The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-03-15

tnemf can't do It. I'm going to pull
out as soon as can put my books In
shape. and you'd better 80 too"
They were standing at the gate Of
the corral, and the roar Of the noun
tain stream enveloped them in q cloud
Of sound.
Wetherford spoke slowly: II hate TO
lose my girl now that I've seen her.
but guess you're right And Lie,
poor old eritterl It's shame the way
I've queered her life. and ia give my
right arm to be where was twelve
years ago. but with price on my head
and old age coming on don't see my
self ever again getting up to par. It's
q losing game for me now"
There was resignation as well as
despair in his voice, and Cavanagh felt
II, but he said: There's one other ques-
tion that may come up for decision. If
that Basque died Of smallpox you may
possibly take It."
I've figured on that but It win take
. day or two TO show on me. don't
feel any ache IN my bones yet. If
do 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-
scented very wen the type of officer
which these disorderiy communities
produce. Brave and tireIess when
working along the line Of his preju-
dices, he could be most laxiy 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 ofacer
had trailed across the line of his pur-
suit.
This attitude still further infamed
Cavanagh's indignant hate Of the coun-
try. The theory which the deputy de-
veloped was transparent folly. 'It was
just a case OF plain robbery" he ar
gues "One OF them dagoes had mon.
ey, Ind Neil Ballard and that man Ed
wards Just naturally foliered him and
killed the whole bunch and scooted
That's my guess"
An hour later the sound Of horses
hoofs on the bridge gave warning of q
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, ht
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
sent upY' he asked.
Cavanagh briefly retold his story, and
at the end Of it Gregg grunted. "YoI
say you burned the tent and all tn,
beddingT
Every thread OF 1t. It wasn't SAT
to leave it"
"what allied the mani"
II don't know, but It looked ant
smelled like smallpox"
, The deputy rose with a spring
'Smallpoxi You didn't handle tn
!. cuss?'
: Cavanagh did not spare him. 'Some
body had to lend a hand. ! couldn'
see him die there alone, and he had :
be buried, so did the job"
Gregg recoiled a step or two, but tn
: deputy stood staring. the implication
Of all this sinking deep. "Were 20
wearing the same clothes you've 90
onr'
Eyes, but I used a slicker Will
working around the body"
sGood kingr' The sweat broke on
on the mans face. "You ought to
arrested
Ross took a step toward him. 'Tr
: at your service
: Keep orr shouted the sheriff.
Ross smiled, then became very 81
rious. 81 took every precaution, Nj
Deputy. I destroyed everything tina
could possibly carry the disease.
burned every utensil. including tn
saddle but the man
horse and his dog"
The officer caught up his hat an
coat and started for the door. cit
me for the open air." said he.
As the men withdrew Ross followe
them and, standing in his door, d.
livered his final volley. IF this stat
does not punish those fiends every d,