Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1911-08-05

ford cabin carefully, and in that time
there were no cattle stolen. But of
course this proved nothing. II Rad
ford stole cattle he would steal them
in his own way and in his own time.
He met Radford frequently Once
he had talked with him for an hour
in little basin near Bear Flat, where
Radford had been watching his cattle.
He saw Mary Radford often. Sew
eral times she had accepted invita-
tions to ride with him. Twice while
riding with her he had met Leviatt.
On these occasions the range boss's
manner had caused him some amuse-
ment. Certainly the range boss did
not wish him well.
Suspicious that the latter envied
him these rides with Mary Radford,
Ferguson took a keen delight in con-
tinuing them. His first meeting with
the range boss In Dry Bottom had
convinced him of their mutual dis
like. And Ferguson had no regrets.
So he continued his rides, thoroughly
enjoying the situation.
One day, while riding the river trail.
returning from a short gallop the girl
suddenly drew rein on a little knoll
overlooking the river. Ferguson's
pony came to a halt a few feet dis
tant The girls face was serious.
MY brother and l were talking
about you last night" she said in a
low, hesitating voice, her eyes on the
pony's name.
81 didn't think | was that impor-
tant," he returned.
But you are" The girls face red
dened You're bothering US a whole
lot"
I'D like to think that was bother
in you" he said, significantly.
at isn't that" she said rapidly.
She raised her eyes suddenly and
gazed straight ar him. Ben didn't
want me to say anything about It
He said he'd talk TO you himself. But
I've got to say it. If Stafford has
hired you, why don't you work."
II was out now, and she sat red OF
face in the saddle, showing her EN-,
barrassment.
Ferguson smiled. He had expected
this long before. He had determined
TO make no move in the game until
matters so shaped themselves that he
could see his way clearly. And now
quietly in his saddle, his face grave
his eyes steady and alert
Stafford hired me to look for
rustlers," he said slowly. He watched
her furtively, to see how she received
this. He thought her surprise quite
natural.
81 thought So" she returned. again
looking squarely at him. where dc
you expect to find them?" There was
defiance in the question.
That's the puzzle" he said. Sc
far | amt seen any rustlers."
How far have you looked?" she
questioned with a steady, amused
glance.
He laughed. 81 reckon / know what
you mean" he returned. 1--WE been
hangin' around here quite a bit. But
l don't reckon to prove you're a
rustler."
She smiled and sat suddenly erect.
touching the pony's tanks with the
spurs. Wed better be going,
think" She urged the pony about.
He followed her down the trail.
taking his leave at the edge of the
wood near the cabin.
During the next few days he did
not go near Bear Flat, passing his
time riding the Ute trail, penetrating
to the farthermost limits of the Two
Diamong range, returning to the
ranch house at odd hours of the
morning, talking to no one. and wear
ing an air Of preoccupation.
orI, - hA hn
sought an interview with Stafford.
The latter had begun to worry about
him. When Ferguson came into the
Office the managers manner was a
trifle anxious.
"You seen anything Of Radford?"
he asked. .
81 amt got nothin' on Radford,"
was the reply.
His tone angered the manager. 81
amt askin' you to get anything on
him." he returned. 81 hired you to
do a certain thing an I'm waitin' for
you to do it."
Ferguson smiled coldly. Il amt
shootin' no one unless / got pretty
good case" he replied. IF my ways
don't suit you"
Take your own time" advised
Stafford in a subdued voice. 81 amt
hurryin' you none"
Ferguson smiled. There amt no
other hester around here that you
know of-beside Radford?" he cues
toned.
mo. RadforS's the only one"
Ferguson fingered moment. Then
he walked to the door. Il reckon
that's ALL" he said. 'I'll be goin'. :"
He went out and mounted his pony.
Two hours later he rode down
through a shallow crossing of the Ute
about twenty miles from the Two Dia-
mond ranch house. In little basin
near the river he saw hundred
beeves grazing A little adobe hut
snuggled the bank of the river.
Ito BE- eesffssed)