The Holly chieftain., 1923-06-14
CHAPTER VII
solsa Gap

eolsa Gap.
Sheriff Jordan had a high-powered
car purchased, not SO much from the
fees Of his office as with his perqui-
sites, q word covering a wide range
of possibilities. all Of which the sher-
III made the most of. He had taken
up his brother-in-law's grievance with
the greater zest since he had a half
interest In Plimsoll's Good Luck pool
parlors, share that had cost him
good money. On top Of that had come
Sandy's fiouting Of him on the bridge
In front Of the sherifr's own followers.
He had to save his face, politically as
well as personally.
Armed with the necessary warrant,
backed by an assurance that, unless
some extraordinary howl went up, the
girl would be given into the custody
Of Jim Plimsoli as guardian. by virtue
Of his claim to partnership with her
father, the sheriff, Plimsoll and two
others, all three deputized for the oc-
casion, started the car from Hereford
at a quarter Of twelve, after an early
lunch. At few minutes after twelve
they reached Three Star. where Buck,
seated on the porch, his saddle astride
u sawhorse, stitched away at cinch.
Buck played his part well. allowing
Jordan to ferret out information to
his own satisfaction. It appeared
plain that all three partners had taken
flight with the girl in the blackboard.
Someone tipped this thing or"
Jordan said sternly to Buck. ''Who
was it7'
"Meanin' this visits offishul7" asked
Buck. whats 1t TO-, Sheriff. Moon
shine or hawss stealin'" He spoke
In testing note, his weathered face
impassive as the shell Of walnut.
but Plimsoll scowled, noting the turn
Of Bucks bland countenance In his
direction for the first time. 1t was
whispered that the brands on Plim-
soils horse ranch were not those usu-
ally known in the county, nor even
in the counties adjoining. There were
rumors, smothered by Plimsoll's stand
with the authorities, of bands Of
horses, driven by strangers, arriving
wearied-and always by night-at his
corrals.
ut don't matter-to you-what it's
for" answered Jordan. "11l overhaul
'em an bring 'em back. Ef they try
hide-out tactics or put up scrap, It'll
be kidnapin' an that's a penal Of
fense."
Buck whistled.
Thought you wasn't goin' to let me
know" he said. "It's the gel.'
"Who's been here to tip 1t offT'
asked Jordan.
Buck looked at him serenely, took
plug Of chewing from his pocket,
took his knife, opened 1t deliberately
and slowly cut OF corner Of the
tobacco.
SEARCH me-" he drawled. me.
don't stay up to the house."
Jordan, temporarily discounted but
still confident Of bringing back his
quarry, marked the trail of the buck
board in the alkali SOIL noted the
footprints Of the diverging riders and
nodded with the semi-smile and half.
closed eyes Of conscious superiority.
He had already elicited apparently
reluctant information from Pedro as
to the four passengers In the buck
board.
"You 'tendln' ranchr Jordan asked
Buck.
"Yep. Till get fresh orders"
'Tll bring you back those orders,
also yore bosses. before sundown."
Buck permitted himself his first
grin.
you'll have to go some." he said.
"Goin' to bring 'em back In irons7
Figgerin' on abductionr
Jordan gave no hint Of how Bucks
shaft might have targeted his inten-