The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1923-04-19
CHAPTER XVIII
Master and Cow. Puncher


A broad grin spread over tho face
of the Big Boss when kildare told
him OF Hodine's injunction. Kildare
wondered Just what amused him 30
much.
Morrow hailed Blaze as he came
out Tomorrow was tho Fourth Of
July,
suppose you're Eoln' down TO
doleondn with the boys" b. grum-
hled Cash'a tone showed plainly
enough his lack OF pleasure In the
coming day.
Kildare shook his head A dance.
In his present frame OF mind. held
no lure for him.
by snppor time the upectcr OF 10
dine had become 30 menRcinK that
Blaze decided TO ride down 10 the
Rancho, lie waited until tho boys
had left and then silently followed
them.
Dawn had found him lying sleepy
eyed on the little mesa that rose
hack OF the hacienda. he had had
his yiEil for nothing. II was after
seven when he rode by the Rancho,
Ho saw table set with white
napcry, thin glasses. heavy silver.
and delicate. cream. eoiored porco-
lain paintine n cleanliness. anccs-
try all spoke there.
Ny Man whinnled Bazilio heard
him and jumped down from tho wide
portieo.
Il know you be hero today. Mr.
Blaze" no called as no ran toward
Kildare, Il tell Mercedes you come
this morning"
Mercedes came out OF the house al
that moment. Blaze greeted her with
n CHEEKY Good morning.
why you sleep out there all
nlgh,2' she asked at last. no, I'M
gently.
Basilio gave him his answer.
Il hear My Man single foot along
the road last night He stopped by
the fence told you 30. dldn', II"
Amt no ust lying about H." Blaze
said rather shamnfacedly. Il figured
Bodine might Try to pny you a visit.
! knew you we're ali alone here" lie
stopped momrntariiy. Didn't seo
anything OF him. tho"
Mariana came out with the coffee.
Mercedes turned 20 him.
Serve the Senior ~ once. Mari
ano. she ordered lie has long
way TO 10"
The old moxo FASTENED 10 her side.
senior kildare thanks you FOR car.
ing FOR his revolver she began lie
Wishes you 20 return IL
The old man lifted n ntnuruful face
10 heSp az he pulled the revolver
from his pookst
He put the gun on the table
Basilio had caught the seriousness
N the conversation. II kept him
Silent. tho several times he tugEed NJ
his sisters skirts as u TO catch her
attention. Mercedes was 70 en-
srosacd shc paid no heed TO tho boy
antil AciSiin rode into the patio.
Il wanted 10 ,eli you some one
was coming" the sensitive child
whispered In the natural luil OF sur.
prise. following the appearance Of the
Biz Boss Of the Double a.
Mercedes flashed quick glance
from Acklin to Blaze. who held his
position near the table. His face
was emotionless Had he known the
rancher was cominE7 Only by the
slightest inclination Of her head did
she acknowledge the cattie-mRn's
greeting.
Sorry ! couldn't get down 70 your
funeral" he said.
The lie did not pass Mercedes
Your man do very well in your
place" she answered.
Aeklin looked from Blaze 70 her.
and back again Tho little by play
hat her words carried was beyond |
him.
Better drift 70 the BuIl's Head"
he said 10 Blaze.
II was lightly purred. but carried /
with Il the dismissal of the man on
he veranda.
Acklin followed him to where My
Man stood. kildare's stock had
AIKEN decided drop in his mental
cdger.
What kept you down here9" he
Isked. when they were out Of hear
ng OF the GIRL on the verauda-
Kildare's imagination was equal /
o the occasion.
The boys were seen when they
vent out" he drawled. II ran into
3odine and six or seven OF his men.
10 didn't have n good excuse for be-