San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-04-25

ing head and dull eyes, his erstwnlle
sleek coat caked with dust and cut by
trucking sweat. His slim legs
trembled with fatigue. his nostrils
shook with the heavy breaths that rat
tied in his sides.
Great Pete. john" said Perly won
deringly. but you've put tn red bow
through. TIL Black Rustler been chas-
in your
The boss laughed and ran a hand
through his thick gray hair, while he
tossed his heavy hat away.
Not exactly. but j was in hurry
10 get home. Been gone long enough
Ell, Belle, my girl!''
"Oh, John !" said Belle, and the
word was eloquent.
An as l said once before" he con-
tinued. there's somethin' by-ordinary
in that Lightnin' horse. I'd stake
lot on him if l was bein' chased, for
he's got the wind an tn stayin' stuff
of tn Redstar himself, if not the
speed. I'd stake a lot on him."
Then his women laid hold on the
boss of Paradise and carried him into
the depths of the cool old house and
there was much running of feet, and
swift orders and the stir of deft hands
in the kitchen. while a white cloth
was laid on little table in the living
room, for they must needs feed him
at once and bring him basin of wa
ter and fresh towel. Belle opened
the collar of his shirt with her own
hands and brushed the hair from his
forehead and her soft voice was busy
with the doings of their little world
all the while.
While the master ate with a hearty
zest they told him all that had hap
pened in his absence. even to the raid
of the Flying Y and the driving OF
the so fat steers into the Blind Trail
Hills. of the dummies that had guard
ed the pass. and of the slow rage of
the cattlemen against the Black Rust
Ter.
John Harmon listened attentively.
'Boyce Clendenning's at the head
Of things" said Belle. and what that
man undertakes he'll well-nigh put
through. I've met him, Johnnie was
here one day-and l hold with you
concerning him. He's real man and
no mistake
Yes" said Val, humorously, Its
a mighty good thing you're home, dad.
| had to hold her to keep her from
following him off. She almost fell in
love with Boyce."
why, you story teller" cried
Belle, Indignantly under her own
laughter. John, don't listen to this
young upstart. But you know what
you have always told me of this boy
of his strength and his earnestness.
And / think you are right. He is
strong and he is very determined. ]
saw that about this Black Rustler
affair. You mark my words that If
the Rustler ever hits this country
again, Boyce Clendenning will get
him."
John lannon's dark eyes dropped
TO the white table before him and
neither woman saw or felt the sudden
flame of fire that flared in them. 1t
was momentary flash of mad excite
ment, such as sometimes shows in the
eyes of a drunkard or a lunatic. II
John Harmon wanted the Black Rust
Ter caught for any reason, personal or
he might have felt the portent
of the woman's speech, have seen the
vision of its fulfillment.
In Santa Leandra there was begin
ming TO stir a hidden speech. When
next the boss of Paradise rode in to
town he heard bit of it, yelled and
covered, but to range man entirely
1t felt the pulse of
every cattleman, and it felt John
and was satisfied.
I'm with the movement he said
steadily. his keen eyes giving back
glance for glance to those who spoke.
Dyke Allison was in that day and
he listened with n grim frown, for his
right arm still hung useless.
I'D have t see it first" he told
Sanchez later. I'm still believin' in
magic"
Brakeman, big, burly. blond and
thick with money, heard the remark
and his eyes twinkled
Yes" he said genially. "John does
seem t have it, that's a fact An yet.
you know. tn Black Rustler struck
Paradise at last an when he did he
hit it hard, magic or no magic. for
that there Redstar horse was Han
mons one lest bet"
IF he rides" said Dyke. stubborn
ly. III believe-a little-an' not till
then"
And Brideman's deep guffaw filled
the narrow street as be slapped the
speaker on the back with huge and
hairy hand.
"Well," he said, 81 guess it don't