The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-01-08
CHAPTER ".
t(an He RfdaYss

hB tho ocputy. es, even now
there is something to hinder, II
was to get busy" Then he coolly
dropped his arms and leaned
against the rock. but I'm game
to take what's comm. If you'll
just stick me up and extract the
.3S automatic I'm packin' on nay
hip I'll feel lots better. The little
gun might get to shootin' by her.
self, and then somebody would
get hurt sure"
Deputy Dick Tenlow advanced
and secured the gun.
"Now," said Overland Red,
now l amt ashamed to look a
gun in the face. You see, Miss
he added, turning to address the
girl, II was sheriff OF Abilene
once, in the ole red-eye, rumpus
days. | have planted some citi-
zens in my time. You see, l kind
of owe the ones l did plant silent
apology for lettin' this here chick
en-rancher get me SO easy"
you talk big" said Tenlow,
laughing. WHO was you when you
was sheriff of Abilene, eh?"
Jack Summers, sometimes call
ed Red Jack Summers" replied
Overland quietly.
Jack Summers"
Overland nodded. Take 1t or
leave it. You'll find out some day."
Something about the tramp's
manner inclined the deputy to be-
lieve that he had spoken truth.
eAll right" said Tenlow; "just
step ahead. Don't try the brush or
I'll drop you."
" Course you would" said
Overland, stepping ahead of the
deputy's pony. But the bunch
you're takin' orders from don't
want me dead"
II know there's $1,000 re-
ward for you. | need the money"
Overland Red grinned.
The boy Collie, recovering from
his surprise at the arrest, stepped
up to the sheriff. Where do l
come in?" he asked. "You can't
pinch Red without me. l was with
him that time the guy croaked out
on the Mojave. Red didn't kill him.
They Net us go once. What you
doin' pinchin' us AGAIN."
Louise whistled Boyar to her.
The little group ahead seemed to
be waiting for her. She led the
pony toward the trail. Did he
do it?" she asked, as she caught
up with Collie.
mo-" he muttered. Reds the
squarest pal on earth. Red tried
to save the guy-out there on the
desert. Gave him all the water we
had, pretty near. He dassent to
give him all, for because he was
afraid 1t would kill him. The guy
fell aid hit his head on the rail.
Red said lie was dyin' on his feet,
anyway. Then Red lugged me
clean to tnat tank where you seen
us from the train. | was all in.
l guess Red saved my life. He
didn't tell you that"
us he-was he really a cowboy? |
Can he rider" asked Louise.
Can he ride? Well, | guess!"
They had crossed the meadow.
Ahead Of the sheriff walked Over !
land.
Hes been raised in these
hills" muttered the tramp. HE |
knows the trails. ! don't. Butt
hate TOTO do it-but l guess
got to-"
Step up there" said Tenlow.
What you talkin' about anyhow"
Angels" replied Overland. He
glanced back. He saw Collie talk
ing to the girl, who stood by her |
pony, the reins dangling lightly |
from her outstretched hand.
"Snake!" screamed Overland |
Red, leaping backward and fling
ing up his arms, directly in the
face of the deputy's pony. The
horse reared. Overland, rouching,
sprang under its belly, striking it
as he went. Again the pony rear
ed, nearly throwing the deputy.
Overland Limited" shouted
the tramp, dashing toward Boyar.
With spring he was in the sad
die.
Round swung Tenlow, cursing.
Black BOyar shot across the
meadow. The tramp glanced back.
Tenlow's right hand went up and
his gun roared once, twice.
Collie threw himself in front of
Tenlow's horse. The deputy
spurred the pony over him and
swept down the meadow.
Louise, angered in that the boy
had snatched Boyar's' reins from
her as Overland shouted, relented
as she saw the instant bravery in
the lads endeavor to stop Tenlow's
horse. She stopped over him. He
rose stiffly.
"Oh! l thought you were hurt!"
she exclaimed.
Nope! l guess not. Let's watch |
'em, Miss!" And he limped to the
edge of the meadow, followed by
Louise. There they go!" he cried. |