The Raymer enterprise., 1917-06-14

lot Imagine why a person of Ed Aus
tins standing should behave in this
extraordinary manner, unless, perhaps,
he was drunk.
well, ! saw the calves, and left
the fellow that was branding them
with a wet saddle blanket over his
face
''Eh? What's thatf" Austin start.
ed, and Gonzalez uttered a smothered
exclamation. You killed him? He's
deadt'
Dead enough to skin. caught him
with his Irons in the fire and the calves
necked up In your pasture. Now !
want his companero."
"I-hope you don't think we know
anything about him." Ed protested.
where's that man on the sorrel
horseT
Austin turned away with a shrug.
"You rode In with him." Dave per-
sisted.
Ed wheeled quickly. "IIow do you
know | didfn
"Your boy saw you"
The ranchman's voice was harsh ms
he said: Look here, my friend, you're
on the wrong track. The fellow | was
with had nothing TO do with this af-
fair. Would you know your mani Did
you get look at him?
NO, But | reckon Don Ricardo
could tell his horse"
"1lumph!" Austin grnnted, disagree
ably. $50 just for that you come
prowling around Threatening my help,
ehl Trying to frame up case. may
be? Well, 1t don't 90. was out with
one Of Tad Lewis men,"
"What was his nameT Dave man.
aged 10 inquire.
"urbina. He had n sorrel under him.
but there are thousands Of sorreI
horses"
"What time did you meet him?'
Il net him at noon, and-Ive been
with him ever since. So you see you're
wrong ! presume your man doubled
hack and Is laughing at you"
Laws first bewllderment had given
place TO black rage for the moment
he was In danger OF disregarding the
reason for young Eds" inciyiity and
giving rein to his passion, but he
checked himself in time.
"Would you mind telling me what
You and this Urhina We're dolngf"
Austin laughed mockingly. That's
my business" said he.
Dave moistened his lips. He hitched
his shoulders neryously. lie was aston.
ished at his own self-control though
the certainty that Austin was drunk
helped him to steady himself. Never
theless, he dared not trust himself TO
speak.
Constituting this silence as an ac-
acknowledgement of defeat, Ed turned to
90 Some tardy sense Of duty, how
ever, prompted him to fling back, care
lessly:
Il suppose you've come good ways.
II you're hungry, Benito will show you
the way to the kitchen" Then he
walked away into the darkness. fol-
lowed by the shocked gaze of his
range boss.
Benlto reused himself from his
amnzement to say, warmly: "Si, com.
padre, You will enjoy cup of hot
Coffee
But Law ground out fiercely: I'm
not used TO Kitchen handouts. reck-
on can chew my bride reins If | get
too hungry" Walking to his horse, he
yaulted into the saddle.
Benito laid hand upon his thigh
and apologlzed. "Senor Ed Is n strange
man. He is often like this lately. You
understand me? Will you come to my
house for support"
THANK you. but think I'll ride on
to Tad Lewis and see Urbina."
AT this the Mexican shook his head
MS ir apprehensive OF the result, but he
said nothing more.
Law hesitated as he was about 10
spur out of the yard. "By the way"
he yentnred. "you needn't mention this
to Mrs. Austin"
"She Is not here" Gonzalez told him
"she has gone to La Ferla to see about
her affairs. She would not permit Of
this occurrence II she were at home.
She Is very fine lady"
Yes. Good night, Benito'
Good night. senor."