The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-02-23

threaten Trueman Rock. Amy Dabb is jealous of his love for Thiry Preston; Thiry's father, Gage, is mixed up in some mys- terious business, possibly cattle rustIing, and her brother Ash is a cattle russler and an enemy of Rock. Rock is trying to save Thiry from disgrace.
 Chapter 31
 THE SHOWDOWN
 And here's another-more Of stumped," wen on Amy sLast night John had some men to the house, as usual They talked and smoked When I heard your name I listened. Some one, think it was MT Hesbitt, answered whoever had used your name first. T don't know this great cowboy Rock he said But if he stays on ridin for Pres ton, I'll not share the opinion you men have for him
 Amy, that isn't a compliment to Preston" said Rock, pondering.
 Tt certainly isn't. And it means youn lose your reputation. True man, there's something wrong about this Preston outfit
 Amy I hope it's nothin' more than gossip returned Rock, slowly
 True, will you leave Preston?"
 No. I'll stick Amy. If there's anythin' in these hints I reckon tht Prestons need me all the more"
 T always loved you for that very trait, she said, with passion. But wish here you didn't have it. -. Oh, Trueman, I tell you I dread this job of yours. That wild, beau- tiful Sunset Passl That lovely strange Thiry Preston! She'll fall in love with you. How could she help it? And you'll be dragged in with them You1l have to kin this Ash Preston. Oh, he's a snaKel He insulted me, vilely, right on the street. There's not room enough on this range for you and him You1l fight, feel it Trueman A woman knows. Oh, it took years for me to get over your killing Hooker! :. Don't hush me, I will tell you ;. That poor cowboy, crazsd by drink and jealousyl How he 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 manla
 "Do you think I'm a bloodthirsty devil?" burst out Rock, repelled yet sorry for her T don't want to kill another man. won't if I 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 I used to-" she said.
 He bowed his thanks, not quite gallantly.
 Fact is, I never liked you she returned, quick to respond But let's not fight again. Still, making up used to be such fun. :. True man, what will you wear at my masquerade?" i Look here, little lady, that's not fair. I won't tell you"
 You must. I'll want to know you so in case I need you. i. You may have to throw Clink Peebles out" 50 the honor of protectin you falls to me" laughed Rock Amy, I've bought a dandy broadeloth frock suit, black I'll come as a fash gambler
 You'll look grand Then she extended her hand. Good night, Trueman.n
 Good night"
 Next morning, about eleven o'clock. Rock strolled out of the hotel on his way to see John Dabb. Rock asked to see John Dabb, and was shown into that individ- ual's private office. He walked into a richly furnished room, where two men sat smoking. One was John Dabb, not great deal changed from the Westerner Rock had once worked for. A
 @Howdy. MT Dabbl" said Rock, easily. Reckon you know me"
 .Trueman Rock" exclaimed Dabb in great surprise. T do Amy told me you were here" Embarrassment succeeded dais astonishment, which was perhaps what caused him to extend his hand.
 Hesbiut, this is True Rock, one of the real riders we used to have. went on Dabb, recovering to intro duce his conlrade. who had also arisen. Rock, shake hands with Hesbitt, one Of our new ranchers
 HeSbitt bowed stiffly and spoke without offering his hand. Rock looked squarely at him.
 Glad to meet you, MT. Hesbitt.
 His keen faculties on edge now gauged his man, unfavorably.
 Well, Rock, to what am I in-