The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1930-12-12

"a Man With Sand"

1t was agreed in a conference at
tended by the governor Of the terri
tory, the sheriff Of the county, Ingram,
Steelman, and the United States mar
shall, that the slate should be wiped
clean Of all offenses committed during
the Jefferson County war unless in
dictments had already been found
against the law breakers. In the
event that any Of these latter were
convicted the governor promised a
pardon.
Bob Quantrell was no party to the
armistice. Tacitly he refused to rec
ognize the new conditions. He went
on the dodge and disappeared into the
chaparral, emerging from 1t only to
get food and supplies or to raid some
ranch and rustic stock. Three or four
desperate characters had rallied
around him, men who preferred to
steal rather than to work for a living.
Deever was one OF these. Pankey
vas another The depredations of the
Quantrell gang. as the outlaws came
TO be called by common consent. were
high-handed and fragrant. They killed
a clerk at the Indian agency, an inno-
cent youth from the East who CHANGED
to come on them as they were driving
away a bunch Of horses belonging to
the government. They preyed partic-
ularly upon cattle bearing the Dia-
mond Tail, the Hashknife, or the Cir
Gle S O brands.
The outlaws were protected by their
friends. Young Quantrell was popular
among the Mexicans. Posses organ
ICED by Ingram and Steelman. NOM
inally under the leadership Of the
sheriff, could not move against him
without warning reaching the outlaw.
The relationship between Steelman
and Ingram was stiff and formal
one. though In this matter of putting
the cattle thieves out of business
Steelman knew there must be COOP
Grafton.
He discussed the situation with
Smith Beresford one day.
"Were not gettin' anywhere.
Lyulph," he said, Nor we won't with
this Jim What's-his name sheriff. He's
got no CUTS. He won't 60 out after
Quantrell an sleep on his trail till he
gets him. had a talk with him
yesterday. He's willin' to resign If
we can find a good man to take his
place. Well. I've found the good man.
What would you think of our part
ner, Garrett O'Hara? What kind Of
sheriff do you think he'd maker"
He'd make bully one. That's not
the point. I'm thinking about Garrett
and his safety. Dash it all. I'd rather
go broke from that young scoundrel
Quantrell's raids on our stock"
"Some one has to stop this rustling.
I'm too busy. My boy is too young.
Ingram is the logical man, but he
claims he hasn't time for it. Run yore
mind over the men you know in the
neighborhood, then tell me who Is best
qualified for it"
"But Garrett is no trailer. He
doesn't know this country WE'LL" pro-
tested Smith-Beresford.
"We'll give him deputies who can
follow a trail to HI an back. Be-
sides, this probably won't be a trailin'
job. What 1t needs is man with
sand in his craw who'll never quit.
I've watched Garrett an I've noticed
one thing about him-he rises to his
opportunities. When the emergency
breaks he's right on the job. BY
rights, II you go by logic, he ought
to have been killed half dozen times
since he came to Jefferson county.
Some folks say he's lucky. / don't.
He's alive because he's the gamest III
fighting cock on the river, an because
he uses his head. That last is where
he'll have the edge on Quantrell."
II see you've already got him ap-
pointed" the Englishman said drlly.
isn't Garrett going to have anything
to say about this?"
"He won't want the Job, of course"
Steelman admitted. "Who wouldf
But If he thinks it's his duty he'll
take It."
OOu sec thdS A. . las uuly any
more than yours or mine or a dozen
other men I can name. I'm against
this, Steelman. He's too good to be
killed by that young devil Quantrell.
Thought you liked GARRETT"
Nobody l like better. What's that
got to do with itf I'd put my own
son on the job If he was old enough
and good enough. I'm paying Gar.
rett a big compliment. This country
has got to be made safe from such
men as Quantrell. Some one has to
take law into the chaparral. an be-
lieve Garrett is man enough to do
it. Anyhow, he'll get a chance to
say NO If he makes good there's
a big future for him here"
The younger man smiled. "Glad to
know you and Ingram are so keen on
law enforcement. I'm jolly well for
it myself. but"
Steelman interrupted him. "Dont
class me with Ingram, boy. I've al
ways been for law, even If / wouldn't