Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1924-06-07
oopvRie1r 6y ROBERT STEAD


suffering from the sumper heat. The
cook filled their granite cups with hot
tea from a granite pitcher, and when
the cups were empty filed them again
and again. And when the tables were
partly cleared he brought out deep
pies filled with raisins and with evan
GRATED apples and a thick cake from
which the men cut hunks as generous
as their appetite suggested. Transley
had learned, what women are said to
have learned long ago, that the way
to a mans heart is through his stom-
ach, and the cook had carte blanche.
Not a man who ate at Transley's table
but would have split his blood for the
boss or for the honor of the gang.
Tho meal was nearing its end when
through window Linder's eye caught
sight Of a man on horseback rapidly
approaching. Visitors, Transley," he
was able to say before the rider pulled
up at the open door of the covered
wagon.
He was such a rider as may still
be seen in those last depths of the
ranching country where wheels have
not entirely crowded Romance off of
horseback. Spare and wel-knit, his
figure had a suggestion of slightness
which the scales would have belied.
His face, keen and clean-shaven, was
brown as the August hills, and above
it his broad hat sat in the careless
dignity affected by the gentlemen Of
the plains. His leather coat afforded
protection from the Leaf of day and
from the cold of night
Good evening, men," he said, cour-
teously, Don't let me disturb your
meal. Afterwards perhaps 1 can have
word with the boss"
That's me-" said Transley, rising.
mo, don't get up" the stranger pro-
tested, but TransIey insisted that ne
had finished, and. getting down from
the wagon, led the way a little dis
lance from the eager ears of its occu-
pants.
MY name is Grant," said the strang-
CT DSuuiSoh NIdu dll SluplDI 6u
by Mr. Landson, who has q ranch
down the valley. If l am not mistaken
you are Mr.. Transley."
"You are not mistaken" Transley
replied.
And I am perhaps further correct"
continued Grant, Tin surmisng that
you are here on behalf of the Y.D.,
and propose cutting hay in this val
ley?"
"Your grasp of the situation does
you credit" Transley's manner was
that of a man prepared to meet trou-
Bile somewhat more than half way.
And l may further surmise," con-
tinued Grant quite unrutfied, that
Y.D. neglected to give you one or two
points of information bearing upon
the ownership of this land, which
would doubtless have been Of interest
to your"
Suppose you dismount," said Trans
ley. Il like to look a man in the lace
when I talk business to him"
That's fair" returned Grant, swing
jng lightly from his horse. u have
preference that way myself. He adj
vanced to within arms length of
Transley and for a few moments the
two men stood measuring each other.
It was steel boring steel; there was
not flicker of an eycIid.
"We may as we'll get to business,
Grant" said Transley at length. Il
also can do some surmising. ] sur
mise that you were sent here By Land
son to forbid me TO cut hay In this val
ley. On what authority he acts
neither know nor care. take my
orders from Y.D. YD. said cut the
hay. I am going to cut It."
you are mott"
Transley's muscles could be seen to
20 tense beneath his shirt.
"Wno will stop me?" he demanded.
''You will be stopped"
1.-THE mounted polce7" There was
contempt In his voice, but the con-
tempt was not for the force. It
was for the rancher who would APP
peal 70 the police to settle a friend
ly" dispute.
no, / don't think 1t win be neces-
sary TO call In the police" returned
Grant, dropping back TO his pleasant,
casual manner. "You know YD., and
doubtless you feel quite safe under
his wing. But you don't know Land
son. Neither do you know the facts
of the case-the right and wrong Of 1t.
Under these handicsps you cannot
reach q decision which Is fair to your
self and to your men"
Further argument is simply waste
Of time" Transley interrupted. Il have
told you nv instructions, and ] have
told you that l am going &c carry them
out. Have you had your SUPPER
yves. thanks All right, we won't
argue any more. I'm not arguing now
I'm telling you. YD. has cut hay
In this valley so long he thinks be
owns It. and the other ranchers began
TO think he owned It. But Landson
has been making a few inquiries. He
finds that these are not public lands,
but are privately owned by spectators
In New York. IA has contracted with