The Delta independent., 1911-04-28

ANXIOUS race. 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 neighhor's 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 infiamed
Cavanagh's indignant hate Of the coun-
try. The theory which the deputy de-
veloped was transparent folly. 1T was
Just a case of plain robbery" he ar
gued. "One 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 a 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
sent 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 1t. 1t wasn't safe
to leave it."
what allied the MANI"
81 don't know. but 1t looked and
smelled like smallpox"
The deputy rose with spring
SMALLPOX. You didn't handle the
cuss?"
Cavanagh did not spare him. Some
body had to lend a hand. couldn't
see him die there alone, and he had to
be buried. so ! 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
onT'
Yes. but used slicker while
working around the body"
Good king." The sweat broke out
on the mans face. You ought to be
arrested"
Ross took step toward him I'm
at your service"
| Keep OF" shouted the sheriff.
Ross smiled. then became very Sc
rious. Il took every precaution. Mr..
Deputy. l destroyed everything that
could possibly carry the disease.
burned every utensil. including the
sadde-everythIng but the mans
horse and his dog"
The officer caught up his hat and
coat and started for the door. Its
me for the open air." said he.
- As the men withdrew Ross followed
them and. standing In his door. de-
livered his final voley. IF this state
does not punish those fiends every de-
cent man should emigrate out Of 1t,
turning the land over 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
grtmly humorous There's no great
loss without some small gain. don't
think we'll be troubled by any more
visitors. not even by sheriffs or doc
tors. reckon you and l are In for
couple Of months Of the quiet life-the
kind we read about"
Cavanagh now that he was definite
the weight Of every objection which
his friends and relatives had made
against his going into 1t. 1t was a
lonely life and must ever be so. 1t
was all very well for a young unmar-
ried man who loved the woods and
hills beyond all things else and who
could wait for Advancement. but 1t
was a sad place for one who desired
wife. The rangers place was on
the trail and In the hills. and to bring
q woman into these high silences. into
these lone reaches of forest and fell.
would be cruel. To bring children into
them would be criminal.
All the next day. while Wetherford
pottered about the cabin or the yard
Cavanagh toI!ed at his papers. resolv.
ed to leave everything In the perfect