Tombstone epitaph., 1916-11-12

"Humph againl Laramie. like every other fellow l 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 him just as quick as on any rustler in Pecos."
 Talks cheap" replied Laramie. making light of his bluster, but the red was deepe. in his face.
 Sure. I know that" Duane said. And usually I don't talk. Then it's not well known that Longstreth owns the Hope So?"
 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 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 a little husky. Didn't you hear l used to-run 1t? 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."
 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. q was in a big cattle deal with Longstreth. We got the stock-an' ny share. eighteen huu,irei head was rustled off. owed Longstreth He pressed me. It came to 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- cusc Longstreth, the secret of his reticence and fear-theSe Duane thought best to try to learn at some later time.
 Hard luck, It certainly was iOu5H, bUSAe @'iih- j'Ct NvN 4t " good loser. And the wheel turns Now, Laramie. here's what. l need your advice. I've got little money. But before I lose ii I want to invest some. Buy some stock, or buy an interest in some rancher's herd. Sure you must know q couple of men above suspicion"
 Thank God I do," he replied. feelingly. Prank Morton an Si Trimmer. my friends an neighbors all my prosperous days, an friends still. You can gamble on Frank an Si. But if you want advice frcm me don't invest money in stock oOw."
 ''Why?"
 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 u make them fight:'
 "A leader,'
 "Howdy thar. Jim" boomed big voice.
 X man of great bulk, with a ruddy, merry face, entered the room.
 Hello, Morton. replied Laramie.
 I'd introduce you to my guest here, but don't know his name"
 flaw. Flaw! Thets all right. Few men out hyar go by their right names"
 say, Morton" put in Duane, Lar annie gave me q hunch you'd be good man to tie To. Now. I've a little money and before l lose 1t I'd like to invest it in stock"
 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 loH- Dd'h a'i'So Aht tND' where the rustlers ain't so strong"
 "All I hear Is rustlers, Morton" re- piled Duane, with impatience. You see, haven't ever lived long in a rustler-run county. Who heads the gang. anyway"
 Morton looked at Duane with cur iously amused smile, then snapped his big jaw as if to shut in impHlsiye 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 be OIt after dark-afraid to open their mouths. But you're not one. What you need out here is some new blood. Savvy what I meanY
 "wal, I reckon I do," he replied, looking as if storm had blown over him. Stranger, III look you up the next time I come to town"
 Then he went out.
 Laramie had eyes like flint striking fire. He breathed a deep breath and looked around the room before his