Gilpin observer., 1909-09-02
by frank III. SpEARt1AN q
o ILLUSTRATIONS o u
By ANDRE BOWL q
COPYRIGHT ScRehER3
T 1905 eY CHA3 ScRIsNER3 JoH3

looked moodily at his visitors out Of
eyes buried between rolls of fat.
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 l 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 un-
pleasantness was in the wind, Reb-
stock beat about the bush. He had 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 it 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, II | wanted you,
l 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." roared
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 We'll. who
do you want?" he beloved in kind
smile softened the asperity of the
railroad mans face. That's fair
question and l give you a straight
answer. I'm not bluffing: 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
months.
Likely enough" assented Whisper
ing Smith, but this is wasting time.
He rode in here last night after killing
old Dan Baggs. Your estimable
nephew Barney is with him, and Karg
is with him, and l want them, but, in
especial and particular, l want Du
Sang"
Rebstock denied. protested, wheezed
and stormed. but Whispering Smith
was immovable. He would not stir
from the Cache upon any promises.
Rebstock offered to surrender any one
else in the Cache-hinted strongly at
two different men for whom handsome
rewards were out; but every compro-
mise suggested was met with the same
good-natured words: Il want Du
Sang"
At last the smile changed on Whis.
pering Smiths face. 1t lighted his
eyes still, but with different express
sion. See here. Rebstock, you and l
have always got along, haven't We?
I've no desire to crowd any man to the
wall that is man. Now | am going to
tell you the simple truth. Du Sang
has got you scared to death That
man is a faker. Rebstock. Because
he kills men right and left without
any provocation, you think he is dan
gerous. He isn't: there are a dozen
men in the Cache Just as good with a
gun as Du Sang is. Don't shake your
head. l know what I'm talking about
He is jay with a gun, and you may
tell him said so; do you hear? Tell
him to come out II he wants me to
demonstrate it. He has got every
body. including you, scared to death.
Now, say. don't be silly. | want Du
Sang"
Rebstock rose to his feet solemnly
and pointed his finger at Whispering
Smith. Whispering Smith. you know
me"
Il know you for fat rascal"
That's all right. You know me.
and. just as you say, we always get
along because we both got sense"
You're hiding yours to-day. Reb.
stock"
mo matter; I'll tell you what I'll
do. I'll give you all the horsefiesh you
can kill and all the men you can hire
to go after him, and I'll bury your dead
myself. You think he can't shoot? I
give you tip on the square" Whis.
pering Smith snorted. He'll shoot the
four buttons Off your coat In four
shots" Smith kicked Rebstock's dog
contemptuously. And do 1t while you
are falling down. I've seen him do
It," persisted Rebstock, moist with
perspiration. I'm not looking for q
chance to go against a sure thing;
wash my hands Of the job"
whispering Smith rose. 1T was no
trick to see he had you scared to
death. You are losing your wits, old
man. The albino is a faker, and tell
you am going to run him out OF the