The spectator., 1921-01-07
Copyright. All Rights Reserved
CHAPTER lx-Continued.

Ulu <V SCaiS uSV.
 "Well, maybe I don't, and maybe do. but can pay my way. an I can go back t Plainville when I like, tOO."
 Don't get hot" said Gardiner, with unshaken composure. "Im just trying to put you wise to yourself. Don't make any difference to me If you spend your whole life sod-busting it's your life-spend 1t any way you like. But it's only men who don't know any better that go on to the land now adays. It's lot easier to make liv- ing out of farmers than out of farvl- ing"
 "well, pr'aps so. but that's more in your line. l never"
 That's just what I say-you never learn. Now look at me. l ain't wear dng my last suit nor spending my last dollar. either. and l haven't done what you'd call days work since I came west There's other things so much easier to do.'
 "Meanin' -"
 "Oh. lots of things. Remittance men. for instance These woods are full of them. Chaps that never could track straight in the old ruts. and were sent out here where there aren't any ruts at all. They're not a bad bunch; brought up like gentlemen, most of 'em; play the piano and talk in three or four languages. and all that kind of stuff. but they're simply dan gerous with money. So when 1t comes to hand. in the public interest they have to be separated from it."
 Sounds interestin'." said Rifles.
 "'Tis, too especially when one of 'em don't take to the treatment and lays for you with gun. But my hairs all there. That's what comes of wearing a tall hat"
 "Tell me" said Rifles. his face lit up with interest, ''how dye do it?'
 'Twouldn't do you any good.' said Gardiner. You've steered too many blow handles to be very nimble with your fingers But there's often other game to be picked up, if a man knows where to look for It."
 "Wen, l wish I knew" Riles con fessed. Not anythin' crooked, v know. but something like-well, some thing like you're doin. I've worked hard for ev'ry nickel ever made. an l reckon if there's easy money goin' I've right [ Set some of it"
 "Now you're beginning to wake up. Though. mind you, some of it isn't as easy as it looks. You've got to know
 f..Ys .tne .,p anything else. But you can general ly land something to live on, even if 1t ain't big stake. Take me now, for instance. l ain't doing anything that . preacher mightn't do. Happened to fall in with fellow who owns a ranch up the river heYe. Cleaned him empty one night at cards-stood him up for his last cent. and he kind O took a notion to me. We'll. he's the son of a duke or m earl. or some such thing, and not long ago the governor goes and dies on him, leaving him few castles and bric-a-brac like that and some wagon loads of money. So he had to go home for the time being, and us he wanted someone to run his ranch. who should he think of but me. Suppose he thought if l happened to bet 1t at poker some night l wO~ldnt lose it. and that's some consideration. He's got 1000 acres or so of land up there. with dozen cayuses on it, and he gives me 25 pounds a montA, with board and lodging and open credit at the trading company, to see that it doesn't walk away in his absence. Be sides that. hire man to do the work. and charge his wages up In the expenses. Got good man, too-one of those fellows who don't know any better than work for a living. By the way. perhaps you know him-cones from Plainville part-Trayers his hnme is?"
 "Sure," said Riles. He worked for Harris, until they had a row and he iit out. IL kind O balled Harris up, too, although he'd never admit It. If he'd Travers there it'd be easier for him [ get away now"
 "Where's Harris going?"
 ''He ain't goin'; he's comin'. Comin out here in few days after me, I'm his kind O advance guard. spyin' out the land"
 You don't sayl We'll. see and make him come through with the expenses. If l was travelling for Jack Harris wouldn't be sleeping in hen coop like this. He's worth yards of money, ain't her
 ''Oh some. guess but perhaps not @ much more'n his neighbors."
 "Nothing personal, Riles. You've got to get over that narrowness II ySa're going to get into the bigger Game I've been telling you about. l don't care how much you're worth how much Is Harris bringing with Almr
 Couple of hundred dollars. likely
 T wouldn't show my hand for that. Hew much can he raiser"
 "well. supposin' he sold the old farm"
 'Now don't do any reckless suppos- ing. Will he sell the farm?"