New Britain herald., 1923-04-26
NOW co ON WITH THE STORY

NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 He had not long to wait Five minutes, and the horsemen hove into view. Bodine was in front. The impulse 10 drop him out of the saddle was strong but the thrill Blaze re- ceivsd when he recognized the man vas as nothing compared to the start he experienced when Bucks com panion turned his face squarely at Kildare.
 The cowboy sank back into his cover. his rife dropping to his side. A grim, sagacious smile hardened his face: into his eyes came a flash Of satisfaction.
 From his pocket he took the picture he had shown Melody, It was shorty's photograph.
 Gee. Kid. he breathed aloud, I'm going to keep my word with you
 CHAPTER Xxv.
 A Clever Plot
 Liotard was hours getting down to the valley with his story. Kildare had left for the Bulls Head long be- fore the old man went by. It was a grim twist of fate that sent the sheep
  grief Bucks sense of humor was equal to the occasion, however.
 Wait till the folks down below hear about this,'' the big fellow roared, in fine show of anger. I'll go with you right now"
 Thus the two of them burst upon the quiet town in mid-afternoon. Bad news travels fast, and their story was soon common property. Bucks violent indignation and old Liotard's repeated turning to him for confirma- ton of his loss began to have it's effect on the Tsasques. Even Esteban met him without any open show of hostility.
 A little thing in itself. but one from which Buck took a great deal of com fort. was the fact that Kent had gone back to Winnemucca. By evening the temper of the crowd in town was at white heat. An hour from now Bodine knew they would be coooling down. The abuse he had heaped on 4Acklin, added to their own bitter hatred Of the man. had brought the big fellows plans to a climax. If he were to profit by them. he had to TEX IOSSlnR lne ulrt1 HOW,
 He was in Benavides' bar sur rounded by small group that he held charmed with his vitrioic elo- ouence. To his listeners Buck seemed concerned only with them; but One-ey Manuel and he had | never for a second relaxed their fur tive watch of each other The bar | tender moved away to serve new GUS toners near the door Bodine reeog nized Feteban among the men who had just come in. He walked over to where the boy was draining his gIass.
 Say, hope you ain't tankin' up at a time like this" he began. These ! folks are dependin' on you to do somethn' for them.''
 T won't be asking any advice of you"
 And won't be givin' any. either" Bodine was at his best. ''I aint for gettin' that you told me once you'd take care of Acklin by yourself. Well, nothin's happened yet. You folks kill one of his cows, and he burns down your warehouse. You hit back, and he drives your sheep over the cliffs. You'l grow fat on that kind of stuff. won't you2"
 The murmur behind him was en- couragement enough to make Buck go on.
 Bodine could feel the curiosity aris- ing in the boy.
 But as I said, I aint girin' ad- vice where it ain't wanted. I'm goin' home now. When I get to the cot tonwoods by the bridge, I'll wait five minutes. If you want to hear what I've got to say. you meet me there."
 It wasn't necessary for Buck to look at his watch. He had barely arrived in the shade of the trees when he saw Esteban come out and get on his horse.
 Make it quick the boy snapped when he drew rein beside him.
 Well, then, let's forget this game