The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-03-02
Chapter S8 aGn FOR YOUR GUN"


 In the morning Rock watched from his window until Ash lett then went out to breakfast Tlliry did not appear. Preston came out while Rock was eating and said: s.Rock, I've got a job for you. The boys are getin' pack outfit ready. They know where to go. l want five hundred head of two-year-old steers in the flat down there by Slagel's ranch. By August.
 It can't be done protested Rock As
 a eWal. you've been hollerin' for some real work. Pack an rustle. @You're the boss, Preston. But are, you slre you won't need me more right here?s Preston bent toward Rock and lowered his voice. It aint what I'd like or need. Thiry asked me to Ash is wuss than ever before; suits me fin. Don't mind tellin' YOU, boss, that Ash is gettin almost on my nerves" !. "Hawl flaw! Almost gepOin !, heyq My nerves are shot to pieces Small wonoer, boss. Reckon vo,,ld do well to l1awg-tie Ash an hang around the Pass for a month Ii did not suit Rock just then to Ieave the Pass without a hint to Preston.
 Rock repaired to the cabin and hacked the things he would need. Rock wavered between two stSong desiras-to see Thiry before he left ana write to her. The better course would be to write. because he could n,It on paper what there would De no chance to speak He sat down to his little table and began, With hand that he could not keep steady and heart which accelerated peat for every word.
 Thiry, darling,
 Your dad has ordered me away for several weeks, maybe more. am glad to go, though not to see your sweet face for so long VIII De terrible. My conscience Hays me sti1 for what I brought upon you at the dance. But I don't ask tor- .riveness for that so much as 1ol what happened on Winters porch still if I had no more to sustalf sne. Thiry, through what seems te i,a ths hardest trial of my life, tha' kiss you gave me would be enough Don't worry, Thiry, dear, aoou .Ash or me. or whatever 1t is tna is wrong. And 1t will not turn ou so had as you, think. I believe tha if YOU were to fall into some real dreadful trouble I could save yol Nov what do you think of tha for a fellows faith in himself? o course. by trouble. I mean some xhing concerning Ash. l must no deceive you, dearest; your protle is the kind of range man Una coues to a bad end. You must req lize that he might involve you father, you, and all your peops in something through which yo could suffer.
 shall think of you every sun set and see you come out to watc the Pass
 Ever
 Truenlan. Slipping the note under the dot of Thiry's cabin, he beat a ratn' precipitate retreat. Nevertneles he heard the door open, and turi ing saw Thiry pick up the missy and. then stand to look al. m Finally she waved. In half an hour he sat astrl' Egypt, bound down the Pass. La that afternoon he halted with u bows in a wild spot to make pc lnanent camp.
 Bsfore they went to bed Ro had imbued the brothers with som thing of his own to do or d Next morning they were lip in 2 dark had the horses in at daw breakfast before sunrise, and she drive when the first tinge rose colored rims of the Pass.
 It rained every day, mostly SUI mer showers, with rainbows be from cloud to forest.
 One night Al got in latest of weary and sullen.
 T was up under the Notch, said. 'an' first thing l seen coul of riders high up, watchin' ! Reckon they never lost signt me all day" :,
 The twins were silent, which Ii did not argue for favorable ception to this news.
 .see any brands except our' asked Rock, pertinently-
 Shore did. Lot of Half MIG stock scattered all over"
 .aThe devil you say. I tnous Hssbitt nan the Half Moon ou' low down on the range.
 we heard in town he was ge to change" replied Al.
 Three days later. miles east the Notch. Rocks alert eye caut sight of riders above him on slo keeping behind the trees, mad doubt spying upon him with gls Though boiling with rage, he w right on driving as if he were n' 4.n urriser On the return to ca