Red Lodge daily news combined with Carbon County news., 1932-01-28
Chapter 81
THE SHOWDOWN

And here's another-more of a
Stumper,' went on Amy. Last night
John had some men to the house, as
usual. They talked and smoked. When
one | think it was Mr.. Hesbitt, an
swered whoever had used your name
first. don't know this great cowboy
Rock he said But If he stays on
ridin' for Preston. I'll not share the
opinion you men have of him
Amy. that isn't. a cor 'liment to
Preston" said Rock, POI dvringly.
1T certainly isn't. And it
you'll lose your reputation. 'Trueman,
there's something wrong about this
Preston outfit"
Amy. | hope it's nothin' more than
gossip" returned Rock. slowly.
True, will you leave Preston?'
mo, III stick. Amy. If there's any,
thin in these hints l reckon the Pres
tons need me all the more"
L always loved you for that very
trait" she said, with passion. But
| wish here you didn't have it
oh, Trueman, l tell you | dread this
Sunset Pass! That lovely, strange
Thirty Prestonl She'll fall in love with
you. How could she help it? And YOU
II be dragged In with them. You'll
have to kill this Ash Preston. oh,
he's a snake! He insulted me vilely,
4 Eht III llC cAiCNAs L AtAG , nut lOOIlA
enough on this range for you and
him. You'll fight feel Truns
man. A woman knows. on, It TOOK
years for me to get over your killing
Hooker. Don't hush me. | will
tell you That poor cowboy, crazed
bounded you-and finally shot you
so you had to kill him to save your
own life Trueman, ] don't want
you to kill another mani
DO you think I'm a bloodthirsty
devil?" burst out Rock, repealed, yet
sorry for her, Il don't want to kill
another man. | won't, If | can help
it."
She wiped her eyes. Forgive me-"
she said, more composed. Let us
walk back now" She did not speak
again for several blocks.
True, | like you better than /
used to- she said.
He bowed his thanks. not quite
CALAMITY.
Fact is, I never liked you" she
returned, quick to respond. but let's
not fight again. Still, making up used
to I've such fun. Trueman, what
will you wear at my masquerade"
Look here, little lady, that's not
fair. | won't tell you"
You must. I'll want to know you,
so in case | need you You may
have to throw Clink Peoples out"
so the honor of protectin' you falls
to me-" laughed Rock. Amy, I've
bought a dandy broadcloth frock suit.
black. I'll come as a flash gambler .
tended her hand. Good night, True
man.
Good night
Next morning about eleven o'clock,
Rock strolled out of the hotel on his
way to see John Dabb.
IPnnF aalyad 20 -Aa Tphr, Ihakl nnA
was shown into that individuals pri-
vate office. He walked into a richly
furnished room, where two men sat
smoking. One was John Dabb, not a
| great deal changed from the West
erner Rock had once worked for;
easily. Reckon you know me-"
"Trueman Rock" exclaimed Dabb,
In great surprise. Il do. Amy told
me you were here" Embarrassment
succeeded his establishment, which
was perhaps what caused him TO ex-
tend his hand.
"Hesbitt, this is True Rock, one Of
the real riders we used to have"
went on Dabb, recovering to intro
! duce his comrade, who had also
arisen. Rock, shake hands with Hes
bitt, n Of our new ~ranchers:"
Hesbitt bowed stiffly and spoke,
without offering his hand. Rock
"Glad to meet you. Mr.. Hesbitt."
His keen faculties, on edge now,
gagged this man, unfavorably.
We'll, Rock, to what am | indebted
for this call?" queried Dabb, with
curious coldness.
Remains to be seen whether you'll
be indebted to me or not
Dabb was plainly puzzled.
well, did 20 call to ask me that?'
mo, my business is a little more
intimate"
Indeed? Ahem-er, I hope it's
brief. rejoined Dabb, stiffening.
"As brief as you want it," returned
| Rock, and then he took a slow step
nearer to Dabb's companion. "Mr.
Hesbitt, ! heard this mornin' that
your foreman, Peoples, was In town.
| wantin' to see me-
Yes, he got in early, and | believe
does want to look you up" said Hes
bitt, his deepset eye intent and I'M
| satisfied upon Rock.
Reckon he can't be particular
eager" drawled Rock.
"Ah! I see 1 dare say he's very
busy buyin' supplies replied Hesbitf
nervously. May / inquire-er-whai
you want of my foreman"
"Nothin' so important-that Is, Z