The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-05-04

there still remained a certain spongi-
ness of the soil that held the telltale
traces of Nelly's hoofs. Now, there
was the trail Of another horse. and by
the deep indentation Harry Barry
knew that they had been hard ridden.
He looked ahead where the hazy out
line of the Flower ranges might afford
refuge for the clippers. He looked
behind him and saw man pounding
along ON a tall, rawboned white horse.
"Old man Snyder and riding like the
devil" he muttered Hope he doesn't
pick me for Russell. I'll have to get
drop on him first" He flashed out his
pistol and had Mr.. Snyder's fat hands
high In the air as soon as he heard the
young cattleman's stern command.
"W'y, Mr.. Barry, think you must
mistake me fer rustler-eh?" be smil-
ed ingratiatingly at Harry Barry.
Its best to be sure. you know, Mr..
Snyder" grinned Harry impudently.
"By the way you was lighting after me
l got the idea you was trying to run
me off the range, and you know us
Lone Bull fellows don't let nobody do
that"
"Oh, no, far from such biZnessw ex-
planned Mr.. Snyder impatiently. II
gotta more important matter. That
blamed scoundrel of Jim Russell, he's
run away with my daughter, my Lou
Use! If catch 'em I'll skin him alive"
IF he don't skin you first" said
Harry Barry coolly.
"Why should he skin me, eh?" sput-
tered Mr. Snyder. What have l done
to him, ehT
you've taken away his character.
you know"
Mr.. Snyder stared incredulously.
Taken away his characterY he said
slowly. wy man, didn't know Jim
Russell had any character"
Can you prove itT'
The father of Louise scratched his
ear thoughtfully. II can't prove 1t
this mint" he admitted guardedly,
but l reckon l could by writing down
to Arizona. where he's from"
~ wouldn't do it," advised Harry
Barry. Jim Russell will probably be
married to Louise by that time, and
anything you said against him would
lily. How would you like to have any
body stir up your pastg he asked in
nocently.
Casper Snyder started violently and
looked at Harry Barry keenly. What
do you mean?" he demanded, with a
red face.
What 1 said" returned Harry, flick
ing the reins on his horses neck.
you going my way, Mr.. Snyder"
The elder man looked down at the
ground and bit his lips thoughtfully.
If he pursued Jim Russell to the death.
as he had planned in his first burst OF
vengeful fury. somebody-perhaps this
impudent young Barry-might revive
some of those old rumors which had
preceded his own advent into this cat
tie country Possibly he might find
place for LOuise's husband on his
ranch and thus keep his favorite
daughter at hoIne. At the same time
he could keep an eye on his sen-in-law.
II think III go home" he said abb
ruptly IF you should meet up with
my daughter, Mr.. Barry, you kin tell
| her that her father says he don't mind
If she takes a ride wlth-with that Jim
Russell. but that he commands her to
come home and get married"
"Pll tell her." said Harry Barry
heartily as he waved a farewell at the
old man and went on his way.
When he reached the cool shadows
of the Flower range he eased his horse
and rode with slackened rein. He was
dead tired, and the day was almost
spent AS yet he had not come up
with the man who had taken his horse
He was riding up a little canyon
when the rattle of falling stones
brought him sharply face about. and
he saw the man he was looking fOl
not ten feet to the right of him. jim
Russell, white and desperate looking
stood at bay behind the little black
horse Nelly. Louise Snyder was no
where in sight. but Harry Barry had
no doubt her fair frightened face was
hidden behind the clump OF dwarfet
pines.
"Well?" be said sharply to Russell
without making move to draw his
weapons. although a six shooter CLEAN
ed In the others hand.
Russell drew near until he was close
beside his pnrsuer. IL took your horse
Harry" he whispered hoarsely, blu
| want you to believe me when | take
my oath that this Is the first time
ever did steal a horse, no matter wha
they say about me-"
II believe you" said Harry Barry
with the old merry look in his eyes
but I've promised to take you bach
with me just the same"
where to-" asked the other. hastily
backing away.
Your pa-in-law wants that you anC
Louise should come to the ranch nnC
be married" said Harry Barry, all re
sentiment gone from his soul, for some
how he could not blame Jim Russell
for wanting to marry pretty Louise
Snyder, and anyhow, Harry reasoned
life was hard enough for folks with
out his making 1t any worse. Very
likely Louise would be disappointed
In her dashing husband and perhaps
Jim Russell would feel sometimes thai