Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-05-30

Hubbard knew this kind of man.
That other one, which Devin. the
owner of the Lazy l.. had sent to put
Toban out of the way, had been this
kind of man. He gazed at the stran-
ger for a full minute, his narrowed
eyes taking in all the details of his
appearance. Then he drew a deep
breath and leaned little forward in
his chair
"Well.' he said slowly. Il didn't ex-
pect you so soon
The strangers eyes glittered. "Meb-
be not" he said, drawing his words.
But I'm here
Hubbard's eyes glinted with reluct-
ant admiration. You sure are he
returned. But YOU'RE here month
too soon Dave Toban amt due to
arrive until then. Devlin tell you any
thing"
NO The stranger drew out a
leather tobacco pouch and some rice
paper. and carefully began rolling a
cigarette. He took a long time at this.
and Hubbard watched him, following
his slow and sure movements with fas-
cinated gaze. Finally the cigarette
was made and the stranger placed it
carelcssly between his lips. lighted it
and puffed slowly. Pinchng out the
blazing match he looked suddenly at
Hubbard.
"Well?" he Intercepted, you sayin'
anything"
Hubbard started. why. yes" he
returned. Il reckon if Devlin didn't
tell you anything its up to me to do
it. Do you know who you're gOin' to
be when you get over to the Trian-
gular Barr
The stranger smiled with straight
lips. Yes he said, Il sure do. I'm
goin' to be Dave Toban.''
Hubbard Strengthened. HE'LL" he
exploded. Il thought you told me
that Devlin hadn't told you anything"
You startin' this here game by lynn
first crack?"
The strangers lips curled with a
feline smile. IF | was you he said
slowly. Il wouldn't get reckless with
my talk Mebbe | know what I'm
dom But if | don't | amt tellin'
anything that Devln told me. Pm
here to listen to what you've got to
say"
Hubbard colored little. That's
the way Devlin does business" he
sneered Sends a gun-man over here
an don't tell him a damned thing only
the name he's goin' to wear But |
reckon IL you know that your names
goin' to be Dave Toban, you know that
you're to go over TO the Triangular
Bar an take charge" He suddenly
laughed. "Of course you know that,
too" he continued. For Devlin told
me he'd make out the papers for you,
prOvin' that you're Dave Toban. You
got em?"
Sure" returned the stranger. He
tapped his chest. They're right here
all regular an straight" Again he
; smiled felinely Il even know Dave
Tobans brother 1t was Harvey
Devlin is sure tigurin' on dom com
plete job. But he didn't tell me what
; was goin' to do-once | got here.
!: reckon he figured that you'd want q
hand in It,"
Hubbard shifted uneasily. ~ AIM
carin' a heap about takin' hand in
It," he said "But when a mans run
min ranch for the Lazy l. company
, he's got to do a lot Of things that he
l don't like. I'm tellin' you that wher
+. you go over to the Triangular Bal
? you're goin' to play lone hand.
T amt helpin You damn bit to pu
! Dave Toban out of the way-no more
! helped Bill Daggert to put I1arve,
= TOban out of business"
Hubbard leaned forward tensely
: I'D give man thousand dollars t
}, poke hole through his burned hide
( he declared
@ The stranger tossed the butt of hi
4 cigarette away "Daggert workin' 70
V the Lazy l. company when he put Han
o vey Toban ont of business?" he Ques
:. TONED. blowing last Whit of smok
+ to the ceiling