The Ozark spectator., 1916-11-15

"Humph again! Laramie, like every other fellow II met in this town you're afraid to open your trap about 'Longstreth. Get me straight, Lara me. For cause I'd throw a gun on shifn just as quick as on any rustler in Pecos."
 Talks cheap" replied Laramie, making light of his bluster, but the red was deepes in his face Hz
 Sure. I know that" Duane said. And usually l don't talk. Then it's not well known that LonGstreth owns the Hope So?" if s 1.sss fq
 "Reckon it's known in Pecos, all right. But Longstreth's name isn't connected with the Hope So. Blandy runs the place."
 That Blandy. His faro games crooked, or I'm a locoed bronch. That Hope So place ought to be run by a good fellow like you, Laramie"
 Thanks" replied he; and Duane imagined his voice little husky. 'Ddn't you hear I used to--run it? I built the place, owned it for eleven years"
 Well, I'll be doggoned" It was indeed Duane's turn to be surprised, and with the surprise came glim- mering. I'm sorry you're not there now. Did you sell out?"
 "No. Just lost the place." i4
 Laramie was bursting for relief now-to talk, to tell. Sympathy had made him soft. Tt was two years ago-two years last March," he went on. "I was in big cattle deal with Iongstreth. We got the stock--an' my share, eighteen hundred head, was rustled off. I owed Longstreth He pressed me. It came to a law sultan Twas ruined.'
 It hurt Duane to look at Laramie. He was white, and tears rolled down his cheeks. Duane saw the bitterness, the defeat, the agony of the man. But the reason he did not openly ac- cuse Longstreth, the secret of his reticence and fear-theSe Duane thought best to try to learn at some later time. s-.. ..... Hard luck! It certainly was tough" Duane said. But you're a good loser. And the wheel turns Now, Laramie. heres what. l need your advice. I've got a little money. But before | lose it l want to invest some. Buy some stock, or buy an interest in some raneher's herd. Sure you must know q couple of men above suspicion"
 Thank God I do.' he replied feelingly. Frank Morton an Si Zimmer, my friends an neighbors all my prosperous days, an friends still, You can gamble on Frank an Si. But if you want advice from me don't invest money in stock now "WhyY t#s ...szIf4
 ''Because any new feller buyin' stock these days will be rustled quick CT n he can say Jack Robinson. The old ranchers are wise an sore. They'd fight if they"
 "What?" Duane put in as he paused. What d make them fight?''
 "A leader!"
 "Howdy thar, Jim" boomed big voice.
 A man of great bulk, with a ruddy, merry face entered the room.
 "Hello. Morton" replied Laramie.
 "Td introduce you to my guest here. but I don't know his name." ..-
 Flaw Flaw! Thet's all right. Few men out hyar go by their right names"
 Say. Morton" put in Duane, Lar annie gave me hunch you'd be a good man to tie to. Now. I've little money and before I lose it I'd like to invest 1t in stock" t
 Morton smiled broadly. .. ,...
 I'm on the square" Duane said, bluntly. If you fellows never size up your neighbors any better than you have sized newell, you won't get any richer"
 It was enjoyment for Duane to make his remarks to these men pregnant with meaning. Morton showed his pleasure, his interest. but his faith held aloof.
 Wal stranger. to come out flat footed, you'd be foolish to buy cattle now. Better go back across the Pecos where the rustlers ain't so strong"
 "All hear is rustlers, Morton" re- piled Duane. with impatienee.i You see, haven't ever lived long in a ruStler-run county. Who heads the gang. anywayw gnHsIU s's7sE
 Morton looked at Duane with cur iously amused smile, then snapped his big jaw as if to shut in impulsive words.
 Look here. Morton. It stands to reason, no matter how strong these rustlers are. how hidden their work, however involved with supposedly honest men--they can't last. There are lot of men around Fairdale who re afraid of their shadows-afraid to ha n,,t after 1orl-a froid tp OOpu