The Arvada enterprise., 1920-11-04
Crooked Trails and STRAIGHT
William Macleod Raine

| ed somewhere. You're fixing to put
me behind the bars. and he's The man
that really stole It"
From this they could not shake him.
Fendrick. riding on Mesa Verde, met
young Bob Cullison. and before he
knew what had happened found q gun
thrown on him.
Don't you move" the boy warned.
"What does this tommyrot meanr'
the sheepman demanded angrily.
TT means that you are coming back
with me to the ranch. That's what 1t
means"
"what fort"
"Never you mind what for"
"Oh. go to Mexico" Cass flung back
impatiently. think we're in some
fool moving-picture play. you blamed
young idiot! Put up that gum"
Shrilly Bob retorted. He was excited
enough to be dangerous. Don't you
get the wrong idea. I'm going to
make this stick. You'll turn and 70
back with me to the Circle G. You're
wanted for the W. 4 s. express rob
berry. Blackwell has confessed"
Cass sat immovable a. the sphinx.
He was thinking that he might a. well
face the charge now as any time. More
over. he had reasons for wanting to
visit the Circle G. They had to do
with tall. slim girl who never looked
at him without scorn in her dark. fash.
Ing eyes.
"All rirht. I'll go back with you, but
not under a gun. won't stand for
any gun-play capture"
you'll have to stand for IT,"
Fendrick's face set. "Wim II It's
up to you. then. Let's see you make
me-"
Sitting there with his gaze steadily
on the boy, Cass had Bob at a disad-
vantage. II the sheep owner had tried
to break away into the chaparral. Bob
could have blazed away at him, but he
could not shoot q man looking at him
with cynical. amused eyes. He could
understand the point Of view OF his
adversary. II Fendrick rode into the
Circle G under compulsion Of q gun In
the hands Of Q boy he would never
hear the end Of the laugh on him.
Bob put up his big blue gun reiuc-
family. Never before had It been
trained on . human being. and II was
q wrench to give up the thousht Of
bringing In the enemy - q psfsoaer.
But he saw he could not pull II OF.
They turned toward the Circle @.
Kate was seated on the porch sew
ing. She rose in surprise when her
cousin and the sheepman appeared.
They came with jinxlins spurs across
the plaza toward her.
"Where's Uncle Luck. sisf rve
brought this fellow back with me-.
Caught him on the mesa" explained
the boy sulkIly.
Fendrick bowed rather extravaRant.
ly Hes qualifying for q moving. pic
ture show actor. Miss Cullison. I
hadn't the heart to disappoint him
when he got that cannon trained on
me. So here am"
Kate looked at him and then let her
gaze travel to her cousin. She some.
how gave the effect Of Judging him
Of negligible value.
II think he's In his ONCE. Bob. ri
20 see"
She went swiftly and presently her
father came out. Kate did not return.
Luck looked straight At Cass with
the uncompromising hostility 70 char
acteristic Of him. Neither Of the men
spoke. II was Bob who made the nee
essary explanations.
"Tve beer looking for you," Luck
said bluntiy. after his nephew had nn-
ished.
$50 gathered from young Jesse
James. Anything particular. or just
. pleasant social callr
"You're In bad oa this w. 4 3. rob
berry. reckonesl you would be safer
10 jail till It's cleared ur."
"You still sheriff. Mr.. Cullisouf
Somehow ! had got = notion that you
had quit the job."
"rm an interested party. Wen take
OConnor says-that Il. II you've got
time to Co." Luck could he A. formal
In his sarcasm as his neighboe.
"With such good company on the
way III have to make time"
The stnge did not usually leave till
about half past one. Presently Kate
announced dinner. A little awkwardly
Luck invited the xhecpman to Join
them. Fendrick declined.
His host hung In the doorway. Sci.
dom at a loss to express himself. he
did not quite know how 10 put into
words what he was thinking. His enc.
my understood.
That's all right. You've satisfied
the demands of hospitality. Go eat
your dinner. III be right here on the
porch when you get through"
Kate. who was standing beside her
father. spoke quietly.
There's = place for you. Mr. rend.
rick. We should be very pleased to
have you Join us. People who happen