Nogales international., 1934-03-17

Mr.. Martin gazed thoughtfully at
+he ceiling above Ruth's head. Pres
emily he asked, did this man know
that you were the only beneficiary OF
your brothers will ?"
"He didn't even know about me un-
til l came to the ranch. / suppose
after we'd talked he found out there
was no one else-I told him my share
was three-quarters. He read the will,
too"
"rhen I think we might attempt to
solve the riddle in this manner: the
man may have thought that since you
were rather new to ranching he could
perhaps encourage you to sell him
vc1,r interest,"" Ruth nodded con-
frn,ation, and Mr.. Martin continued
"He could have given you cash pay
mcnt for your holdings, and you might
have gone away, assuming that every
thing had come to a satisfactory con-
Clusion."
Ruth hesitated. 'Has my so-called
partner committed any crime in not
telling me that had no rights on the
placer"
The lawyer pursed his lips. "No
crime, exactly, but it should be plain
What ought l to do?" asked Ruth
~ think, if were you, should tel
hir. that you have consulted an attor
ney and that you intend to have the
viii probated. Once that has been adj
justed, do not believe anything iur.
the will be done except, of course
fhc selling Of the ranch and the divi-
sior OF the proceeds according to botE
you interests"
oh" Ruth smiled uncertainty a:
she stood up. That's relief. l think
I'll be going now. I'll decide later just
what ] want to do. What do / owe
you for your advice!"
Mr.. Martin. smiled slightly. "Yor
owe me nothing-but here is my card
rather feel that we shall meet again
She found David and VIII waiting
e. the machine. During the rest oi
the afternoon, which was spent al
moving picture show, and later al
dinner, Ruth's mind was busy. 1t was
maddening, that the first time she haC
been able to leave the ranch and Ell
10Y herself, she could think of nothing
but the ranch. She imagined that Viii
did not notice her preoccupied man
ner.
This thought was easy in the
lighted restaurant, huinming with tht
voices and laughter Of many people
But twenty miles out of town-tht
roadster thfobbing into a wall O
blaclness which never lifted-Ruth'
part in her imaginary conversation
with Snavely became less aggressive
By the time the car was entering th{
arroyo east of the barn, Ruth haC
grave doubts about saying anything
whatever, to Snavely. His desire t.
have the ranch and to be by himsel
amounted to a mania-what would h'
do if she were to tell him that th'
ranch was to be sold? And she wa:
eighty-fve miles from help.
''How long did you say you ant
your father were going to be awayf'
asked Ruth, as Will drove past th'
barn.
About a>week. We're leaving to
morrow morning and expect to b.
home again next Saturday evening"
! AS they were helping David, who
was more than half asleep, out of tn,
car, Ruth thanked Will for the trip
Then said hesitatingly, Il wish yol
and your father would come over soof
Il can't promise you very Cheerful
dinner. but
"Finep Will interrupted tactfully
"You set the day and we'll certainly
raise; the dust getting here"
"Well, how about coming over the
day after you get back-Sunday?"
Will nodded. 'That'll be all right
Well show up about noon."
Il wonder" Ruth paused.
"What?"
II hate awfully to admit it, but !
lost your fathers revolver-it wa:
buried when the old house fell. I wish
you'd try to get me another like it ir
Los Angeles. Could you? He's asked
me once or twice why / didn't wear il
when / went riding. but didn't want
to tell him.