The Coolidge examiner., 1931-02-13


extended to his mental reactions.
Two months earlier, for instance,
he would never have taken with
Deever the high-handed course he
took now.
1t was evening when he drifted
into the Gold Nugget. The place
buzzed with activity. A poker game
was in progress near the back door,
by which way the sheriff had en-
tered Some young cowboys were
trying their luck with pair of pro
feSsiOnal gamblers. A faro game
was running and also one of Mex
lean monte. Men were lined up be-
side the bar drinking.
OHara nodded to one and anoth-
er of those he knew. He was on
friendly terms with good many
citizens. Most honest men liked
this quiet, amiable young man who
had proved unmistakably that he
had nerve.
He stopped at the faro table just
back of the man he had come to
see. Deever looked around.
Don't put yore foot on the rung
of my chair" he grOwled. I'm
kinda superstitious, young fellow"
"AIl right. won't" O'Hara prom
ised pleasantly. "You about
through playing?
What's eatin' you? Want my
seat?"
Not tonight. Don't let me hurry
you. When you're through I've got
a few words to say to you"
Deever slowed around in his
chair. Speak yore piece right out
in meetin', fellow. | got nothin' to
say to you that can't be said be-
fore everybody"
Just as you please, Deever."
The sheriff's voice did not lose it's
amiability in the least. What |
wanted to say was that you are to
get out of this country inside of
twenty-fOur hours"
Me! What for?" The squat
cowboy rose TO his feet and faced
the officer. His hard eyes mar
rOwed. Il don't have to get out on
yore say-so."
mo, you can stay. But
wouldn't if | were you. Take a
straight tip and hit the trail. This
climate is unhealthy for you"
why? Because some squirt Of
a tenderfOot sheriff says so?' Dee
ver's manner was menacing, his
voice harsh.
Men suspended their card play
ing and their drinking to watch this
drama. Red tragedy might flame
out of ii any moment.
That's ii, Deever. You've
guessed it first time" O'Hara still
spoke gently, almost smilingly. but
what he said rang out clear as a
bell. Because this tenderfoot
sheriff says so. Get out. Inside of
twenty-fOur hours, as | said"
AN if | dOn't?"
The sheriff shook his head. mo
if about it. You're checking out.
He was so quietly confident that
Deever wavered. The outlaw knew
COnchO had had a change of heart
If he followed his imaulse, called
for showdown and Mot O'Hara.
very likely he would never leave
town alive. For moment his
glance sidled around the room, look
ing for the men who might be ex
pected to stand with him. What he
saw gave him small comfort. A
score of men were watching him.
but what they were thinking be
hind those steady eyes he could not
tell
You're the big auger round here
now, are you?" jeered the outlaw.
Because Wes Steelman got you
appointed to two-by-fOur job. Say,
fellow, don't get heavy with me.
1t amt supposed to be safe"
Safe for yOu?" asked O'Hara,
his brown eyes never lifting from
the outlaws face. Listen, Deever.
Here's the layout. Don't try to
crowd your luck here. You're
bucked out in this county. Get out,
or I'll throw you into Jail"
He turned on his heel and saun.
tered TO the bar. Steve Worrall
was there taking a drink. He
asked O'Hara to join him, then add.
ed as a postscript TO his invitation
a remark intended to reach Deever.
Some of these scalawags will
learn after while to hit the pike
when you give the word" he said.
clapping his friend on the back. by
the great jumpin' horn toad, you're
sure one helIamiler. Betcha my
baldface mare against a dollar
Mex that Concho will lose one of
its sure-enough bully puss warriors
right soon, say within twenty-four
hours"
Il think So" agreed O'Hara non
chalantly. "How's the freighting
business these days. Steve"
''Lookin' up again, like sherittin',"
Worrall grinned. Say, young feI-
low, you're sure a tonic to an old
stove-up donker like me. Travelin'
with you would make jackrabbit
spit in wildcats eye"
Come on, Steve, | want to have
a powwOw with you," O'Hara said.
He slipped an arm under the tall
mans elbow and the two walked
out of the Gold Nugget together.
The prediction of Steve WOrrau
turned out to be a true one. In
the dark hours of the night Deever
slipped out of town and departed
for parts unknown.
dad burn it, | got to light a
shuck," he told himself. But if |
ever get a crack at this nilgrim