The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-02-24
Chapter 92

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 "HoWDY, MISTER RED SCARF
 "Amy's happiness" flashed Rock. T don't need to swear that, if you really know me, as you told Hes bit.
 T met Amy the day I arrived in Wagontongue, and again yester- day. Dabb, sh'd scalp me alive if she ever found out I told you this. She's lonesome and un- haEpy. You've failed to win the best in her. Dabb, don't suppose anyone ever dared to hit you this way. I don't care a d---how angry you get, if I can only make you sec
 "You're maxim me see red, cow- boy" replied Dabb, hoarsely. But go ahead. I've not the nerve to pull a gun on you"
 ''Dabb, I always had a hunch ycu weren't such a bad fellow, un- der your skin. You're rich now. Pay some attention to your young and pretty wifel Like you did before you married herl If you don't do this. sure as I'm sittin' here, Amy is goin' to the bad. That's what came to say and that's all"
 Rock ended abruptly, forced by the elder mans torture.
 The rancher wheeled in his chair, claBed at things on his desk, bent his head, and jerked it aloft, then with action growing slower and slower he lighted another cigar. When again he turned, his face was half enveloped in smoke.
 You are a-queer one-Rock,' ' he stammered, with inccherence gradually clearing. T don't know whether to order you cut of my osfice-or to believe I'm the d--d old fool you make me out. Any way. it's too sudden. You've hit me where I live. And it hurts like sixty. But you talk like a man. And I'm not yet so set in my mind that I can't learn from any man. I'm not convinced, but I'm some staggered. If the truth turns out as straight as your talk-well, young man, you're on parole till l find out. =. Now, since you've pre- sumed to adyse me on a delicate matter, I'll retaliate."
 Throw your gun, John. I'm ready to duck"
 "Qait Prsatonl" cut out Dapb.
 "Why?s snapped Rock. just as shaFply.
 T can't say
 But why can't you say?"
 Some things just can't be said. " Because they can't be proved" " Exactly"
 "Iu stick to Preston until these damned underground rumors are prcved-or until somebody suffers fer startin' them"
 If you do any gun-throwing in defense of Preston, it'll ruin you That depends. It's far-fetched, Dahgo."
 Not at all-if you're sweet on Thiry Preston" rejoined Dabb.
 Between you and me = I am. "Soi-that accounts. I'll respecs your confidence, Rock. She's a charming girl"
 T think I ought to tell you I've broken business relations with Preston. Preston had small end Of a cattle dsal with me. bought him out. And then cancelled all beef orders"
 How did Preston take that?" in- quired Rock, after a moment
 Kicked about the deal. But I to5k it he was relieved to get out of selling me more beef. My resaon was good, but I could scarcely di- vulge it to him"
 Mind tellin' me?" asked Rock, leisurely rolling a cigarette.
 ''Yes, I'd mind. It would necessi- tate violating some ones confi- dencep
 By the way, Dabb, are you still head of the Territory Cattle Asso- ciation?p
 No. I resigned. HeSbitt was elected
 -Geel Sorry to hear it."
 He never was cowboy said Rock, significantly. Good day Dabb. Reckon I'll meet up with you at the rodeo and the dance"
 In the afternoon, rather late, Rock walked around to see Winter.