The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1930-12-05
CHAPTER VIII-Continued
10


let any of his warriors get away to
town for to have powwow with In
gram I'd heard you belly-achin' about
how Ingram was hangin' on to the
Hughes place contrary to law an how
you aimed to drive him out. Well,
figured I'd save you the trouble"
Instead of which you have involved
us in fresh trouble" O'Hara said
curtly. you've put us in the wron.,
In the most fragrant way. There's
Just one thing for us to do, and that is
to show Ingram If we can that this
attack took place without our knowl-
edge and against our wishes. We
can't keep you in our employ, Guam
trel'
The brown eyes of OHara met
steadily the light blue shallow ones of
the young killer.
Scared of Ingram. eh?" the hoy
sneered. "Suits me if it does you, Mr..
O'Hara. I'm to get the gate because
you want to play up to this fellow, you
not havin' sand in yore craw enough
to go through with what you started.
All right. 'Nough said. I'll ride down
the river today"
understand, Bob. we've got no per-
sonal feeling against you," Steelman
explained "Ill go farther than that.
I've still got cattle in Texas, an I'll
give you note to my foreman there
to take you on at once at the same
wages. You won't lose n days pay.
After we get things Strengthened out
me on the river"
Il don't aim to go to Texas, but to
stay right here, Steelman," the young
fellow answered. II wouldn't wonder
none but there'll be times a-plenty
when you wished 1 was in Texas"
O'Hara tried again to get him to
understand. you've forced our hand,
Bob. We don't want to lose you,
but"
But you've got to do it to save
yore face with Ingram" interrupted
the boy rudely. "No need to explain
to me. understand what you're
drivin' at"
Were under obligations to you,
Bob" O'Hara went on. "You saved
my life and Lyulph's, too, from Shep
Sanderson's vengeance. We like you.
both of us. But you knew perfectly
well what the orders were, that our
riders should keep out of this feud IL
they wanted to stay with US. You de-
liberately oyerrode our wishes
"Orders," broke out Quantrell.
"Say, fellow, don't you use that word
when you're talkin' to me. I don't
take orders from you or anyone else"
but, by Jove, that's just the trouble,
Bob" interposed Smith Beresford ami
ably. 1--WE can't have you shootin
up people all over the shop. It won't
do. you know"
I'VE want to part friends" O'Hara
said. "There's no reason why we
shouldn't. You're too-impulsive, let's
say, to ride for us just now, but"
Friends" interrupted Quantreil
his cold blue eyes narrowed to Sits
his voice filled with scornful anger.
"Me, was ready to ride the river
WIN JOus VI nave SOHc Will you TO
the end of the trail, through, under,
between, or over. An you drop me
like a hot potato because you're scared
Of what Ingram will think. Don't talk
to me about friends, fellow. I'm
through with you, but you'll find you're
not through with me by a HI of a
lot"
Il say, old chap, let's be reason.
able" Smith-Beresford said. "It's not
Ingram that's involved so much as our
good faith. We've got to play our
cards aboveboard, you know. Can't
let you so raiding his men while we're
talking peace to him. But we're
deuced sorry to lose you, and our
personal feeling isn't changed at all.
Some day Wen laugh about this to-
gether, and to show our appreciation
OF your services we want you to ac-
cept this little bonus from u.s."
Quantrell took the check handed
him and tore 1t into twenty pieces.
] He turned on his heel and dumped
out Of the room. Fifteen minutes
later he disappeared over the hill on
horseback.
''Well, we sure turned q good friend