The Coolidge examiner., 1931-01-09
WNU Service

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would this tenderfoot walk in so
jauntily, knowing that he had no
chance to beat the gunman at the
draw?
The short red-headed cowboy
known as the Texas Kid passed
through much the same mental re-
action, but he was decidedly more
fearful than his companion. Why
had he let the drink in him talk so
loudly? OF a sudden he was sober,
sick with terror.
"What makes you so white Gar
rett?" asked Worrall, following in
Structions.
O'Hara did not look at him as
he answered. His gaze was fas-
tened on Sanderson. But in his
voice was Tilt of triumphant ex-
element So far his plan had
worked perfectly. Would it carry
through?
I'm scared to death, Steve, of
two scalawags who are going to run
me out of town. One Of them is a
big bully puss fellow ugly as sin,
a he-wolf on the howl, TO hear him
tell it. The other is a hammered
down red-headed runt. If you see
them let me know so that can run.
Steve"
O'Hara's mocking eyes looked
straight into those Of the big bully
They taunted him and defed him
and made light of his prowess.
40
growled made clear his thoughts.
where's Bob Quantrell att"
Bob had better hit the trail,"
O'Hara said to Worrall. These fell
lows who have me so frightened
will drive him out, too, probably"
Uneasily the bartender polished
the top of the counter. He decided
to drop TO the floor before the shoot
ing began. a patron of the house
fitted inconspicuOusly OUT of the
back door. Four cowboys at
a poker table suspended their play
and watched the antagonists alertly
SandersOn spoke vehemently. 81
never claimed I'd drive him out.
Never gave out any such word. If
anyone says | did he's a liar"
You can tell Bob not to be
frightened. then, Steve O'Hara
said easily. THE scalawags ! told
you about don't intend TO worry
him."
where's Bob att" reiterated
SandersOn hoarsely.
How do | know? I'm not his
keeper. Stick TO the business in
hand, Mr. Sanderson. If you should
meet either of those terrible bad
men I've described tell them I'm IL
tenderfoOt so scared that I'm shak-
ing. This goes for you, too, Mr..
Texas Kid. Say I'm staying in town
because I'm too frightened to travel.
Ask them not to be too hard on q
poor tenderfoot"
They was funnin', don't you
reckon?" the Texas Kid offered by
way of explanation.
Better tell them not to scatter
jokes like that around. They might
explode and hurt some one. Don't
you think sO?"
"I'l be movin' along" the Texas
Kid said from a dry throat.
Don't hurry. Stay and keep Mr..
Sanderson company. He won't want
to be left alone"
"Say, fellow, lay off me-" Sander
son grOwled. IF this here's
frameup you can't start smokin' too
soon to suit me. ! don't scare worth
whOOp. See?"
Nevertheless, his eyes left O'Hara
for a moment TO sweep toward the
door and window. He was plainly
worried and anxious to be gone
with a whole skin.
You don't think I'd better get
out of town. within the hour, say?"
O'Hara asked
Already the red-headed cowboy
was moving toward the back door.
Sanderson discovered himself de
serted and began to follow, backing
away slowly. His right hand how
cred near the butt of a revolver, but
he made no motion to draw.
Don't ride me, fellow" the bully
warned. 81 can be pushed just so
far. I'm not scared Of you. not for
a holy minute. Don't you think it.
I'll meet up with you one of these
days an send you to HI on a shut
fer"
O'Hara's voice was a good imita-
ton of that of the Texas Kid
You're just funnin', don't you
reckon. Mr.. Sanderson?" he qua
vered.
You or me, one, when me meet"
Shep warned.
always tomorrow with you, isn't
it? Well, it will be a thousand
years till we meet. Mr.. Sander
SON"
The big man slid out of the back
door Outside he whirled swiftly, at
the same time dragging out his
weapon. His eyes stabbed here
and there looking for enemies. He
saw nobody but the Texas Kid.
That warrior was Logging it on a
run for the safety of Ingram &
Harvey's store.
After Sanderson slid out of the
half-open back door of the Gold
Nugget there was a long moment
of silence. The stage had been set
for red tragedy. All present felt
that it had been shaved by mar
row margin.
Steve WOrrall let out q little
whOOp of delight. "Bluffed em out,
by jinkS-made 'em back down an