The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1923-06-15

loudly several times. after which
his chair crcaked as he massased
his rheumatic leg. Promptly upon
tho count OF 20 he emerged from
the inner office. alhmming tho door
energotically behind him.
Whether Bob was alone or en-
gnged with clients. Old Toms air
was always the same: Il was that
Of a busy man weighted with grave
responsibilities. Ho frowncd. he
muttcrpd hurriedly:
Got TO sec man: back IN an
hour. Anybody calls. tell en- to-
wait"
This took him 20 tho front door.
which he also slammed behind him
there being a certain force and
determination 20 the sound OF a
slammiug door, Then he iimped
down tho street 10 Judge Hailur
ans office Tho Judge usually had
the cheekerboard out and set when
1 Tom arrived.
Afternoons passed In much the
same manner. and night found Tom.
\ II not actually exhausted from the
unceasing grind. At least plcaAurably
gatigued thereby and ready for an
after-dinptr doze. He considered
/ himself seriously oyerworked.
This morning Bob was alone at
her desk when he came out, and
I something about her appearance
caused the old warrior 10 look twice.
He WIS exactly on time. but the
/ Judge could wait. lie was a
cranky old scoundrel anyhow. was
Judge Halloran. and Il would do
him good TO cool his heels for few
minutes. Tom paused with his hand
upon the door knob.
MY goodnessl son. you're all
dressed upg' he said. as he noted
''Bob's" crisp white dress. tho rose
upon her bosom. the floppy hat that
framed her face. Church sociable
som'er's7"
NO. dad"
whats going on7'
Nothing in particular"
You certainly nre sweet" Toms
bleak. gray face softcned. then some
vague regret pcered forth from his
eyes. Certainly are sweet. but"
But whatIr The girl smiled up
at him.
"oh. don't know--seems like
/ you ain't quito the Fame boy you
was. You're changing lately. some.
how. Getting moro like your moth.
or every week. like that, OF
course" he said. quickly. ''but--I'd
like awful well TO sec you In your
ranch clothes again. | bet you've
clean forgot how to ride and rope
| and"
You know very well haven't.
I'm little bit rusty. perhaps. but
remember I'm pretty busy girl
these days"
II know" Tom sighed. TN
worn out. too. What d'you say we
close UP the OIL factory and take a
rest? Let's get us couple of
broncs and go up TO tho Territory
for n spell. Used 10 be lot OF Wild
turkeys in a place I know. IL d
do us n lot OF good"
why. dad. we can't do that!
And. besides, those turkeys wore
killed out years ago"
''Um.ml / s'pose so. Amt much
left to shoot at but tin cans, come
TO think Of IT," There was pause.
Il don't reckon you could han1e a
SIX gun like you used to, Bob"
You think not7 Try me some.
time and see," said the girl.
Apparently Tom believed there
was no time like the present. for
he slid his right hand under tho
left lapel OF his coat. and when
lie brought It away there was a
large single.action Colts revolver in
it-a massive weapon upon the
mother.of.pearl handle plates Of
whiqh were carved two steers
heads. Those steers heads Tom
had removed from n gun belonging
to n famous bad man. suddenly. and
there was a story that went with
them.
Now see here Bob protested.
"one of these new policemen will
PICK you up some day"
''Pshaw Nobody wouldn't pick
me up. just for totln' a gun" the
old man declared. With practlced
fingers he extracted the shells, one
by one. Fl feel right naked with.
out a six.shooter. | feel like I'd
cast n shoe, or something"
IL wish you'd give UP carrying,
It,"
Lessee you do few tricks.
Bob. DO the roll. Remember she
don't stand cooked"
Miss Parker rose TO her feet and
took tho weapon. She balanced II
in her hand. then she spun II, rolled
IT. famed It, went thru q routine
OF lightning.lilto slcight'of.hand that
Tom had taught her long before.
| lGuutt.n..I Cn,,nrrn,.,l