Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1911-03-30

despair in his voice. and Cavanagh felt
it, but he said: There's one other Ques-
ton that may come up for decision. II
that Basque died of smallpox you may
possibly take it,"
give figured on that, but it will take
a day or two to show on me. | don't
feel any ache in my bones yet. If l
10 come down you keep away from
me. You've got to live and take care
of Virginia.
"She should never have returned to
this accused country" Cavanagh
harshly replied. starting back toward
the cabin.
The constable, smoking his pipe be-
side the fireplace, did not present an
anxious face. On the contrary, he
seemed plumply content as he replied
to the rangers greeting. He repre-
sented very well the type Of officer
which these disorderly communities
produce. Brave and tireless when
working along the line Of his preju-
dices, he could be most laXly inefficient
when his duties cut across his own or
his neighbours interests. Being a cat
tleman by training, he was glad Of the
red herring which the Texas officer
had trailed across the line Of his pur-
suit.
This attitude still further inf1amed
Cavanagh's indignant hate of the cOun-
try. The theory which the deputy de-
veloped was transparent folly. at was
just a case of plain robbery" he ar
gued. zone Of them dagoes had mon
ey, and Neill Ballard and that man Ed
wards just naturally follered him and
killed the whole bunch and scooted.
That's my guess"
An hour later the sound of q horses
hoofs on the bridge gave warning of a
visitor, and as Cavanagh went to the
door Gregg rode up, seeking particu-
lars as to the death Of the herder and
the whereabouts of the sheep.
The ranger was not in a mood to in
vite the sheepman in, and, besides, he
perceived the danger to which Wether-
ford was exposed; therefore his an
swers were short. Gregg. on his part,
did not appear anxious to enter.
What happened to that old hobo l
sen up?' he asked.
Cavanagh briefly retold his story, and
at the end of it Gregg grunted. "You
say you burned the tent and all the
bedding|
Every thread Of it. 1t wasn't safe
to leave it,"
"What allied the MANI"
81 don't know, but it looked and
smelled like smallpox"
The deputy rose with a spring.
"Smallpox! You didn't handle the
cuss?'
Cavanagh did not spare him. "Some-
see him die there alone, and he had to
be buried, so l did the job"
Gregg recoiled a step or two, but the
deputy stood staring, the implication
Of all this sinking deep. Were you
wearing the same clothes you've got
on?"
Eyes. but I used a slicker while
working around the body"
Good king!' The sweat broke out
on the mans face. you ought to be
arrested"
Ross took a step toward him. I'm
at your service"
keep OFF, shouted the sheriff.
Ross smiled. then became very Sc
rin,1S st fno1- ar0ru nnaoo,,+io- Nv
Deputy. l destroyed everything that
could possibly carry the disease. 1
burned every utensil, including the
saddle-everything but the mans
horse and his dog"
The officer caught up his hat and
coat and started for the door. "It's
me for the open air." said he.
AS the men withdrew Ross followed
them and, standing in his door, de-
livered his final volley. IF this state
does not punish those fends every de-
cent man should emigrate out Of it,
turning the land owe to the wolves,
the wildcats and other beasts of prey"
Gregg as he retreated called back:
That's all right, Mr.. Ranger, but
you'd better keep to the hills for a
few weeks. The settlers down below
won't enjoy having a man with small
pox chassaying around town. They
might rope and tie you"
Wetherford came out Of his hiding
place with a grave face.
They're right about our staying
clear of town." said Cavanagh.
They'll quarantine us sure"
Wetherford now that the danger Of
arrest was over was disposed to be
grimly humorous. There's no great
loss without some small gain. Idon't
think We'll be troubled by any more
visitors. not even by sherifs or doc
tors. l reckon you and l are in for a
couple Of months of the quiet life-the
kind we read about"
Cavanagh now that he was definite
ly out of the forest service perceived
the weight Of every objection which
his friends and relatives had made
against his going into 1t. 1t was e
lonely life and must ever be SO. 1t
was all very we'll for a young unmar-
-soJ r-1o l1-oI Tho -na6c on6