Carrizozo outlook. [volume] (Carrizozo, N.M.) 1910-1945, 1918-07-26

here, unknown 10 us. I had II sized up
that the fellow who worked those
brands would never dream we'd bring
the stock right into the Cove. Why,
Miss Louise, even | would know better
than TO put our brand on top OF Sea-
bcck's and expect II TO pass inspection.
II I wanted 10 steal cattle, l wouldn't
60 nj II that vayi"
Billy Louise glanced uncertainty at
him and then ut Marthy, facing her
-imiy. She did not know what to
think. and she showed Il.
How do you mean-tho real rus
tlersf" she begnn hesitatingly; and
hesitation was not by any means o
mental habit with Billy Louise.
II mean just what l said" Char
lies manner was becoming more nat
urnl, more confident. ave been rid
Ing through the hills n good deal. and
I've seen n few things. And I've an
idea the fellow got n little unensy."
He saw her vince n little at the word
fellow" and he went on, with an
lmpulsive burst OF confidence: Miss
Louise, have you ever, in your riding
around up above Jones canyon, In all
those deep little gulches, have you ever
seen anything OF a-corrnl, up thereT"
Billy Louise held herself rlgidiy
from starting at this. She bit her lips
so that II hurt. whereabouts Is itf'
she asked. without looking Mt him.
And then: II thought you would 20 to
any length before you would accuse
anybody"
II would. But when they deliberate
ly try to hand me the blnme-and I'm
not accusing anybody-anybody in
particular, am II The corral is at the
head OF n steep little canyon or gulch,
hnck In the hills where all these bigger
canyons head. Some time when you're
riding up that way, you keep an eye
out for Il. That" he added grimly,
us where Peter and I ran across
these cattle; right neal that corral"
The heart Of Billy Louise went heavy
in her chest. Was II possiblei Doubts
are harder TO kill than cats or snakes.
You think they're done for, and here
they come again, crowdlng close 30
that n can see nothing else.
"Have you any idea at all, who
II ISL" She forced the words out OF
her dry throat. She lifted her head de-
family and looked at him full. trying
to read the truth from his eyea ana
his mouth.
Charlie Fox met her look, and In his
eyes she read pity-yes, pity for her.
"1f ! have" he said. with an air Of
gently deliberate evasion, "I1l wait TIL
| I'm dead before I name the man. I'm
not at all sure I'd do II even then. Miss
Louise not unless l was forced to do
It In self-defense. That's one reason
why ! brought the cattle down here.
l didn't want to be placed in a post
ton where l should be compelled to
fight back"
Bafled and angry and hurt 20 the
very soul OF her, Billy Louise opened
the gate and went out. "1f you know
anything 10 tell. for heavens sake don't
hold back on my account It's nothing
10 me, one way or the other. I'm no
rustler, and no friend OF rustlers, II
that's what you're limiting at" She
left them with n proud lift to her chin
and n very straight back. went 70 Blue.
and mounted him mechanically. Billy
Louise was "seeing red" Just then. She
rode back pnst the gate, the three were
still standing there close together,
tnlking.
Billy Louise had ridden but q short
distance when, with n sudden impulro
born OF her stern instincts Of justice.
she Jerked Blue around and galloped
back. Charlie had disappeared, ana
Peter Howllng Dog was walking sui
lenly townrd the corraled cattle. Mar
thy was going slowly up the path 10
the cabin, looking old and bent ana
broken-spirited because OF her bowed
shoulders and stir, rheumatic gait, but
harsh and unyielding as TO her face.
Billy Louise stopped by the fence and
called TO her. Marthy turned. stared
Mt her sourly, and stood where she
was.
"wall, what d'yuh want nowf' she
asked uncOmpromlslngly.
Billy Louise fought back an answer
ing a%ntngonlsm. She must be Just |;
she could not blame Marthy for feel.
Ing hard toward her. She had insulted
them horribly and killed Marthy's dog.
81 want TO tell you Pm sorry I w0s
so mean, Marthy,' she said bfavely.
II haven't any excuse to make for II;
only you must see yourself what a
shock It would be 10 n person to find
those cattle down here. But I know
you're honest, and so Is Charlie. And
| know you'll do what's right. I'm
sorry ! shot your dog. Mnrthy."
Apologies did not come easily 10
Billy Louise. She wheeled then and