Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1911-08-11

behind him and saw a 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.
IVY, Mr.. Barry, think you must
mistake me fer rustler- ?" he smil
ed ingratiatingly at Harry Barry.
tits best to BIO 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 biznessr' 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, ehr sput-
tered Mr.. Snyder. What have done
to him. eh?"
you've taken away his character,
you know"
Mr. Snyder stared incredulously.
Taken away his characterT he said
slowly. IVY man, didn't know Jim
Russell had any character"
'Can you prove It'll"
The father of Louise scratched his
ear thoughtfully. 81 can't prove it
this mint" he admitted guardedly.
but reckon l could by writing down
to Arizona, where he's from"
II 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
only be reflection on your own fam
fly. How would you like to have any
body stir up your past% he asked In
nocently.
Casper Snyder started violently and
looked at Harry Barry keenly. what
do you meanT he demanded, with
red face.
what said," returned Harry, flick
ing the reins on his horses neck
you going my way, Mr.. SnyderT
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
frnn l..l,N
some of those old rumors which had
preceded his own advent into this cat
tie country. Possibly he might find
place for Loulse's husband on his
ranch and thus keep his favorite
daughter at home. At the same time
he could keep an eye on his son-in.law
II think I'll go home" he said alb
ruptly. III you should meet up with
my daughter, MIR. Barry, you kin tell
her that her father says be don't mind
II she takes ride wIth-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 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 little canyon
when the rattle of falling stones
brought him sharply face about. ana
he saw the man he was looking for
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 dwarfed |
pines.
"Well?" he said sharply TO Russell |
without making move to draw his |
weapons, although six shooter gleam |
ed in the others hand.
Russell drew near until he was close
beside his pursuer. Il took your horse,
Harry" he whispered hoarsely, but
| want you to believe me when / take
my oath that this Is the first time /
ever did steal horse. no matter what
they say about me"
II believe you" said Harry Barry. |
with tho old merry look In his eyes.
but I've promised to take you back
with me tust the same"
where tor? asked the other, hastily
backing away
your pa-in-law wants that you and
Louise should come to the ranch and
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 II any worse. Very
likely Louise would DO disappointed
In her dashing husband, and perhaps
Jim Russell would feel sometimes that
the tyranny OF Old Casper Snyder
would be hardly worth the acquisition
of wife, yet be knew that there
might be n foundation 10 their love
which would outlast these trinls.
Wants us TO come TO the ranch and
did you say or be shotr'
demanded Jim Russell Incredulously.
Married." repented Harry Barry
firmly, and TO be sure there won't
DO any mistake about the matter I'm
going tO ride over 10 Salt Petro and
fetch tho sky pilot myself. III ride on
ahead II you want 10 fetch Louise"
God bless you, Harry" muttered
Jim Russell under his breath. nnd
A L. a.. 1