The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1918-01-05
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"Sure. / know that" Duane said
"And usually 1 don't talk. Then it's
not well known that Longstreth
owns the Hope So7"
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 a loeoed 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 / used to-run 1t?
l 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 a glim-
mering. 'Tm 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. 1T was two years
ago-two years last March," he went
on. IL was in a big cattle deal with
Longstreth. We got the stock-an'
my share, eighteen hundred head,
was rustled off. l owed Longstreth
He pressed me. 1t anne to a law
sultan Twas ruined"
1t 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-
cuse Longstreth, the secret of his
reticence and fear-these Duane
thought best to try to learn at some
later time.
lizard luckl It certainly was
tough" Duane said. But you're a
good loser. And the wheel turns !
Now, Laramie, here's what. l need
your advice. I've got a little money.
But before l lose it / want to invest
some. Buy some stock, or buy an
interest in some rancher's herd.
Sure you must know a couple of men
above suspicion"
THANK God I do" he replied,
feelingly. Frank Morton an 81
thinner, my friends an neighbors all
my prosperous days, an friends still.
You can gamble on Frank an ST.
But if you want advice from me
don't invest money in stock now"
"Whyf'
Because any new Teller buyin'
stock these days will be rustled quick
er 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 d make them fight?"
"a leader!"
'Howdy thar, Jim" doomed a big
voice.
A man of great bulk, with a rudy,
merry face. entered the room.
Hello, Morton" replied Laramie.
I'D introduce you to my guest here,
but | don't know his name"
"Haw Haw Thet's all right. Few
men out hyar go by their right
Names"
"Say. Morton" put in Duane, Lar
annie gave me a bunch you'd be a
good man to tie to. Now, I've a little
money and before l lose it 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"
1t 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 fat
footed, you'd be foolish to buy cattle
now. Better go back across the Pecos
where the rustlers amt so strong"
"All / hear is rustlers, Morton" re-
piled Duane, with Impotence. "You
see, / haven't ever lived long in a
rustler-run county. Who heads the
gang, anyway"
Morton looked at Duane with a cur
iously amused smile. then snapped his
big jaw as if to shut in impulsive
words.
"Look here, Morton. 1t 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 a lot of men around Fairdale who
re afraid of their shadows-afraid TO
be out after dark-asraid to open
their mouths. But you're not one.
What you need out here is some new
blood. Slvvy what / meanf'
"Wal, | reckon | do" he replied
looking as If a storm had blown over
him. stranger, I'll look YOU up the
next time 1 come to town."
Then he went out.
Laramie had eyes like flint striking
fire. He breathed a deep breath and
1t