New Britain herald., 1922-02-01

forward, brushed Shorty aside, and strode into the midst of his enemies
 There Is something about a strong man unafraid more potent than q company of troopers, Such man was Emerson Crawford now. His steady gray eyes swept the circle, rested on each worried face, and fastened on Brad Steelman. ...
 Steelman laughed uneasiy.
 Well, l reckon you've kinda upset my plans, Elm Course l was a-cod : din you. l didn't aim to hurt you none, though I'd "a liked to have talked you outa the water-hole
 The big cattleman ignored this ab- solutcly. Have a team hitched up right away. Shorty will tend to that. Bob, tie up yore friends had with n handkerchief"
 Hart thrust his revolver back into its holster. He was willing to trust Crawford to dominate this group of lawless foes. everyone of whom held some deep grudge against him. You'll drive us, Steelman" an- nounced Crawford.
 "Me!" screamed the leader of the other faction. You got the most nerve l ever did see" "You'll drive" the cattleman re- peated steadily.
 The weak spot in Steelman's lead ership was that he was personally not game.
 "Oh, we'll. what's it matter? We can talk things over on the way. Me, I'm not lookin' for trouble none" he said, his small black eyes moving restessly to watch the effect of this on his men.
 CHAPTER VIII.
 Joyce came flying to her fathers arms. She threw herself at Crawford with a moaning little sob.
 "Oh Dad Dad Dad." she cried, and her slender arms went round his neck.
 You're not hurt" she begged through her tears.
 Not none Never was huskier. But l got a boy out here that's beat up some. Come in, Dave-and you, Bob.'
 Dave was up and ready to say good-by within forty eight hours. He was still bit under par, a trifle washed -out, but he wanted to take the road in pursuit of Miller and Doble, who had again decamped in a hurry with the two horses they had stolen.
 They had the broncs hid up Eric Canon way I reckon" explained Hart. We're not liable to find them after they hole up in some mountain pocket"
 Might. Les take a whirl at it anyhow" urged Dave.
 Hate to give up your paint hoss, don't you?" said Bob with his friend ly grin. "Ain't blamin' you none whatever I'd sleep on those fellows trail if Chiquito was mine."
 When Joyce was in the room where Dave lay on the lounge, the young man never looked at her, but he saw nobody else.
 What took him by the throat was his heart as young saint The sweet ness of her affection for rough Elm Crawford, the dear. maternal tender ness with which she ruled her three year-old brother Keith, motherless since the week of his birth, the kind ness of the luminous brown eyes to the uncouth stranger thrown upon her hospitality: Dave treasured them all as signs of angelic grace, and they played upon his heart strings dsturbingly.
 "Yes, we all want you to come back" she said with charming smile T think you saved fathers life. We can't tell you how much we owe you. Can we, Keith?"
 He shifted awkwardly to the other foot, flushing to the hair while he buried her soft little hand in his big freckled one. The girl showed no shyness. Seventeen is sometimes so much older than twenty.
 Emerson Crawford sauntered in, big and bluff and easy-going Hit tin the trail, boys? Hope you find the thieves. They're treacherous devils. Don't take no chances with 'em. I left an order at the store for you to draw on me for another pair of boots in place of those you lost in the brush, Dave. Get good pair, son. They're on me-"
 (Conttnued in Our Next lssue)
 STAMFORD H. s. WINS