Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1909-12-10

Whispering Smith was a little harsh
as the two shook hands, but he dis
mounted and followed Rebstock into
the house.
What are you so high and mighty
about" he demanded, throwing his
hat on the table near which Rebstock
had seated himself. why don't you
come out when send a man to you,
or send word what you will do: What
have you got to kick about? Haven't
you been treated right"
Being in no position to complain,
but shrewdly aware that much IN
pleasantness was in the wind, Reb-
stock beat about the bush. He had had
rheumatism; he couldn't ride; he had
been in bed three weeks and hadn't
seen Du Sang for three months. you
amt chasing up here after Du Sang
because he killed a man at Mission
Springs. l know better than that.
That amt the first man he's killed,
and 1t amt a goin' to be the last"
Whispering Smith lifted his finger
and for the first time smiled. Now
there you err, Rebstock-it is a goin'
to be- the last. So you think I'm after
you, do you? Well, If l were, what
are you going to do about it? Reb-
stock, do you think, if l wanted you,
would send a message for you to
come out and meet me? Not on your
life! When l want you I'll come to
your shack and drag you out by the
hair of the head. Sit down. roarel
Whispering Smith.
Rebstock, who weighed at least 275
pounds, had lifted himself up to glare
and swear freely. Now he dropped
angrily back into his chair. well, who
do you want?" he beloved in kind.
A smile softened the asperity of the
railroad mans face. That's a fair
question and l give you a straight
answer. I'm not bluf1ng: l want Du
Sang"
Rebstock squirmed. He swore with
shortened breath that he knew moth.
ing about Du Sang; that Du Sang had
stolen his cattle; that hanging was
too good for him; that he would join
any posse in searching for him; and
that he had not seen him for three
months.
Likely enough" assented Whisper
ing Smith, but this is wasting time
He rode in here last night after killing
old Dan Baggs. Your estimablC
nephew Barney is with him, and Karl
is with him, and l want them, but, IL
especial and particular, l want d.
Sang"
Rebstock denied, protested, wheezet
and stormed, but Whispering Smitl
was immovable. He would not sti
from the Cache upon any promises
Rebstock offered to surrender any ont
else in the Cache-hinted strongly a
two different men for whom handsom,
rewards were out; but every compro
mise suggested was met with the sam,
good-natured words: Il want d.
Sang"
At last the smile changed on Wits
pering Smiths face. 1t lighted hi
eyes still, but with a different expires
sion. See here, Rebstock, you and
have always got along, haven't we
I've no desire to crowd any man to tn
wall that is man. Now am going t,
tell you the simple truth. Du San
has got you scared to death. Tha
man Is faker, Rebstock. Becaus
he kills men right and left withou
! any provocation, you think he is da1
: gerous. He isn't; there are dozeI
, men In the Cache just as good with
gun as Du Sang is. Don't shake you
head. l know what I'm talking abou
He is a jay with a gun, and you ma
tell him l said so; do you hear? TIE
him to come out If he wants me
demonstrate it. He has got ever!
body, including you, scared to dealt
Now, | say, don't be silly. l want D
Sang"
Rebstock rose to his feet solemn
y and pointed his finger at Whisperin
Smith. Whispering Smith, you knov
; me"
. Il know you for fat rascal"
That's all right. You know M
and, just as you say, we always g
!. along because we both got sense"
You're hiding yours to-day, Rel
\ stock"
mo matter; I'll tell you what T.
do. I'll give you all the horsefesh 70
i can kill and all the men you can hiI
I to go after him, and I'll bury your dea
g myself. You think he can't shoot?
l. give you tip on the square" Viii
; pering Smith snorted. Hell shoot Ii
four buttons Of your coat in fol-
It shots." Smith kicked Rebstocks dc
y contemptuously. And do it while yc
n are falling down. I've seen him 4
c. it," persisted Rebstock. moist vii
II perspiration. I'm not looking for
r chance to go against a sure thing;
IT wash my hands Of the job"
IT Whispering Smith rose. 1T was I
lie trick to see he had you scared
le death. You are losing your wits, o
70 man. The albino is faker, and Il
" you l am going to run him out of Il
country" Whispering Smith reach,
le for his hat. Our treaty ends rig
II here. You promised to harbor no ms