The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1938-05-19

Il we're on the ..~se outside. A..at's
all you a take"
Again she pleaded with him. Il
don't know what-all you've done.
but il you'll only let US 60 III see
you get of. It would be mad
ness for you to take mt. Don't you
see that?"
mo more Of that" he said harsh
ly. Were or Jul way"
He took her back to the porch.
Kansas vas bringing up three sad
died horses.
Ruth looked round. She had to
fight down her terror to keep from
getting panicky.
where is Nelly?" she asked.
"She isn't going on picnic"
Norris said.
"But-you said"
Ruth broke off. her eyes filed
with fear. She swallowed, then tried
again. You haven't-you didn't"
She was thinking of the two shots
she had heard.
1.-The young lady lit out while we
weren't looking" Kansas explained.
He was busy packing the horses.
while you weren't looking" Nor
ris jeered. Stand aside. I'll do
that packing. You don't even know
how to tie a rope. Where you be-
long is back in Kansas at the plow-
handles you left"
Kansas said sulkily. II didn't
leave any plow-handles."
Kansas led the way and Norris
brought up the rear.
The riders circled the pasture and
took the hill trail back of it. The
outlaws pushed the horses, anxious
to get out of sight before they were
seen by any Chiswick riders. AS
they topped each rise. all three of
them turned in the saddle and swept
the valley below with their eyes.
Presently the folds of the hills en-
closed them.
AS JEFF Gray rode from one land
wave to another. heading north by
east, he had a conviction that he
was losing a lot Of time. II Norris
and his companion were making for
the L c ranch-house-and he had no
doubt Of this. since they had to find
another horse-they would get there
long before he did. He was letting
himself get tangled up in the hill
country. Eventually he would get
his bearings. but every minute was
Of importance.
He swung due east. along a rock
ledge that barred the way. His
judgmen. was that he had been
working too far north. Now he was
going due east
From the ledge a voice came, one
with an Irish brogue. upon which
was superimposed the drawl of the
cattle country. Stop right where
you're at. me lad. and throw up
your hands,"
Startled. Gray pulled up. His
heart turned a somersault, but he
looked up with an expressionless
face.
First off. drop that gum" the
voice ordered.
The man whose face peered over
the ledge was Pat Sorley. A wave
of relief swept over the rider. He
was not going to be shot down.
Lucky l met you, Pat" he said
coolly. I'm lost. Get yore horse
and take me to the ranch"
you've got a gall. young fellow"
Pat told him. Il said to drop that
rifle"
Il reckon to use it soon if l get a
break" Gray said. ignoring the
command. Listen, Pat. War has
broke loose. Chiswick has just had
a fight with a Tail Holt crowd who
came to dry-gulch some Mexican
smugglers. Morg Norris and anoth-
er fellow are heading for the ranch
to get another horse. Nobody is at
the house except Miss Ruth and
Nelly. Don't talk. Get busy. We've
got to ride there hell-for-leather."
Are you lying to me, you scut?"
demanded Sorley.
mo. / came from town to warn
Chiswick and was with him during
the fight. We caught them in Live
Oak canyon after they had am
pushed the MeXicans."
Sorley had heard how Gray had
saved young Chiswick. Swiftly he
made up his mind.
"All right. I'll be with We in a
jiffy. Don't run off again while I'm
getting my pony"
He joined the other a minute or
two later. They rode knee to knee.
travelling as fast as they could with
out injuring their mounts.
They dropped down from the
broken hill-country toward the val
ley. Below them they could see a
huddle of buildings at the L c home
ranch-house. The windmill flashed
signals as the blades of the wheel
caught the sun rays. At that dis
lance it was too far to make out
any signs of life. but the peaceful
ness Of the scene was reassuring.
TH@ --- ~ ~-~4~~~l