The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-07-11
SYNOPSIS

AANoI CAo
 Gail Fane on arriving at Circle Dot ranch learns that her uncle is dead and had left a note for her telling her he had appointed Jay Corvin of Laredo City her guardian. The two rough look ing men who break the news to her, attack her. About this time Shorty McGuinness and Billy Redmond, special agents of the Green River Stage Company, sent to investigate the holdupS near Laredo City, arc riding towards the ranch, and Shorty is bemoan- ing the lack of romance in his life. As they come near the house, they hear two shots.
 After firing the shots Gail is OverpOWered but manages to break away and run for the door which she finds blocked by Shorty. Billy Redmond in a few minutes arrives on the scene and the two administer sound thrashing to Calls assailants. About midnight Shorty is awak- ened by someone on the porch. He kills one of the intruders, but is wounded by the second one.
 The second assailant gets into the ranch house and Gail struggles with him to prevent him from shooting Shorty. He finally breaks away from her and shoots the special agent who rallies and kills the intruder. Then he col 1apses. Meanwhile Redmond who had gone on to Laredo makes a startling discovery in the Stage office, and awaits the return of Corwin, the superintendent. When Corwin returns about daybreak he awakenS Redmond. The men are sitting in the main office when they hear hoof beats approach ing. Redmond goes out and finds Gail who tells him Shorty has been shot. Corwin goes to Circle Dot with Gail while Redmond goes for the doctor. The physi- clan examines Shorty and finds the wounds are not serious. Cor win goes back to town, while Rcd- mand stays at the ranch. Some days later, Shorty hears Corwin telling Gail. i've been thinking that it might be very good plan for me to take up my quarters your safety"
 CHAPTER VII (Continued)
 Open Enmity
 For space of a full minute Short lid not breathe, awaiting Calls re ply. When it come, cold and meas lred, 'I don't think it will be neces ary for you to stay here" Short ;rinned denghtedly.
 The man laughed 1ow1y.
 ''Propriety, eh?'' he said. "WeI 
 hat makes some difference"
 Shorty did not catch Calls reply 'horty's thoughts were definitely cen ,ripped him. He heard Gail addres he man as 'Mr. 'Corwin." Later, stil listening, he heard Gail refer to hin IS an odd little fellow, looking fo -omance," whereat they both laugh sd, and Shorty gritted his teeth t pear the hideous hurt,
 After a time Shorty fell aslee again. When he again opened hi eyes it was to see Gail and the ma standing in the room looking at hin Gail smiled at him, and the man step ped forward and held out his hand I'm Jay Corwin," he said "Yo must have heard Redmand speak c me.
 Shorty set his face in a mirthles smile and deliberately folded his hand over his chest.
 Yes" said Shorty. 'I reckon have heard Billy talk about you. Billy sometimes mighty careless in picki1 his subjects
 Corwin grinned with cold maIevoI ence and stuck the offered hand int 3 pocket.
 Particular. eh 2" he jeered. Some thing bothering you?"
 "Yes.'' said Shorty, meeting Cor wins gaze steadily, "a soft soapil crook
 He grinned at Corwin and closed h eyes. A little later when he hear Gail and Corwin go out of the roo1 he opened his eyes again and stare glum1y at the ceiling.