The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-12-13

the crossword, low down. A second
later he head shout of man and the
report of an answering shot.
THAT was a mistake" he muttered.
"The fool thinks he's in the right.
Chug Smith may skin my carcass too
before he's done. Come on, you
horse! If you get me out of this hide
to show a jury, I'll let you run the |
range for the rest of timer
The moon was fairly up now. and
from the top of the next raise Colby
hoped to see that his pursurers had
turned back. He would make a good |
target against the pale sky; but he be-
lieved he could rush his horse over the
crest. and too he did not believe they
would be able to drop him at the dis
lance. The noises of their ponies
were now quite faint. He quirted the
pinto, and it plowed through the sand
laboriously. In the last few feet Of
! the climb he managed to get a squirt
/ from the borrowed horse, and dropped
down again with a staggering rush.
Far below in the fiat he saw the
dusty ribbon of the Windbreak road.
A sudden fear made him slow up. A
half-dozen shadowy ponies cantered
along it. Was it possible that Chug
had big outfit, and A second later
he caught snatch of ragged melody.
Many times that song had tortured
him; now it brough relief and happiness
1t was Flynn singing his favorite aif.
mo Weddin' Bells for Me-"
Colby stood in the stirrups and
1oosened a tremendous "Yip-Yipw
The little column on the Windbreak
road halted, swung around, and came
towards him. Flynn continued sing
ing; for hewas in a mellow mood.
"Shut if off, Flynnl" said Colby, as
he rode up. where you boys from.
anyway? Didn't expect to see you
! here"
|, mac sent me beltin' into Wind
break after you" explained Flynn. his
voice having its usual rasp softened
: more than a little. Gle thought you
ought to know that we discovered
.. somethin' to-day.-a whole parcel Of
! hides crammed down in crevice be-
yond Smiths old corral. They was
old, and nary brand on anyone Of
'em. For why? Because the brands
: had all been cut out very careful. An
|; mac thought you ought to know. Tom
= here, wanted pair of socks, so he
. rides along to keep me company; an
4 while Bill he longs for some sus-
> penders. that he couldn't git nowhere
but in Windbreak, so he comes to
=. keep US from fallin' asleep; an"
"That'll do fer now, Flynn" laugh
: ed Colby. wiping his face. "1'm only
!: too glad you're three parts sober to-
d night. caught Chug Smith skinnin'
5 that big white steer with the twisted
$ horns. He'd cut out the brand, which
$ slapped him across the face with
n before bid him goodby. Then they
d called me a horse-thief and tried to
rope me. We're going back there
s and round up that whole outfit. Nc
! gun play, Boys. Go slow and easy
but Chug Smiths got to leave these
parts"
o "The big white steer" exclaimed
e Flynn, Strengthening himself and be-
e coming as sober as a judge. THAT
l. wild one, with buck horns, an thu
e diamond low down on his fank?"
r That's the one. Come along; bu
le remember this is a solemn business
" Flynn, and there mustn't be any 4tl
lie of July made out of it. Chug's scarce
anyway. He'll lay down like lizard
1t Only 60 SLOW" .
"Just as you say, boss. Only i
'e would be cheaper to the county It w
lie used him rough"
it "That's the point. He's not goint
o to be tried for this. I've got my rea
IT sons. He's going to leave"
is "S'pose he begins to shoot when W
ride in on him?"
- 1--WE won't ride in. Well circle hin
d on foot. get the drop, and then tall
!. business. You boys understand that!
= "Boss," said Flynn, "it's a pleasur
to say we do. That Winbreak Is
slow town, an always did say tina
p there was more fun in the open."
n They rode forward for some dist
70 ance; then left the horses and ap
{. preached the cattle camp slowly, sep
ol arating when close to it drawing II
y from three sides.
ct The sound of laughter could b
" heard as they drew near. A large fr
&c had been lighted, andthe wind brough
e the odor Of burning hide. A lttl
later, and most of the completing evi
ID dence would be gone.
at At a signal the four me closed II
lie and there confusion among the herd
,e ers. This time Chug did not exhibl
IT dis former bravado.
Ne "It's all up, Chugl" called Gold,
pe There's too many US fellers. Drop tn
OF gun, so we can talk pleasant. Flynn
r drag that hide out of the fire. I'll f
This match 10 IL. and we'll have a case.