The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1931-01-09
William Macleod Raine
Copyright by william Macleod Raine
WNU Service

Outlaw y tight dTm eXCeuu1u 1TOu lHc
body that tossed itself about SO vio-
lently. The sheriff knew that if for
one instant Quantrell could flex the
muscles of that arm bullet would
crash into his brain. To keep his
place astride Of that writhing torso
was like riding a bucking bronco.
The officer clamped his knees and
spread his feet to give him more pur-
chase He burrowed his face into
the sloping neck of his foe and with
all his strength chung to the wrist he
had gripped.
The man underneath of sudden
relaxed, ceased his struggles. O'Hara
became aware that some one had in
terveneG. Sinewy fingers gripped the
outlaws throat.
A voice said, "I've got the gun, Gar
rett."
Steve Worrall had heard the shot
and had arrived in time to decide the
issue. A bony man of great strength,
the deputy soon had Quantrell help
less. He held him trussed while
O'Hara fastened handouts to the pris-
oner's wrists.
Now that he knew it to be useless
Quantrell made no further effort to
resist. The fury of fight had appar-
emily gone out of him. He was still
painting from his exertions, still swal-
/. lowing to get breath through the
throat Worrall had manhandled, but
when he could speak there was no
rancor in his voice, rather note Of
ironic derision.
'Better-iron my legs-too," he
gasped.
IF necessary / SHALL" O'Hara an
swered. "Now I've got you mean to
keep you"
How long, fellow? Those may be
yore notions. Different here. I'm
with you only for short visit"
O'Hara did not handy words with
him. where had we better keep
him?" he asked the deputy.
Worrall considered. The Jail would
not hold a child. It was built of soft
adobe, and the last prisoner had dug
his way out.
"How about the Concho house?" sug-
gested Quantrell. "You want to treat
me right or I'll not stay"
There's that log hogan where Two
Ace Burke usta live-only it amt
half furnished. / reckon Bob's idea is
about as good as any. We've got to
keep him guarded, anyhow. The food
would be right handy"
O'Hara nodded. "All right. Well
keep him at the hotel. 1t won't be for
long. I'll take him to Aurora. They've
got new Jail there"
I'm not going to Aurora" the out
law announced. "Never did like the
town. It's two-bit burg. I'll stay
right here till l get ready to say
'Adios. See you get me a good
roOm.'
Gomez came around the corner of
the house and joined them. In Span
ish he asked Quantrell reproachfully
why ne had come back when he knew
the officers were so hot on his trail.
Don't worry about me, Manuel"
the manacled man answered gaily. II
kinda want to stick around awhile,
anyhow. Might as well let the county
feed me till I'm ready to CO."
A easement window opened above
and head appeared, shadowy in the
darkness. voice murmured a ques-
ton in soft Spanish. Was anything
wrong?
Quantrell lifted his face and grinned
toward his sweetheart. Nothing at
all, chachita. I've got real urgent
invite to be Mr.. O'Hara's guest at the
hotel for two-three days. Suits me
fine. I'm right tired of sleepin' with
snowdrifts for pillows. Adds, Chi
quita. POGO TEMPO" He raised his
hands and flung kiss at her.
well be going" O'Hara said CURLY.
"Thats the major-domo crackin' his
whip" explained Quantrell impudently.
"The li'r tenderfoot sheriff BLOWN off
steam"
He went jauntily to confinement as
though it were joke.