The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1924-05-23
coprRIe4T 0y ROBERT STEAD

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.
The meal was nearing its end when
through a window Linders 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 on of
horseback. Spare and well-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
il 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 ne disturb your
meal. Afterwards perhaps l can have
word with the boss"
That's me-" said Transley, rising.
''No, don't get up," the stranger pro-
tested, but Transley insisted that he
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-
er; ''Dennison Grant. / am employed
by Mr.. Landson, who has a ranch
down the valley If am not mistaken
you are Mr.. Transley."
You are not mistaken" Transley
replied
And am perhaps further correct, -
continued Grant, Sin surmislng 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 man prepared TO meet trou-
BILE somewhat more than half way.
"And / may further surmise," con-
tinued Grant, quite unruffied, 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 you?"
Suppose you dismount," said Trans
ley. Il like to look man in the lace
when I talk business to him.
That's fair returned Grant, swing
ing lightly from his horse. Il have a
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.
1t was steel boring steel; there was
not flicker of an eyelid
1--WE may as well get to business,
Grant," said Transley at length. 81
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. 1 take my
orders from YD. Y.D. said cut the
hay. am going to cut it."
"You are not"
Transley's muscles could be seen to
90 tense beneath his shirt.
''Who will stop me?" he demanded.
''You will be stopped"
The mounted police?" There was
contempt in his voice, but the con-
tempt was not for the force. II
was for the rancher who would ap-
peal to the police to settle friend
ly'' dispute.
''No, l don't think it will 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 it.
Under these handicaps you cannot
reach a decision which is fair to your
self and TO your men"
Further argument is simply waste
of time" Transley interrupted. II have
told you my instructions. and I have
told you that am going TO carry them
out. Have you had your superb
Yes. thanks. All right. we won't
argue any more. I'm not arguing now
Pm telling you. Y.D. has cut hay
in this valley so long he thinks he
owns it. and the other ranchers began
10 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. He has contracted with