The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1917-01-26


inE back upon his right foot and
presenting a long mcnacing left.
but Hardy Atkins only laughed
and looacned his pistol
Aw. 40 ON away" h. SAID.
Dye think want to box with
youG No. ~ you gii into a fight
with me you're liable 10 stop most
anyihin'--l1l hit you over the COCO
with this!"
Ito laid his hand on the heavy
Colts which he always wore In his
chaps. and gaxei upon Bowies In
Bolcntly.
You can't run no blazer over
me. Mr.. Willic-boy.~ he went on. as
Bowlos put down his hands.
You're out West now. where ev-
orythin' goes. And while we're
taikin'." he drawled. Il think you
might as we'll drifi-it'E goin' TO be
mighty unhealthy around hyer II
ketch you with Dixie again
Tho sight OF grinning faces about
the corral recalled Rowles to the
presence OF an audience and, chok-
Ing with anger and chagrin. he
went OF 10 saddle his horse.
Well" Brigham said. as they
rode back together from the circle.
hes warned you ont OF camp
what 80 Eoin' to do about ny
why. what can doF" faltered
Bowloa. whose soul was darkened
with troubles
Fight or sit out replied Brig
ham briefly.
but he won't fight fairl" cried
BoWios. He hits me when I'm
not looking. then when | offer 10
fight him with my hands he
threatens me with pistol. What
can n man dor'
"Threatcn i'm with yourn'" re-
turned Brigham. You got a gun,
too. Amt YOU
"Ye-es." acknowledged Bowles;
hut wouldn't Ike TO shoot him
with e."
We'll. then. take Il Off" roared
Brigham N he'd shot YOU this
mornin' he could "A got off fer self.
defense, Turn II over 10 the boss
and tell him you don't want no
trouble-then n Hardy shoots you
he'll swing fer IT,"
But how about me?" queried
Bowles.
You're twice as likely 10 git
shot anyway" persisted Brig
with a gun on you II the other
fcller sees you're heeicd. and he's
got gun, It makcs him nervous
and II YOU make a sudden move he
plugs you. But u you amt armed
he don't dare to-they're awful
strict out here. and these Rangers
are the limit Hardy won't shoot
Dye think you could whip 'im?'
u can try" responded BowIes
grimly
That's the talk" cheered Brig
ham, leaning over to whack him
on the back.
The matter was still little
mixed in Bowles' mind. and when
they got into camp that evening
he went over TO Henry Lees tent
With Brigham to act az his witness
MIR Lee. he said. i've had lit
tie difficulty with one of the boys
and I'd like To turn In my gun.
! don't want 20 have any trouble"
AN right Mr.. Bowles." answer.
cd the boss very quietly. Just
throw 1t on my bed"
A significant smile won't the
rounds as Rowles came ba-6 from
the tent. but In the morning he
went 10 the corral as usual.
Il thought you'd got yore time.
ventured Buck Buchanan, as
Bowles began TO saddle up: and
as the word passed around that he
had not, Hardy Atkins rode over
to inquire.
What's this | hear" he said.
II thought you was gon' to quit"
Then you were mistaken. Mr..
Atkins answered Bowles polite.
ly. Il am not"
fer?" Maxim some kick about me?"
Your name was not mentioned,
Mr.. Atkins replied Bowles, still
politely. II simply turned over my
gun to Mr. Lee and told him I'd
had some trouble
Well, It's nothin' TO what you
Will have!' scowled the ex-twister
hatefully 81 give you tin night to
pull If YOU don't"
lie paused with meaning EN-.
| phasis and turned his horse to go.
but Henry Lee had been watching