The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1920-08-06

''N ~
Hes my foreman" Luck explained
Cass observed that he was quite one
Of the family. Bob admired him open
ly AMI without shame, because he was
the best rider in Arizona Kate seemed
to be on the best Of terms with him
hand blutfness he might have used to
ward a grown son.
The stage brought the two men 10
town shortly after shutdown. Inck
called up O'Connor and made an APP.
pointment to meet him after supper.
There's a matter that needs eX.
planning, Cass. According TO Black,
wells story, you caught him with the
goods at the time of the robbery, and
in making his getaway he left the
loot with you. What have you done
with it?'
Blackwell told you that, did he?"
Eyes"
Don't doubt your word for a mo-
ment, Bucky, but before | do any talk
ing I'd like to hear him say SO. I'll
not round on him until | know he's
given himself away"
The convict was sent for. He sub
Stimulated the ranger reluctantly. He
was so hemmed in that he did not
know how to play his cards so as to
make the most OF them.
Cass heard him out with a lifted
upper lip and his most sOmnolent tiger
cat expression. After Blackwell had
finished and been withdrawn from cir
culation he rolled and lit a cigarette.
by Mr.. Blaekwelrs say-so I'm the
goat. BY the way, has 1t ever occurred
to you gentlemen that one can't be
convicted On the testimony of a single
accomplice?"
We've got a little circumstaniial
evidence to add. Cass." Bucky suggest
ed pleasantly.
Not enOugh-not pearly enough"
That will be for a jury to decide"
Cullison Clipped in.
Fendrick shrugged. I've q notion
to let ii 20 to that. But what's the
use? Understand this. | wasn't going
TO give Blackwell away, but since he
has talked, ! may tell what ! know.
It's true enough what he says. i did
relieve him Of the plumber"
Sorry to hear that, Glass;" Bucky
commented eraveIy. what did you
DO with it,"
The sheep owner ficked his cigar
cite ash into the tray and looked at the
lieutenant ont of half-shuttered, indo-
lent eyes. Gave ii to you, Bucky. Got
that letter I handed you the other
day?"
The officer produced 1t from his safe.
"Open It,"
With a paper knife Bucky ripped the
flap and took out a sheet of paper.
There's something else in there"
Fendrick suggested.
That something else proved to be a
piece of paper folded tightly, which,
being opened, disclosed a key.
O'Connor read aloud the letter:
$40 Nicholas Bolt, Sheriff, or Bucky
O'Conpor. Lieutenant Of Rangers:
Having come into possession of a
little valise which is not mine, i am
getting rid Of 1t in the following man.
ner. I have rented a large safety-de-
post box at the Cattleman's National
bank and have put into it the valise
with the lock still u%nbroken. The key
Is inclosed herewith. Shaw, the cash
Ter, will tell you that when this box
was rented I gave explicit orders it
should be opened only by the men
whose names are given in an envelope
left with him, not even excepting my
self. The valise was deposited at ex.
actly 1920 a. m. the morning after
the robbery, as Mr.. Shaw will also
testify. l am writing this the evening
Of the same day.
,"CASS FENDRICK."
Don't believe a word of It," Cullison
exploded.
Seeing is believing" the sheepman
murmured. He was enjoying greatly
the discontinue of his foe.
Makes q likely fairy tale. What for
would you keep the money and not
turn 1t back?"
"That's an easy one, Luck. He
wanted to throw the burden of tho
robbery on you," Bucky explained.
"Well, I've get to be shown"
I'm the morning he was shown. Shaw
confirmed exactly what Fendrick had
said. He produced a sealed envelope.
Within this was q sheet Of paper. upon
which were written two lines:
BOX 2143 is to be opened only by
Sheriff Bolt or Lieutenant Bucky
O'Connor of the Rangers. and before
Witnesses.
"CASS FENDRICK."
From the sa~fety-deposit vault Bucky
drew a large package wrapped In yell
low paper. He cut the string, tore
away the covering and disclosed a
leather satchel. Perry Hawiey, the
local manager Of the Western \ South
ern Express compan:. stte6 to this
a key and took out a sealed bundle.
This he ripped open before them all.
Inside was found the sum Of twenty
thousans Hofurs In crisp new bills.
CTo BE CONTTNuEDJ
81.
The average politician Is as tough
as India ruhhor and MIA conscicnco IA