The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-02-23

with cu11ouS coldneSS.
 Remains to be seen whether you'll be indebted to me or not"
 Dabb was plainly puzzled.
 Well, did you call to ask me that?"
 NO, my business is little more intimate
 Indeed? Ahem-er, I hope it's brief rejoined DaOb, stiffening
 'As brief as you want it. re- turned Rock, and then he took 8 slow step nearer to Dabb's con- panion. MT. Hesbitt, I heard this mornin' that your foreman, Peoples was in town, wantin' to see me"
 "Yes, he got in early, and I be- lieve he does want to look you up, said Hesbitt, his deepset eyes in- tent and unsatisfied upon Rock.
 Reckon he can't be particular eager,e drawled Rock.
 '.Ah, I see. dare say he's very busy buyin' supplies replied Hesbitt, nervously. May inquire -er-what you want of my fore man?"
 "Nothin' so important-that is, to me" said Rock, with emphasis on the pronoun T just wanted to give Peoples opportunity to meet me. And to tell him somethin'."
 '4What?" asked Hesbitt
 Reckon I'd sure like you to know as well. I just want to give you a hunch. Not till two days ago did I ever hear of the Half Moon brand. And not til yesterday did learn what outfit run it"
 Manifostly Rocks cold biting sr. eh impressed Hesbitt, but scat c.y to the acceptance of it's ccl.--l.s. He picked up his hat from the desk.
 'Dabb, you former cowboys talk is queer, if true,v he said, curtly. sIn leave you to renew old ac- quaintance. Good day"
 "Hesbitt, you're new to this range" rejoined Dabb, a little caustic. I've told you before. And your Wyoming cowboy foreman needs to be told-or he'll get into trouble. This is not Wyoming, I'm bound to tell you that Rock s talk is not queer. I'll gamble it's true. I never knew him to lie. And no old rider or cattleman on this range would say it, even if he thought it. 3
 Hesbitt bowed and went out, jar ring the door Dabb bit viciously at his cigar
 Some of these new cowmen make me sick. Rock, help yourself to smoke and sit down. D
 sDabb, I sure appreciate what you said to him about me replied Rock, losing his coolness. Fact is I'm surprised, too. I'd been told you had no use for me Rock, that's not the point, re turned Dabb, quickly. When knew you were honest, was bound to say so. Your connection with Preston has started rumors Whether CT not have any use for you I'd sure need to see proof of your dishonesty"
 That's straight talk I like it and thank you. It makes what l wanted to say easier.
 "Ah, I'd forgot You had some intimate business. Make it short, Rock
 Look me straight in the eye, Rock said Man to man, Dabb. Il you have cards on me lay them down. I'm comin' slean honest =. And lot might depend on you doin' the same"
 "What're you driving at?p
 "Dabb, I'm askin' very little, al lleast for two Westerners like us Now I'm askin only a showdown I want to know where I stand with you. I want you to believe in my sincerity"
 "All right, ROCK, I'll meet yoa,' replied Dabb, flushing darkly, evi- dently stirred. Straight out then Tive sort of held against you-that old affair of yours and Amy's." @Good!" exclaimed Rock, That what I wanted you to admit, Dabb it never amounted to shucks. Yol know what gossip is in this town.
 You bet I know" said Dabb grimly But even allowing fo. lthat-r
 Listen" interrupted Rock, lean ing over to DaIbb. The old wo men here gave Amy the worst O that affair. She was pretty ant vain and had a way with the boys But she was good, and if they eve said otherwise they lied. I was il love with Amy, perhaps a 'ittl more so than I was with two othe girls. Amy knew this. I'm sure sfl was fond of me but there wer other boys. What I. want to mak clear to you, Dabb, is that Amy w never serious about me. meal never in love as 1t was in herifo (