The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-12-29

An hour later he rode up to the
door of the managers ONCE and dis
mounted. Stepping over the thresh-
old he halted just inside the door.
Stafford sat at his desk Leviatt
was bending over him. When Fer
guson entered the range boss stepped
back, standing toward the rear Of the
room. He nodded shortly to Fergu-
son.
You done any good YETI! ques-
toned Stafford
"Nothin' doin',. returned Ferguson
He drew out some tobacco and several
strips of rice paper. Then he pro.
ceeded to roll a cigarette. His move
ments were very deliberate. The
cigarette was made finally, and then
he lighted it and turned to Leviatt.
You workin' up the crick to-day?"
he asked casually.
Down"
Ferguson took long pun at his
cigarette. We'll. now he said
slowly. that's mighty peculiar I'd.
swore that | seen you an another man
ridin' up the crick this mornin'. But
reckon was mistaken. But I'd
swore seen you"
Leviatt sneered You've been nick.
in posies too long with Mary Rad
ford" he said.
Ferguson smiled. "Mebbe / have"
he returned. There's them that she'll
let pick posies with her an them that
she won't" He turned to Stafford.
When was In here one day talkin'
to you." he said, you told me about
you an Leviatt goin' to Dry Bottom
to get gunfighter. / reckon that's
right?"
1T sure u.s." assured Stafford
Ferguson took another pull at his
cigarette Il reckon you didn't 20
around advertisin' that?" he asked.
There amt no one knowed about
1t but US three" He swept an arm
towards Leviatt.
Ferguson grinned felinely. "An'
it's got out" he stated quietly. II
reckon if no one but us three knowed
about 1t one of us has been gassin'.
wouldn't think you'd do any
gassin'," he added, speaking to Stat
ford.
Stafford shook his head negatively.
| Ferguson continued, his eyes cold
and alert. AN ! reckon / Amt shot
of about 1t unless I've been dreamin'.
Accordin' to that it must have been
Leviatt told Mary Radford that I'd
been hired TO put her brother out of
| business"
He watched the range boss with
sinister eyes
|. You're a liar!" snapped Leviatt.
His right hand dropped suddenly to
his holster, drawing his gun half way.
Before Its muzzle had entirely cleared
| the holster there was slight move
ment from Ferguson's side, flash
and roar. Smoke curled from his
/ side.
- ~ - ~ x
The range boss's pistol clattered to
| the floor. his right arm swung limp
and useless at his side Stafford was
on his feet. his eyes wide with won
der. Ferguson quietly returned his
weapon to its holster.
There's your rustler,' he said,
pointing to Leyiatt. "If you'll take
some of the boys an go up the crick
about twenty miles you'll find his
shack. You'll find his partner there
too. 1t amt Ben Radford. Radford
told me the other day that he'd seen
Leyiatt an another man brandin
some cattle up the crick.
"What'll We do about Leviatt?'
questioned Stafford.
| 'I1l stay here an keep the sneak
company" said Ferguson.
VII
A week later Ferguson had occasion
to pass through Bear Flat. Coming
out OF the cottonwood near the cabir
he met Ben Radford. The latter
grinned at him.
you amt been around for Ions
4 time" he said. For man who's
just been promoted to range bos'
4 you're onnatcheral shy"
Il Ferguson smiled II amt paradin
around shown off, he returned.
some one might take 1t into thei
head to bore me with rife"
/ Radford's grin broadened. Il reckon
you're wastin' time" he said. Ssh
wouldn't do nothin' wrose'n throw I
posy at you!"
"Y' don't say?" returned Ferguson
Il reckon" He abruptly turned
his pony down the trail towards thu
cabin
AS he rode UP to the door there wa
a movement, rustic, and Mary Rad
ford stood in the doorway looking a
him.
you got that rife anywhere