The Holbrook news., 1922-06-23

oHuNho. 4NOliiih tO IL d-thliy thN range-rider assured himself. That li'l' girl must have the number of this guy. She's flirtin' with him to beat three of a kind, but I'll bet dOgie she knows right where she's at."
 Clay did not in the least believe his own argument. If he had come from city he would have dismissed the mat ter as none of his business. But he came from the clean Southwest where every straight girl is under the pro- tection O. every decent man. If she was in danger because of her inno- cence it was up to him to look after her. There was no more competent man in Granam county than Clay Lindsay, but he recognized that this was a delicate affair in which he must move warily.
 On his way to the diner at noon the range-rider passed her again. She was alone for the moment and as she leaned back her soft round throat showed beating pulse Her cheeks were burning and her starry eyes were iophiiiS lHlO Nilil happy smile
 You pore little maverick" the man commented silently
 The two had the table opposite him. AS the wheels raced over a culvert to the comparative quiet of the ballasted track beyond, the words of the man reached Clay.
 |" and we'll have all day to see the city. Kid"
 Kitty shook her head. There was hesitation in her manner, and the man was quick to make the most of 1t. And it won't cost you a cent, grille" he added
 But the long lashes of the girl lifted and her baby-blue eyes met his with shy reproach. q don't think I ought" she breathed, color sweeping her face in vivid flame.
 You should worry" he scoffed.
 Lindsay knew the girl was weaken ing. She was no match for this big, dominant two-fisted man.
 The jaw of the COW puncher set. This child was not fair game for man like Durand When Clay rose to leave the diner he knew that he meant to sit in and take a hand.
 The train was creeping through the thickly settled quarter where the poor CT people are herded when Clay touched Durand on the shoulder.
 Like to see you moment in the vestibule,' he said in his gentle voice.
 The eyes of the two men met and the gambler knew at once that this man and he were destined to be en- emies.
 No man had ever said that Jerry Durand was not game. He rose prompt ly and followed the westerner from the car, swinging along with the light, cat like tread acquired by many pugilists.
 The floor of the vestibule had been raised and the outer door of the car opened. Durand found time to won der why.
 The cowpuncher turned on him with an abrupt question. Gan you swim?"
 The eyes of the ward boss narrowed. What's that to yOu?" he demanded truculently.
 "NOthin' to me, but a good deal to you. I'm aimin' to drop you in the river when we crOss.'
 "Is that so?" snarled Durand. You're quite joker, ain't you? We'll, suit me. But let's get this clear So we'll know where we're at. Whats ailin' you, rube?"
 T don't like the color of yore hair or the cut of yore clothes," drawled Lindsay You've got sure-enough bad eye, and I'm tired of travelin' in yore company. Let's ger off, me or you one"
 In the suited eyes of the Bowery graduate there was no heat at all. They were bleak as heavy winter morn. Suits me fine. You'll not travel you beat the place."
 The professional dashed out sudden ly with his left. But Clay was not at the receiving end of the blow. Always quick as lightning, he had tucked and clinched. His steel-muscled arms tight ened about the waist of the other. A short-arm jolt to the cheek he disre- garded.
 Before Durand had set himself to meet the plunge he found himself fly ing through space. The gambler caught at the rail, missed it, landed on the cinders beside the roadbed, was flung instantly from his feet, and rolled over and over down an incline to muddy gully.
 Clay, hanging to the brass railing, leaned out and looked back. Durand had staggered to his feet, plastered with mud from head to knees. and was shaking furiously a fist at him. The face of the man was venOmous with | rage.
 The cOwpuncher waved a debonair | hand and mounted the steps again. | The porter was standing in the vesti- | bule looking at him with amazement. |
 "YOu throwed man off'n this train, he charged.
 .'So I did," admitted Clay, and to save his life he could not keep from smiling.
 The porter sputtered. This beat any thing in his previous experience But -but-it ain't allowed to open up the cah. Was you-all havin' trouhle?'
 "No trouble a-tall. He bet me a cigar I couldn't put him off,
 Clay palmed dollar and handed it to the porter as he passed into the rar The eyes of that Outrag ged official