The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-08-28
E Words 15c Farmer Classified Ads $ Phone 1908
congratulations"

The tramp lay curled Ike snake DC hind the mound. He drew Winthrop's gun from its holster and inspected it. shaking his head as he slid it back again. "She's new and will pull stir. That means she'll throw to the right. We'll, I got the little Cat to open up the show with
 William Stanley Winthrop. despite his resolution, found that his hands trembled and that his heart beat chok- ingly. He wanted to shout, to run out toward the horsemen, to do any thing rather than sit stupidly silent by the water hole.
 The two riders loped up. The con stable dismounted. "Nothin' doin'," he said, stopping to drink.
 '.No; nothing doing" echoed the man on horseback.
 sThat," muttered Overland Red, souirming a little higher behind the bushes. twas intended for me. know that tone. It means there's lot doln. We'll, I'm good and ready" Ana ne lifted both of his red, hairy hands 10 the edge of the hole, and both his hands were 'alled."
 About then the man on the pony be- gan to ride out from the water hole in a wide circle The constable came from the spring. Overland noticed that he kept Winthrop between him. self and the sage on the ridge. That settles it." Overland swiftly conclud- ed. "They're on. Pm right sad 10 have to do it." The heavy, space blunted report or the circling horseman's gun. and Over land calmly spat out the sand that fitted across his lips. The rider had ventured a shot and had ridden behind a ridge instantly.
 winthrop exclaimed at these strange tactics.
 "He seen a jack run in there," ex- plained the constable, leering. "This here's gettin' interestin', ," num- bled Overland as the constable un- holstered his gun and sauntered to- ward the ridge. q got to get the gent on the cayuse. The other one don't count.'' The rider had appeared from behind l the ridge. Slowly Overland raised his right hand. Then the old fighting soul | of Jack Summers, sherin of Abilene, l rebelled. "No! Hanged if I'll ambush 1 any white man.' And he leaped to l his feet. Overland Limited" he shouted, and with his battlecry ca,le the quick tattoo of shots. The horse man wavered, doubled up and pitched forward to the sand.
 Overland Red dropped and rolled to ! one side as the constable's gun boom I Cd intellectually. The tramp lay still. A clatter of empty stirrups, the swish of horse galloping past, and silence.
 Slowly the constable approached l Overland's prostrate hgure.s Times up for you!r he said. covering the l tramp with his gun.
 f ''Water!" groaned Overland. | "Water, eh? We'll, crawl to it, you l xatr' Winthrop. his heart humping wildly, followed the constable. So this was desert law? No word of warning or inquiry, but . hail of shots, a riderless horse-two men stretched upon the sand and the burning sun swinging in . cloudless circle above the desolate silence.
 "You seem to kind of recognize your friend now" sneered the constable. That was too much for Winthrop'a overstrung nerves. His pulses roared
 in his ears. With a leap he seized the constahle's gun and twisted at it with
 both hands. There was an explosion l and Winthrop grinned savagely, still
 struggling. With insane strength he l finally tore the gun from the others
 grasp. You're the only coward ir
 this affair."" he gasped as he leveied tht 1 gun at the constable. That officer
 reading danger in Winthrop's eye, dis
 creetly threw up his hands.
 "Good!" exclaimed Overland, sittinf
 up suddenly. That was risky, but il
 worked out all right. had better | plan. You go set down, Billy. I'll ses
 this gent safe toward home" Winthrop laughed hysterically. Why you-you-you're a joke!" he cried. q thought | "So did the little man with the pix
 pan pinned on his shirt" said Over
 land. You keep his gun. I got to sex
 how bad the other gents hit" I An hour later the constable of tn,
 desert town led his pony toward tn
 railroad. On the pony was his com
 panion, with both arms bandaged. Fl,
 leaned forward brokenly, swaying ant
 cursing. "I'li-get him if 1t takes-'
 thousand yearsr' he muttered.
 "I reckon it'll take all of that
 growled the constable. "You can hay, N-H q
 I'm through"
 Out by the water hole Overland turn
 ed to Winthrop. I'm glad you en
 joyed the performances" he said, grin
 ming. We've opened the pot, and tn
 best man rakes her down. She's deser
 law from now to the finish"
 CHAPTER xI,