Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-08-08
CHAPTER x1x-(continued.)

CHAPTER x1x-(continued.)
This time Grouchy's well, want
nine was extremely faint.
Before the others could speak
again Bill quickly called, Here's the
boss now" and signalled the men 10
be silent.
They were touched by Jim's bag
gard face, They had not seen the
boss for several days; he had been
busy with accounts, Bill had told
them. They began shutting their feet
as though about to leave. Each one
thought perhaps 1t would be as we'll
to wait until the next day. Shorty
signalled them to come on, but Jim
stopped them.
Boys, hear you're getting anxious
about your pay. don't blame you.
Ny affairs are in a bad way, but I
don't expect any one to share my bad
luck. You've earned your money. I'll
see that you get It,"
AS Jim spoke he drew from his
pocket several small boxes and from
useless old trinkets here that have
been knocking around in my trunk
for years II you will take them 10
town. where people wear such things.
you will get enough for them to wipe
out my account and something to
boot for long service and goodwill. !"
Andy's sniffies were the only answer
that followed. Jim turned to him,
ANDY"
But Andy refused the package. "Un1
say, boss. Und say, | amt kickin.
Und say, can trust you.
Jim only tossed the box into his
hands. Shorty" he said, as he slap
ped the wallet across the little fellows
shoulder.
"oh. I'd rather not" Shorty shame
facedly answered. Gee but this Is
tough work" he muttered to himself.
Jim smiled. "You must take it,
please. The man who refuses throws
suspicion on the value Of my junk.
You won't do that, I'm sure" And
the wallet slid into Shortys hand.
"Grouchy, you can have my repeat
ing rifle" he added. "And now, good
night. I'll see you tomorrow for the
last time"
So this was to be the end of their
association with the boss. Would he
try to shoulder the work of the place
without them? A seconds reflection
told them that this would be impossi-
BILE. 1t was really the end of Carston's
ranch. The three men stood staring
at jim Bill, at the back of the hut
as he heard the words, sank down ON
q rough bench. This was what had
come Of the days of silence on Jim's
part; in each man's~heart there ItsN
an unspeakable emotion at the dissol,l-
ton Of their companionship.
Suddenly down the road they heard
the clatter of horses. Then the whoop-
la of a crowd of men, and stentorian
voice called.
Hello, any one to home at Car
ston's ranch?"
Shorty and Andy hurried to meet
the newcomers. 1t was Bud Hardy
the Sheriff. with a posse of men. In
they rushed, swarming all over the
place, and carrying with them the
smell of alkali and the heat Of the
plains. Dripping with perspiration
stained and worn with their travel,
they seemed like part of the desert.
30 covered were they with heavy
caking Of dust. One felt the parched
fever Of their thirst as they stood
asking hospitality of the ranch. Jim
advanced to meet them.
Hello, folks" Bud called, as the
men Of the ranch welcomed his men.
Then he came towards Jim who
shook hands with him.
Why, how are you, Sheriff."
Since the day at Maverick, when
the Sheriff had tried to arrest him
Jim had often seen Bud. He was
never sure of the honesty of the mans
Intentions. He and Big Bill had often
discussed Buds unfltness for the
power he held in the place, but he
gave no sign of this in his greeting.
Buds great frame lowered above
the others. He seemed more effusive
and excited than the occasion war
ranted, and Big Bills brows rose ques.
tioningly as he saw the demonstra.
tive way in which he greeted Jim
'tHowdy. Mr.. Carston - howdy
Known the hospitality of this here
outfit, we most killed ourselves to
git here. to say nothin' Of the horses.
We left them leanin' up against th..
corral, the worst done up cayuses. y
Then directly In appeal to Jim, he
I said. 1--WE simply got to stay here TO-
might. Mr.. Carston.''
With a cordial gesture of invita-
ton, Jim said, "You and the boys
are welcome, Sheriff. and what we
lack in grub and accommodations we'll
hope to make UP to you in goodwill
As Jim spoke, Bud quickly glanced
in triumph at Clarke. prominent
worker in his posse. The pale face
$ Of Clarke gave back a glance of com.
5prehension as he lowered his white.
llashed eyelids over his bullying eyes
AN this was observed by Bill, who
tsauntered towards the Sheriff as Bud
answered Jim.
What's good enough FOR you all IS
good enough for US. you bet" and he
wrung Jim's hand again. "why
hello!" he finished as he saw Bill and
turned to greet him.
Any news?" Bill laconically asked
as he studied Bud and his men.
"Nothin' of any consequence" said
Bud. We just had little fracas
down at the agency Total result
one Iniin killed."
A shout Of approval rose from the
boys, but Clarke broke in with
LII. IN - = - Il,