Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-12-21


WICK Rev. Thomas Wrghtman somewhat
SSU340 self consciously trying to ignore, he
awkwardy dismounted from his bronco
before the store in San Juan
A rasping, drawing voice which he knew for Mescal
Bill Tarpeys derisively added, "'Bout time, reckon,
for that there gaoo hit the trail way back East and
take to the trolley route again. instead OF spelling
good ponies
Which caused another and louder laugh. Turning
from the store quickly and sharply no longer conscious
of fatigue but strangely self possessed
Wrghtman walked across the road and said curtly:
"You and your friends might just well understand
that IN not going to quit. I'm here to stay!
He swung about stily and walked back to the store.
He wondered if the queer silence that had fallen would
not be broken by Mescal Bill revolver Feeling acutely
uncomfortable between his shoulder blades, he dsap-
peared within the store before the silence of the aston
ished group broken by yep of laughter from tall
young cowpuncher who had of late expressed growing
dislike for Mescal Bill and all his ways.
that's hot one for you, doggone mel he shouted,
grinning at the gambler.
Mescal Bills little eves-chronicaly inamed by the
fiery Mexican drink to his taste for which he owed his
narrowed, yet frightened. He moved as if to
follow after Wrightman; then checked himself. THAT
cocks spurs need trimming, he said.
will you trim EN-, Bilo Think you can do the job
all right" queried the tall cowpuncher.
Mescal Bill shifted his from the direction of the
store, and grimy eyed his questoner 1 reckon, he
said very slowly.
For an instant the eyes of the two met measured
each other and then fell apart Mesca Bill turned and
went into the saloon and ordered drink of his favorte
liquor. The cowpuncher thoughtully rolled cigarette
He had not only expressed dislike for the gambler but
also voiced opinion that the gamblers reputation for
nerve was not based on fact. Now, however he knew
that He had read the truth concerning it when
he met Tarpey's gaze.
I'll look out for him. the cowpuncher thought.
MEANWHILE in the store, Wrightman trans
~ acting the business that had caused him to ride
a couple of miles out of his direct way home at the
end of long day of firing and disappointing work.
"Mr. Templeton asked me to stop in and get his
vover if you have finished repairing it. he said to Ike
Shaw the storekeeper, who also something of an
expert arnorer.
The grzzled sarcastic old stoekeeper handed the big
pearl handled shooter, suspended by its hol
ser from cartridge belt the clergyman saying he
deliberately wnked in the direction of several loungers,
ayes, here's the gun. Tell Uncle Jack Templeton
that she's in better shape than she and mighty
easy the puthe way Uncle Jack likes to have her.
Hope it won't make you to tote gun, Padre"
The slightly contemptuous tone caused Wrightman to
feel again the tnglng flush the laugh and talk of the
saloon loafers had stirred in him. He crisply replied
Not at all, Mr. Shaw was born and partly raised in
Arizona, and learned to handle gun and ride horse
before learned to read My old education is coming
back to mind think it will in handy, that
I've made up my mind that Arizona suits me- and that
| mean to suit Arizona. Ados.'
Shaw stared after Wrghtman he stalked out of the
store and remounted his horse; not awkward in his
movements now, but swinging into the saddle with
and sureness that not even the watching
puncher could criticize adversely
"Say Fellows, don't know but what there's heap of
sand in the PADRES makeup after ALL said the store
keeper
well reckon he's bound to need all he kin scrape
together somebody retorted. "If he thinks he kin
blow into San Juan and put the kibosh all fun
he's got think or two coming
That's right" growled a voice from the loungers.
"That there padre is goodi'
What | say is, wait and see" replied Ike Shaw.