The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1914-01-27

her eyer or the red which had sud
denly come into her cheeks.
"Ranchers?" There was . sneer IN
Duncan's laugh. We'll. you might
call them that. But they're only
cattle and q brand. It's likely they've
put their brands on quite . few Of
the Double r CATTLE"
you mean began Sheila in 4
low voice.
II mean that I think they're
rustlers-cattle thieves!" said Duncan
venomously.
The flush had gone from sheila's
cheeks: she turned q pale face to the
Double II manager.
How long have these men lived In
the vicinity of the Double RI"
"Doubler has been hanging around
nero for seven or eight years. He was
hero when came and mebbe he's
been here longer. Dakota's been here
about five wears. He bought his
brand-the Star-from another hester
Texas Blanca"
They've been stealing the Double
r cattle. you say" questioned
Sheila.
That's what I think"
-. Why Y. don't you have them ar
Duncan laughed mockinsly.. "Ar-
rested! That's good. You've been
living where there's law. but there's
no law out here: no law to cover
cattle stealing. except our own. And
then we've got to have the goods
Tho sheriff won't do anything when
cattle are stolen. but he acts mighty
sudden when q mans hung for steal
ing cattle II the man amt caught
with the goods.
Caught with tho goods7"
Caught In tho act OF stealing. II
We catch man with the goods and
hang him there amt usually anything
said"
"And you haven't been able TO
catch these men, Dakota ana Doubler
in the act OF stealing?"
They're too foxy"
III / were manager of this ranch
and suspected anv one OF stealing any
Of its cattle. would catch them"
There was note OF angry impatience
In Sheila's voice which caused Dun
can to look sharply at her. He red
dened, suspecting disparagement of
his managerial ability in the speech.
"Mebbe." he sad. with an attempt
Mt lightness. But as a general thing
nosing out a fustler Is a rretty tick
lish proposition. Nobody goes about
that work with a whole lot Of en-
thusiasm."
"WhyY' Thers was scorn in
Sheila's voice. scorn In her uplifted
chin. But she did not look At Dun
can.
"why?" he repeated. well. be-
cause It's perfectly natural for a
man to want to live as long as he
can. don't like them nesters-Da-
kota especially-and I'd like mighty
we'll to get something on them. But
! amt taking any chances on Da-
kota."
"why?" Again the monosyllabls
was pregnant with scorn.
II forgot that you amt acquainted
out here" laughed the manager. mo
kota--not even the sheriff. There's
something about the cuss which
seems to discourage man whom he's
close to him-close enough to do any
shooting. I've soon Dakota throw
down on . man so quick that II
would make you dixxy."
'sThrow DOWN"
SHOOT at man. There was Q
gambler over In Laxette thought to
euchre Dakota. A gunman he was.
from Texas. and-well. they carried
the gambler out. II was done 30 sud
den that nobody saw It,"
KILLED him7" There was repressed
horror In Shepa's voice.
mo. hs wasn't entirely put out OF
business. Dakota only made him
Creased him?"
''Graxed his head with the bullet.
Done 1t Intentionally. they say. Told
folks he didn't have any desire to
send the gambler over the divide;
Just wanted to show him that when
he was playin' with IRE no ought to
be careful. There amt no telling
what Dakota'd do II he got rilsd.
sheiIa's gaze was on Duncan fairly.
her eyes alight with contempt. 80
you are all afraid OF him?" shs said,
with bitterness that surprised the
manager.
"well. I reckon It would amount to
to the truth" he confessed. rsddsnins
q little.
"You are afraid Of him. too. sup.
poser"
II reckon It amt Just that" he
parted. but amt taking any fool
"A while ago you asked for my
opinion OF tho people OF this country"
she said. II arm going to express that
opinion now. 1t In that. in spite OF
his unsavory reputation. Dakota ap-
pears to be the only man here!"
In the Red Dog saloon at Lazetts.
some punchers pm q holiday played
cards at various tables, quietly drink
Ing. Behind the rough bar Pete Mou-
lin. the proprietor. stood. talking to his
bartender. Blacky.
$50 that jaspsrs back again." COM
mented the proprietor.
"Which7" The bartender followed
the proprtstor's case. which was on q
man seated at Q card table. his profile
toward them. playing cards with sew
eral other men. The bartendcr's face
showed perplexity.
Moulin laughed. II forgot you amt
been here that long" he MD. That
- 1890 <~assu .<1Una. HAnA 49,