The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-09-11

exactly like an encampment or the gath
ering OF country fair. As Clarence rode
down toward them he could see that his
approach was instantly observed and that
simultaneous movement was made as if to
anticipate him. For the first time he real
lied the possible consequences of his
visit, single handed but it was too late to
retrace his steps. With glance at his
holster, he rode boldly forward to the near
est shed. A dozen men lowered near him,
but something in his quiet, determined
manner held them aloof Gilroy was on
the threshold in his shirt sleeves. A sin
gle look showed him that Clarence was
alone, and with a careless gesture of his
hand he warned away his own followers.
you've got that sort of easy way of
droppin' in whar you amt invited, Brant,"
he said with a grim smile which was not,
however, without certain air of approval.
"Got it from your father, didn't you?'
81 don't know, but ! don't believe he
ever thought 1t necessary to warn twenty
men OF the approach of one," replied
Clarence in the same tone. 81 had no time
to stand on ceremony, for have just come
from lockers quarter section at Fair
Plains"
Gilroy smiled again and gazed abstract
eddy at the sky.
"You know as well as / do" said Clar-
ence, controlling his voice with an effort.
that what you have done there will have
to be undone, II you wish to hold even
those lawiess men Of yours together, or
keep yourself and them from being run
into the brush like hichwaymen. I've no
fear for that Neither do l care to know
what was your motive in doing it, but
can only tell you that if it was retaliation,
l alone was and still am responsible for
Hooker's action ut the rancho. l came
here 10 know just what you have done
with hinl-and-if necessary--to take his
place"
You're Just little too previous in your
talk reckon, Brant," returned Gilroy.
lazily, land as TO legality | reckon We
stand on the level with yourself, just here.
Beginning with what you came for as We
don't know where your Jim Hooker is. and
as we amt done anythin' To him, We don't
exactly see what We could do with you in
his place. Ez To our motives, well, we've
got q good deal To- say about that.
We reckoned that he wasn't exactly
the kind of man We wanted for n neighbor.
His pow full tightln' style didn't suit US
peaceful folks. and We thought il rather
worked agin this new law and order
racket, TO have such a man ABOUT, TO say
notbin' OF it prejudicin' quiet settlers. He
had too many revo!yers for one III an TO
keep his eye on, and was altogether too
much STEPPED IN hlood-so 10 speak-for
ordinary washin' and domestic purposes!
His hull got-up was too deAthlike and
v
We Just went there, ali OF Us, and cxhorted
hlm We s;aId round there two davs and
nights, takin III turns, talkln' with him
nothing more-oniv selecting subjects
in his own style. TO please HIM until he
lett And then, rs We didn'. see any
use for his house there We took IL away
Them's the cold facts, Braut," he
added with a certain convincing indiffer-
ence that left no room for doubt. land YOU
can stand by 'em, Now, workin' back to
! the hrst principle you laid Gown--thal
We'll have 60 undo what we've done-we
don't agree with you. For we've taken
Leaf outer your own book. We've got il
here IN nlack and white; we've got bill a.
sale of Hooker's house and possession and
were on the land IN place OF him. IS your
tenants" lie re-entered the shanty, took
piece Of paper from the soap box on the
shelf and held IL out IL Clarence. Here
II ls--it's fair and square deal, Braut
We gave him. as 1t says here. a hundred
dollars Tor II. No humouggln', but the
hard cash, by Jimminy, And be took
the money"
The ring of truth in the mans voice was
as unnistakable a. the signature IN Jim
own hand. He had sold OUT Clarence
/ turned hastily away.
We don't know where he went" con-
| tnued Giiroy, grlm!y." hut reckon YOU
| amt over anxious 70 see him nowl And
| KIN tea We something IN ease your mind
/ he didn't require much 'persuadin''
/ Aud l Kin tell We another. ef you amt
! above ;akln advice from folks that don't
| pretend In give At he added with the
same curious look IF interest IN his face
| You've done well to get shut of him, and
| IL you get shut Of a few more OF his kind
! that ,an trust 70. yoa' q do besterh'
! As Il TO avoid noticing any angry reply
! trom The young man, ne re-eutered The
eahsa and shut the door behind him.