Semi-weekly herald., 1911-04-03

NSSPaAi Ai hio NOiNcs anu NuN lflt
| 1t, but he said: There's one other ques-
ton that may come up for decision. II
that Basque died of smallpox you may
possibly take it,
I've figured on that, but II will take
= day or two TO show on me. l don't
feel any ache In my bones yet IL |
do come down you keep away from
me. You've got to live aud take care
of Virginia.
she should never have returned to
this accursed country" Cavanagh
harshiy 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. lie 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 neighbor's interests. Being 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 inaamed
Cavanagh's indignant hate of the coun
try. The theory which the dep,ity de
veloped was transparent folly Slt was
Just case Of plain robbery he ar
gued "One of them dagoes had mon
ey. and Neill Ballard aud 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 borse's
hoors 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 II mood to in
vite the sheepman in. and, besides, he
perceived the danger 10 which Wether
ford was exposed; therefore Ills an
swcrs were short Gregg on his part,
did not appear anxious TO enter.
What happened to that old hobo |
sent up?" lie asked.
Cavanagh briefly retold his story. and
at the end of 1t 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 man.
81 don't know. but 1t looked and
smelled like smallpox"
The deputy rose with spring.
smallpox You didn't, handle the
cuss?''
body bad to lend a hand l couldn't
see him die there alone, and he had to
be buried, so ! did the job
Gregg recoiled q step or two. but the
deputy stood staring, the implication
of all this sinking deep Were you
wearing the same clothes you've got
on?"
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 n step toward him. I'm
ut your service"
Keep on" 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 utcnsil. including the
saddle-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 volley. III 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 bills for n
few weeks. The settlers down below
pox chassaying around town. They
might rope and tie you"
Wetherford came out of his hiding
pnce 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
grimly humorous. There's no great
loss without some small gain. I don't
think wen be troubled by any more
visitors. not even by sherifis or doe
tors. ! reckon you and | are in for a
couple of months Of the quiet life-the
kind we read about"
Cavanngh now that he was definite
ly out of the forest service perceived
the weight of every objection which
his friends and relatives had made
against his going into 1t. 1t was
lonely life and must ever be so. 1t
was all very well for young unmar-
ried man who loved the woods and
bills beyond all things else and who
could wait for advancement. bot 1t
was a sad place for one who desired
wife. The rangers place was ON
the trail and In the hills, and to bring
a woman into these high silences. into
these lone reaches Of forest and fell.
would be cruel To bring children into
r.rII l. -tfuip no