCE; I COULDN’T SECURE A CONVICTION IF I DID. THE PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE NOT DUNLAVEY’S FRIENDS WERE AFRAID OF HIM. I CAN’T GET A JURY. DUNLAVEY ELECTS THE SHERIFF–CONTROLS THE ELECTION MACHINERY. I AM POWERLESS–A MERE FIGUREHEAD. THIS IS THE SITUATION IN A NUTSHELL. I could go into detail, but I imagine it is plain enough as it is.” HOLLIS’S FACE HAD BECOME GRAVELY SERIOUS; HIS LIPS WERE STRAIGHTENED WITH AN EXPRESSION THAT HINTED AT THE CONFLICT THAT was going on in his mind. “Isn’t there an army post near?” he questioned. “OVER AT FORT UNION–A HUNDRED MILES OR SO SOUTHWEST. I HAVE PLEADED FOR A DETAIL, BUT HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT IT CAN’T BE HAD; THAT THE SOLDIERS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP THE INDIANS IN ORDER. INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN ARE SUPPOSED TO FIGHT IT OUT alone. At least that is the inference, if we are to consider the attitude of the government.” HOLLIS WAS GRAVELY SILENT. THE JUDGE LEANED BACK IN HIS CHAIR, WATCHING HIM WITH A QUEER EXPRESSION. HE REALIZED THAT HE HAD SAID ENOUGH TO DISCOURAGE THE AVERAGE YOUNG MAN FROM REMAINING IN THE COUNTRY A MOMENT LONGER THAN WAS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. HE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SURPRISED HAD HOLLIS TOLD HIM THAT HE DID NOT INTEND TO REMAIN. BUT FROM WHAT HE HAD SEEN OF THE YOUNG MAN HE FELT SURE THAT HIS DECISION, WHEN IT DID COME, WOULD BE FINAL. MORE THAN ONCE SINCE HOLLIS HAD BEEN IN THE OFFICE HAD THE JUDGE OBSERVED THE SERENE, STEADY GLEAM IN HIS EYES, AND HE HAD CATALOGUED HIM WITH THE RARE CLASS OF MEN WHOSE MENTAL BALANCE IS SO PERFECT THAT NOTHING DISTURBS IT. THE JUDGE HAD MET A FEW SUCH MEN IN THE WEST AND HE KNEW THE TYPE. AS HE SAT LOOKING AT THE YOUNG MAN HE DECIDED THAT PROVIDENCE HAD MADE A 34 35 36 37 38 mistake in allowing him to waste his time in the East. The West teemed with opportunities for men of his kind. HE WAS NOT SURPRISED AT HOLLIS’S NEXT QUESTION; IT SHOWED THAT HE WAS CONSIDERING THE SITUATION FROM MANY ANGLES BEFORE committing himself. “What is the condition of Circle Bar ranch at present?” he asked. “THE TITLE TO THE LAND IS INTACT AND CANNOT BE ASSAILED. BUT NORTON INFORMS ME THAT THERE ARE NOT ABOVE TWO HUNDRED HEAD of cattle on the range, and that the buildings are run down. Not a very cheerful prospect?” HE HAD TOLD THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LAND AND THE CATTLE, BUT HE HAD PURPOSELY EXAGGERATED CONCERNING THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDINGS, BEING GRIMLY DETERMINED TO PLACE THE SITUATION IN ITS MOST UNFAVORABLE LIGHT THAT HE MIGHT BE THE BETTER ABLE TO test the young man’s mettle. He smiled as Hollis thoughtfully stroked his chin. “WELL, NOW,” ADMITTED THE LATTER, FLASHING A QUEER SMILE AT THE JUDGE, “I QUITE AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE PROSPECT ISN’T CHEERING. BUT SO LONG AS THE CONDITION IS SUCH AS IT IS THERE IS NO NEED TO GRUMBLE. I DIDN’T COME OUT HERE EXPECTING TO FALL into a bed of roses.” “THEN YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED,” RETURNED THE JUDGE DRYLY. HE FILLED AND LIGHTED A PIPE, SMOKING MEDITATIVELY, HIS EYES on the younger man with a curious expression. He had determined to push the test a little farther. “YOU COULD PROBABLY SELL THE CIRCLE BAR,” HE SAID FINALLY. “YOUR FATHER TOLD ME BEFORE HE DIED THAT HE HAD BEEN OFFERED ten dollars an acre for his land. That would total to a tidy sum.” HOLLIS LOOKED QUICKLY AT THE JUDGE, HIS EYES FLASHING WITH GRIM AMUSEMENT. “WOULD YOU ADVISE ME TO SELL?” HE questioned. THE JUDGE LAUGHED QUIETLY. “THAT IS AN UNFAIR QUESTION,” HE EQUIVOCATED, NARROWING HIS EYES WHIMSICALLY. “IF I WERE HEIR TO THE PROPERTY AND FELT THAT I DID NOT CARE TO ASSUME THE DANGER OF MANAGING IT I SHOULD SELL, WITHOUT DOUBT. IF, ON THE OTHER HAND, I HAD DECIDED TO CONTINUE MY FATHER’S FIGHT AGAINST AN UNSCRUPULOUS COMPANY, I WOULD STAY NO MATTER WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES. BUT”–HE PUFFED SLOWLY AT HIS PIPE, HIS VOICE FILLING WITH UNMISTAKABLE SARCASM–“IT WOULD BE SO MUCH EASIER TO SELL AND RETURN AT ONCE TO A MORE PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE. WITH TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS YOU COULD GO BACK EAST AND GO ON WITH YOUR NEWSPAPER WORK, WELL EQUIPPED, WITH A CHANCE OF REALIZING YOUR AMBITION–AND NOT BE TROUBLED WITH continuing a fight in which, no doubt, there would be many blows to be taken.” “THANK YOU,” RETURNED HOLLIS QUIETLY. HE LOOKED STEADILY INTO THE JUDGE’S EYES, HIS OWN GLINTING WITH A GRIM HUMOR. “YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED IN MAKING IT VERY PLAIN,” HE CONTINUED SLOWLY. “BUT I AM NOT GOING TO RUN–I HAVE DECIDED ON THAT. OF COURSE I FEEL PROPERLY RESENTFUL OVER THE WAY MY FATHER HAS BEEN TREATED BY THIS MAN DUNLAVEY AND HIS ASSOCIATION.” HIS EYES FLASHED WITH A PECULIAR HARDNESS. “AND I WOULD STAY HERE AND FIGHT DUNLAVEY AND HIS PARCEL OF RUFFIANS IF FOR NO other reason than to secure revenge on personal grounds. “BUT THERE IS ONE OTHER REASON. THERE IS A PRINCIPLE AT STAKE. I DON’T CARE VERY MUCH ABOUT THE PERSONAL SIDE OF THE QUESTION; LITTLE AS I KNEW MY FATHER, I BELIEVE HE WOULD HAVE IGNORED PERSONALITIES WERE HE CONFRONTED WITH THE CONDITION THAT CONFRONTS ME. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN HE CHAFED UNDER CONDITIONS THAT PREVENTED HIM FROM ENJOYING THAT FREEDOM TO WHICH WE ARE ALL ENTITLED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. JUDGING FROM YOUR CONVERSATION YOU ARE IN entire sympathy with that sentiment.” He smiled at the judge. “Of course I am not mistaken?” he added. THE TOBACCO IN THE BOWL OF THE JUDGE’S PIPE SPLUTTERED; HE BROUGHT HIS RIGHT FIST HEAVILY DOWN UPON THE TABLE, RATTLING THE PENS AND INK BOTTLES THAT LITTERED ITS TOP. “NO, YOUNG MAN; YOU ARE NOT MISTAKEN–YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL SQUARELY ON THE head. If you are going to stay here and fight Dunlavey and his crew, Blackstone Graney is with you until―” “Until the Law comes,” suggested Hollis. “Yes, by thunder!” declared the judge. “You can go further than that and say: ‘until the Law rules!’” CHAPTER III NORTON MAKES A DISCOVERY JUDGE GRANEY ROSE AND LEANED OVER THE TABLE, TAKING THE YOUNG MAN’S HAND AND HOLDING IT TIGHTLY. THEN HE SAT DOWN AGAIN AND RESUMED SMOKING. NEITHER MAN SAID A WORD DURING THE HAND-CLASP AND YET BOTH KNEW THAT THEIR HEARTS AND minds were united in a common cause. Words would have been unnecessary and futile. HOLLIS’S PATH OF DUTY LAY STRAIGHT AND OPEN BEFORE HIM. THERE WAS NO BY-WAY THAT WOULD LEAD HIM AROUND THE DANGERS THAT WERE SURE TO BESET HIM. NOR HAD HE THOUGHT TO SEARCH FOR ANY. LONG BEFORE THE JUDGE HAD CONCLUDED HIS RECITAL OF CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTY HOLLIS HAD DECIDED TO MEET THE ISSUE SQUARELY. HE HAD BEEN ABLE TO SEE BEYOND THE PETTY, personal side of the question; had even ignored it to get at the big, pithy principle of equal rights. The Law must come. If HE COULD ASSIST IN BRINGING IT HE WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHING SOMETHING REAL AND TANGIBLE AND HE WOULD BE SATISFIED. HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT DESTINY HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIS APPEARANCE UPON THE SCENE AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME; RATHER HE FELT THAT his coming was merely a result of a combination of circumstances such as might have occurred to any man. And like any 39 40 41 42 43 MAN WITH COURAGE AND DEEPLY SETTLED CONVICTIONS HE WAS PREPARED TO MOVE FORWARD TO THE ISSUE, TRUSTING HIMSELF. HE had no thought of appearing heroic. YET TO THE JUDGE HE APPEARED SO. THE LATTER HAD BEEN PREPARED TO HEAR EXCUSES FROM HIM; HAD BEEN PREPARED TO RESIST A NATURAL INCLINATION TO BERATE THE YOUNG MAN SOUNDLY FOR LACK OF PARENTAL LOYALTY, THOUGH CONSCIOUS THAT HE COULD ADVANCE NO VALID REASON FOR THE YOUNG MAN SACRIFICING HIMSELF UPON THE ALTARS OF AN OLD FEUD. IT WAS AGAINST HUMAN NATURE FOR ANY man to so sacrifice himself, he had assured himself when trying to build up a defense for the young man. AND NOW THAT HOLLIS HAD SHOWN THAT HE NEEDED NO DEFENDER; THAT HE WAS WILLING TO TAKE UP THE CUDGELS IN BEHALF OF HIS FATHER, THE JUDGE WAS SCARCELY ABLE TO RESTRAIN HIMSELF. TO STATE CALMLY THAT HE INTENDED TO FIGHT THE CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION WHEN THERE WAS A LIFE OF COMPARATIVE SAFETY AWAITING HIM IN ANOTHER SECTION OF THE COUNTRY WAS AN HEROIC decision. Many another man would have cringed–would have surrendered without striking a blow. JUDGE GRANEY HAD LONG KNOWN THAT THE ACTION OF HIS GOVERNMENT IN SENDING HIM TO UNION COUNTY WAS AN IRONICAL SURRENDER ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO THE FORCES IN THE WEST WHICH HAD BEEN LONG DEMANDING THE LAW. HE HAD BEEN SENT HERE, PRESUMABLY TO ENFORCE THE LAW, BUT IN REALITY TO SILENCE THE GOVERNMENT’S CRITICS. HE WAS NOT EXPECTED TO CONVICT ANYONE. THEORETICALLY HE WAS SUPPOSED TO UPHOLD THE MAJESTY OF THE LAW IN UNION COUNTY, BUT IN REALITY HE merely remained and drew his salary. There was no law to enforce. IN THE FIGHT THAT HAD BEEN WAGED BETWEEN THE ELDER HOLLIS AND THE CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION HIS SYMPATHIES HAD BEEN WITH HOLLIS, THOUGH HE HAD NEVER BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST HIM IN A LEGAL WAY. BUT THE JUDGE KNEW THAT EVENTUALLY THE LAW MUST come, and so he encouraged Hollis, assuring him that victory would be his in the end. AND THEN HOLLIS HAD DIED–SUDDENLY. THE LAS VEGAS DOCTOR WHO HAD ATTENDED HIM HAD SHAKEN HIS HEAD SAGELY WHEN THE JUDGE HAD QUESTIONED HIM REGARDING HIS PATIENT AND HAD POINTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO ONE OF DRY BOTTOM’S SALOONS. THE DOCTOR HAD TOLD THE JUDGE THERE WAS NO HOPE, AND THE LATTER HAD TELEGRAPHED EAST. THE APPEARANCE OF YOUNG HOLLIS HAD been the result. The judge’s heart had warmed toward the young man. “What are your intentions regarding the newspaper–the Kicker?” he questioned. HOLLIS LOOKED UP QUICKLY, HIS FACE GRAVE. “PERHAPS IF THERE HAD BEEN NO Kicker HERE MY DECISION MIGHT HAVE BEEN different,” he said. “But so long as it is here it is in business to stay!” “I expect that decision won’t please Dunlavey a whole lot,” the judge returned. “PERHAPS NOT,” DRAWLED HOLLIS; “STILL, WE CAN’T AIM TO PLEASE EVERYBODY. I EXPECT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET HOLD OF THAT printer–Potter I believe you called him?” “POTTER WON’T BE HARD TO FIND,” ASSURED THE JUDGE; “A SEARCH OF THE SALOONS WOULD UNCOVER HIM, I IMAGINE.” HE SMILED. “When you get ready to get the Kicker out just let me know; I promise to have Potter on hand.” TO THE EARS OF THE TWO MEN CAME A RATTLE OF WHEELS AND A VOICE. THE JUDGE LEANED BACK IN HIS CHAIR AND LOOKED OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW. HIS FACE WREATHED INTO A BROAD SMILE AS HE RESUMED HIS FORMER POSITION AND LOOKED AT HOLLIS. “Your range boss is here,” he said. They heard a step on the board walk, and a man stood in the doorway looking at them. The newcomer gave an instant impression of CAPABILITY. HE STOOD ON THE THRESHOLD, ENTIRELY COMPOSED, SATURNINE, SERENE EYED, ABSOLUTELY SURE OF HIMSELF. HE WAS ARRAYED IN HIGH HEELED BOOTS, MINUS SPURS; THE BOTTOMS OF A PAIR OF DUST- COVERED OVERALLS WERE TUCKED INTO THE BOOT LEGS; A WOOLEN SHIRT, OPEN AT THE THROAT, COVERED A PAIR OF ADMIRABLE SHOULDERS; A SCARLET HANDKERCHIEF WAS KNOTTED AROUND HIS NECK; AND A WIDE BRIMMED HAT, CARELESSLY DENTED IN THE CROWN, WAS SHOVED RAKISHLY BACK FROM HIS FOREHEAD. SAGGING FROM HIS SLIM WAIST WAS A WELL FILLED CARTRIDGE BELT AND AT the right hip a heavy revolver. “Howdy, judge!” he said with a smile, in response to Judge Graney’s cordial greeting. “Just come in?” questioned the judge. “Been in town an hour,” returned Norton. HE FLASHED A SEARCHING GLANCE AT HOLLIS, WHICH THAT YOUNG MAN MET STEADILY. THE THOUGHT CROSSED HOLLIS’S MIND THAT THE BUCKBOARD THAT HE HAD SEEN IN FRONT OF A STORE SOON AFTER LEAVING THE STATION MUST HAVE BEEN NORTON’S. BUT NOW NORTON was speaking again and Hollis listened. “DROPPED INTO THE FASHION TO SEE MY FRIEND RED EGGERS,” RESUMED NORTON, SMILING BROADLY. “SAME OLD CROWD– Dunlavey, Yuma Ed, Ten Spot, Greasy–most of the bunch which has been makin’ things interestin’ for us hereabouts.” AT THE MENTION OF “YUMA ED” HOLLIS LOOKED UP. THAT WAS THE NAME OF THE SECOND MAN HE HAD STRUCK IN THE AFFAIR NEAR THE FASHION SALOON. HE WONDERED IF NORTON KNEW. HE DID NOT REMEMBER TO HAVE SEEN THE LATTER AMONG THE MEN WHO HAD SURROUNDED HIM IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO BUILDINGS. BUT THE JUDGE WAS NOW INTRODUCING HIM TO NORTON AND HE STOOD UP, HOLDING THE LATTER’S HAND AND MEETING HIS INSPECTING GAZE FAIRLY. HE FOUND THAT THE RANGE BOSS WAS FULLY AS TALL AS HE; INDEED, HOLLIS DISCOVERED THAT HE WAS COMPELLED TO LOOK UP SLIGHTLY IN ORDER TO MEET THE LATTER’S LEVEL GAZE. NORTON SMILED PECULIARLY; THERE WAS A FRIENDLY EXPRESSION IN HIS EYES, BUT MINGLED WITH IT WAS A RESERVED, APPRAISING, speculative gleam, which drew a smile to Hollis’s lips. 44 45 46 47 “SO YOU’RE JIM HOLLIS’S BOY?” SAID NORTON. “MY NEW BOSS?” HE GRINNED, EVIDENTLY WILLING TO GO MORE THAN HALF WAY IN FORMING A FRIENDSHIP WITH HIS “NEW BOSS”. “I DON’T RECKON THAT YOU’RE MUCH STUCK ON THIS HERE COUNTRY–MUCH AS YOU’VE seen of it?” “I’ve been used to keeping busy,” laughed Hollis, “and my impression is that it seems rather dull out here.” NORTON’S EYELASHES FLICKERED. HE DELIBERATELY CLOSED ONE EYE AT THE JUDGE, CAREFULLY AVERTING HIS FACE SO THAT HOLLIS COULD not see. “SO YOU’RE LOOKIN’ FOR ACTION?” HE SAID TO HOLLIS IN A GRAVE VOICE. “MEBBE IT AIN’T NONE OF MY BUSINESS,” HE ADDED, HIS EYES GLEAMING, “BUT I’M ASKIN’ YOU IF YOU’RE THINKIN’ TO STAY IN THIS COUNTRY–KEEPIN’ YOUR DAD’S RANCH AN’ HIS newspaper?” HOLLIS NODDED. NORTON’S EYES GLEAMED WITH A SAVAGE DELIGHT. “BULLY!” HE DECLARED. “IF YOU STAY HERE YOU’LL GET PLENTY OF ACTION. I WAS AFRAID YOU WOULDN’T STAY.” HE TURNED TO JUDGE GRANEY, A GRIN OF SATISFACTION ON HIS FACE. “I’M TELLIN’ YOU SOMETHIN’ THAT WILL TICKLE YOU A HEAP,” HE SAID. “I TOLD YOU THAT I HAD STOPPED IN RED EGGER’S SALOON. I DID. DUNLAVEY’S BUNCH WAS FEELIN’ MIGHTY SORE OVER SOMETHIN’. I STAYED THERE A WHILE, TRYIN’ TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT, BUT THERE WASN’T NONE OF THEM SAYIN’ ANYTHING TO ME. BUT PRETTY SOON I GOT RED OVER INTO A CORNER AN’ HE TOLD ME. ACCORDIN’ TO HIM DUNLAVEY HAD CORRALED THAT HAZELTON GIRL OUTSIDE AN’ WAS TELLIN’ HER SOMETHIN’ PRETTY STRONG WHEN A TENDERFOOT, which hadn’t any regard for Dunlavey’s delicate feelin’s, up an’ lambasted him in the jaw!” “Struck him?” queried the judge, grinning delightedly. “KNOCKED HIM COLD,” AFFIRMED NORTON, HIS EYES DANCING. “PASTED HIM SO HARD THAT HE THOUGHT IT WAS NIGHT AN’ WENT TO SLEEP. THEN YUMA BUSTED IN AN’ THOUGHT TO WORK HIS GUNS. HE GOT HIS’N, TOO. THAT THERE TENDERFOOT DIDN’T HAVE NO RESPECT FOR GUNS. RED SAYS HE NEVER THOUGHT ANY MAN COULD HIT SO HARD. IT MUST HAVE BEEN SUMPTUOUS!” HE LAUGHED delightedly. “I’d like to shake h...