The Lamar register., 1920-02-04
William Macleod R0ine

one thing, some another. de must get
out of town. he must apologize at
once to Stone. He must send a friend
and explain.
The young man laughed grimly.
Explain nothing. I've done all the
explaining I'm going to. And I'll not
leave town either. II Soapy wants me
he'll sure find me-"
Don't be foolish, kid. He has got
four notches on that gun of his. And
he's a dead shot"
The tongues of those about him gal
loped. But Curly was excited. pleased
with himself because he had stood up
TO the bogey man of the Southwest
and too full Of strength to be afraid.
Maloney came into the barber shop
and grlnned at him. II hear you and
Soapy are figuring on setting on some
fireworks this Fourth"
1t did Curly good to see him stand
ing there so easy and deliberate among
the excitable town people.
'Soapy is doing the talking"
81 heard him happened to be at the
Silver Dollar when they dragged him
in."
Maloney's eyebrows moved the least
bit. His friend understood. Together
they passed out of the back door Of
the shop into an alley. The Others
stood back and let them go.
Back to the hotel the two ran.
When Curly buckled on his revolver
and felt 1t resting comfortably against
his thigh he felt a good deal better.
I've seen Stats Davis" Maloney
explained. He has gone to dnd
Luck, who is now at the Del Mar"
Had any talk with Slatsf
"No. He said you'd do the talking"
I'm to wait for him on FL Molino
street to learn where I'm to meet Gull
lison."
That won't do. You'd make too
tempting a target I'll meet him In
stead"
That suited Curly. He was not hunt
ing trouble just now, even though he
would not run away from It. For he
had serious business on hand that
could not take care OF itself II Soapy
should kill him.
Nearly an hour later Maloney ap-
peared again.
We're to 20 right over to the Del
Mar. Second door, room 217. You
are to go down Ell Molino to Main.
then follow II TO the hotel, keeping on
the right hand side OF the street.
Stats will happen along the other side
OF the street and will keep abreast Of
you. Luck will walk behind you. Un-
q
attention to what is behind you. Soon
Il. we reach the hotel Stats Will cross
the road and go in by the side door.
You will follow him a few steps be-
hind. and we'll bring up the rear cas-
sily as II we hadn't n thing TO do
with you"
They moved down the street as ar
'nnged. Every time a door opened In
front Of him. every time a man came
Dut OF a store or saloon. Curly was
'eady for that lightning lift Of the
arm followed by pun Of smoke.
The news OF his coming passed ahead
)f him. so that windows were crowded
With spectators. These were doomed
o disappointment. Nothing happened.
The procession left behind 1t the Sill
Ter Dollar. the Last Chance. Chalk
,ye's Place and Pete's Palace.
Reaching the hotel first, Davis dis
appeared according to program into
he side door. Curly followed. walked
directly up the stairs, along the cor
rldor, and passed without knocking
nto room PIT.
A young woman was sitting there
engaged with some fancy work. Slen-
der and straight, Kate Cullison rose
md gave Curly her hand. For about
two heartbeats her fingers lay cuddled
in his big fist. A strange sitting emo
ton took his breath.
Then her arm fell to her side and
she was speaking to him.
dad has gone to meet you. We've
heard about what happened this morn
Ing"
Her father and Maloney entered the
room. Cullison wrung his hand.
"Glad to see you, boy. You're In
iuck fhat convict did nor shoot Won
up when he had the chance. Saguache
is sure buzzing this mo'ning with the
way you stood up for him. That lit
tie play of yours will help with the
jury In September"
Curly thanked him for going bail.
Luck fixed his steel-spoked eyes on
him. by what Dick tells me you've