The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-06-02

closer, reaching out a hand so that
she might clasp the pony's bride rein.
That's square of you, ma'am," he
said. "Ill see you again some day.
So-long." He bowed to her, smiled,
and spurred his horse away from the
porch, Looping rapidly out on the plains
toward the Triangular Bar.
For five minutes she sat on the
porch, holding the rein he had given
her. Then a sudden pang shot
through her.
He had promised that he would not
shoot Dave Toban. But there were
other ways Of killing a man.
Upon the morning of day a month
later, man rode up to the gate of the
Lazy L corral fence, dismounted from
his pony, and strobe to the door of
Hubbard's Office. The manager had
been occupied with some accounts,
and he had not seen the newcomer
ride up. But at the noise of his en-
trance Hubbard raised his head. His
lips Strengthened a little, and his face
whitened.
Bill Daggert!" he said hoarsely.
He raised himself half out Of his
chair, and one hand dropped suddenly
to his holster.
The newcomer moved slightly, and
a heavy six-shooter cleaned in one
hand. He smiled evilly.
Your eyes amt half bad, Hubbard"
he said. "But you amt improved none
slingin' your gun out" He now
sneered. you got anything to anger
with me, or was you just surprised
into maxim that fool move for your
gum"
Hubbard sagged back into his chair.
At sight Of Daggert his thoughts had
gone instantly to his daughter, and to
a recollection of the insult Daggert
had offered her. And on the impulse
OF the moment, he had intended using
his gun. But now, looking into the
muzzle Of Daggert's six-shooter, he
was compelled to admit that he had
no chance. So he smiled weakly.
why, / was sure some surprised
SEEM you turn up sudden hathaway
Daggert smiled. "I'd call that suf
f1cient," he said. But instead Of re
turning the weapon to it's holster he
tucked it lightly between his shirt and
the waistband of his trousers, in
front. And his eyes showed that ht
was not exactly convinced that Hub
bard's intentions were peaceable. But
he carelessly drew a chair over neal
the door and dropped into It, his thiI
lips wreathing into a dropping smile
He leaned back, folding his arms ovel
his chest, his attitude one of unstudieC
ease.
Anything doin'?" he asked.
81 wouldn't say that things is hum
min" returned Hubbard coldly.
moor" drawled Hubbard, his lipt
twitching.
moi" flared Hubbard.
ANY strangers around?"
Hubbard's eyes glittered vengefully
There amt any strangers around,
he said, smiling grimly. "But there's
goin' to be. / hear that Harve Toban's
brother is due to strike this country
pretty soon. I reckon he'd be some
tickled to get chance to talk some
to you"
Daggert laughed harshly. "Mebbe
he would" he sneered, freeing one arm
and pulling at his chin with his fin
gers. can mebbe you'd like to tel
him that 1t was me who put his broth
err out of business?" There was q
threat in his voice, and he leaned still
further back in his chair, his eyes
chilling.
Hubbard drew a deep breath. He
sensed the danger Of this interview
with the former Lazy L gun-man. But
he answered quietly.
II amt tellin' Dave Toban any
thing" he said. But If he's comm
to this country he'll find out soon
enough that it was you who shot his
brother.
Daggert grinned. "An' so Dave To
bans COMMIT" he sneered. "Only he
amt Fat here yet" He grinned again
sardon.cally. 1--WE heard tell that he's
here already; that he's been over in
. Dry Bottom, lookin' for me-"