The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-10-12
heLastChanCe
II Led to Proof OF True
Friendship
By SARAH MARIA GRANT
By SARAH MARIA GRANT
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation. 1911.



Bull ranch. 1t was at the edge OF the
evening, and the extended absence OF
light hearted Harry Barry had been
matter of comment among his COM
rades. His two weeks leave OF alb
sence had been stretched to three, and,
although work was dull at this season,
his silence caused a vague disquietude
among the older men.
The note was addressed to Gabriel,
and he unfolded 1t with the careful
deliberation of one who seldom re-
ceives an epistle. He held the torn
sheet of paper close to the lamp ana
scanned the words with sharp eyes
that narrowed to mere pin points OF
light when he had concluded.
Its from him." he said. with curt
nod toward Harry Barry's empty chair
They scented trouble In the tone OF
his voice. Gabriel was not given to
emotion, but he had grown attached
to Harry Barry and loved him as
son.
whats happened2" demanded Jim
Lewis.
For answer Gabriel tossed the note
across the table, and Jim seized 1t
eagerly and read aloud:
Come to the three cottonwoods and
bring the boys to celebrate It's the last
chance. II D.
Hardened though they were, the
faces of the four blanched as the mean
ing of the words smote them strongly.
The three tall cottonwoods that stood
near Satan's Gulch marked spot that
was recognized throughout the ada
cent cattle country as a place where
the swift justice of the plains was
melted out to offenders.
Without a word the four arose and
reached for their ahats. In the same
grim silence they STROBE out of the
bunk house. forgetful Of the Mexican
who crouched in the veranda as they
passed.
They were three miles on their way
toward Satan's Gulch when the Crane
broke the silence. What became Of
the greaser?" he asked suddenly.
81 forgot him." admitted Gabriel,
did anybody pay him for the letter|
"You paid him yourself, Gabe. l
saw you flip him four bits" remarked
Jim Lewis.
They all grew silent once more.
thinking perhaps of the merry even
ings spent under the star busted sky
or In the shelter Of the bunk house
with Harry Barry, the pivotal center
about which good humor swung.
"There's only one thing Harry might
do" growled Gabriel from the depth
Of troubled heart
And he wouldn't do that unless he
was pushed to wrangle. Harry, he
wasn't one to force gun play" added
Jim Lewis seriously.
"If Harry did drop his man 1t would
be in a fair fight. and there wouldn't
be no cause to- The Cranes pause
was significant.
They rode on across the shriveled
grasses and down dry water courses.
heading always for the southeast and
yet ever dreading to glimpse the gaunt
outline Of the cottonwoods against the
sky. A young moon slipped down The
western spaces, and after awhile there
was no light save that Of the stars
and in the soft radiance they moved
on their way to take advantage Of
their last chance to say farewell to
Harry Barry.
1t was Gabriers eyes that first saw
the black cottonwoods, and he halted
his horse with a sudden jerk and
stopped the progress of the other men.
II got something to say" he NUT
tered hoarsely. I'VE all know that
what's going to happen in the morning
can't be stopped just because Harry
Ia our friend. Them of us that breaks
the law, whether intentional or other
wise, has to pay the price, and Harry's
got to take his medicine. But We'll all
stand by him till'-
They nodded silently, but there was
not one of them, Gabriel included, who
did not register a mental vow to at
tempt to free Harry Barry before the
dawn broke.
Almost within the shadow of the
trees the four halted their horses and
peered into the gloom. Jim Lewis
slipped from his saddle and cautious
ly reconnoitered. Presently he came
back and spoke breathlessly
Hes yonder-alone. White Star Is
near at hand"
Leading his own horse and followed
by the others, Jim Lewis cautiously
led the way into the deeper shadows
where Harry Barry was sleeping.
They were somewhat puzzled at the
absence Of bis captors, but Satan's
Gulch presented many rocks and cram
MES that might be preferred to the
star canopied sky as sleeping quarters,
and probably the condemned man was
bound and helpless.
Presently they discerned the outline
IF picketed horse and not far away
. dark bundle on the ground that
oreathed heavily.
"The young devil" groaned Gabriel
o himself sleeping like that tonightr'
In spite Of the silent VOW that had
been registered half hour before
Harry Barry's friends moved as by one
accord to accomplish set purpose.
Quietly enough one unprotected the
horse White Star and, mounting his
own beast, led the other. Another
pulled blanket from his saddle. and
Won arc not ayparinantiuU IN