The Dolores star., 1924-05-30

eooh Hlieu tHeiT STaulle cups Win not
tea from n 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 evap-
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 mans heart Is through his stom-
ach, and the cook had carte blanche
Not 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 window Linders eye caught
sight of man on horseback rapidly
approaching. "Visltors, Transley," he
was able to say before the rider pulled
up at the open door Of the covered
wagon.
He was such 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 well-knit, his
figure had suggestion of slightness
which the scales would have belled.
His face, keen and cleans -shaven. was
brown as the August hills. and above
1t 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 I can have
a word with the boss"
THAT'S me-" said Transley, rising.
mo, don't get up" the stranger pro-
tested, but Transley insisted that he
had finished. and, getting down from
the wagon, led the way little dis
tance from the eager ears of its occu-
pants.
my name is Grant" said the strang-
er; "Dennison Grant. l am employed
by Mr.. Landson. who has n ranch
down the valley. If 1 am not mistaken
you are Mr.. Transley."
You are not mistaken" Transley
replied.
"And I am perhaps further correct"
continued Grant, Sin surmising 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 unrutlled, that
Y.D. neglected to give you one or two
points of Information bearing upon
the ownership of this land. which
to you?"
Suppose you dismount." said Trans
ley. II like to look man in the lace
when l talk business to him."
"That's fair" returned Grant, swing
ing lightly from his horse. II have
preference that way myself" He ad-
vanced to within arms length of
Transley and for n 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. II
also can do some surmising. I 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 I
neither know nor care. take my
orders from Y.D. YD. said cut the
hay. am going to cut It."
"You are not ~
Transley's muscles could be seen to
go tense beneath his shirt.
"Who will stop me?" he demanded.
"You will be stopped"
'The mounted pollce?" There was
contempt in his voice, but the con-
tempt was not for the force. 1t
was for the rancher who would ap-
peal to the police to settle a friend
ly" dispute.
'No, l don't think 1t will be neces-
sary to call in the police" returned
Grant, dropping back to his pleasant,
casual manner. you know Y.D., 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 handicaps you cannot
reach decision which is fair to your.
self and to your men,"
Further argument is simply waste
of time," Transley interrupted. IT have
told you my instructions, and I have
told you that am going to carry them
out. Have you had your supper7"
Eyes. thanks. All right. we won't
argue any more. I'm not arguing now
I'm telling you. Y.D. has cut hay
in this valley SO long he thinks he
owns II, and the other ranchers began
to think he owned it. But Landson
has been making few inquiries. He
finds that these are not public lands,
but are privately owned by spectators
In New York. He has contracted with