The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-29
CHAPTER XII


 Larry backed out of the cabin of Bentley'S plane, raised his hands, and turned slowly to face his cap. tors.
 "CoiiinSl" Bentley shouted as he recognized Larry. What are you doing in my plane7" His auto- matte was aimed at LarryB chest. Back of him, Bill stood, his arms cradiing A sub-machine gun.
 T been hearing about your airs plane, 90 l came up to take . look at It." Larry answered, playing his cowboy role to the last. You and ! haven't been friendly, 90 didn't TaIt for an invitation. When Pete cent me out to watch the calves bnight l came on up here and Took 6 look around. I never was ln . plane before 70 I crawled into yours, Mighty nice. Mighty com- ioTtabie." He laughed embarrass. ediy. "ouew I must have dropped oR to sleep"
 "You'ye been asleep7 That's q good onei" Bentley'S laugh echoed through the hangar. How long you heen here, Collins' When did you wake up7"
 Y must have come in here about 10 o'clock. Tied my horse to 6 bush about half 6 mile or 50 down toward the canyon. First thing l knew this guy was yelling about something he'd found; then you said you were going to shoot up the plane, 50 l came on out when you said to.
 T didn't mean to hurt anything, Mir. Bentley" Larry apologized, I'm sorry if l caused any tfou.
 "You'ys been sound asleep all khe timeT Bentley demanded. "Hou haven't seen anyone, heard anything"
 "Wait . minute, Mike," Bill broke in. "This guys no dumb cOwpoke. I seen him someplace before l got itl He's the guy wo borrowed . car from after that bank lob the roadster, with Mew York plates. told you about ItS yoTuenUoEf
 The jig was up. No uss pre-. tending any longer. Larry grinned e Bill, ri your conscience was M good as your memory, Biil, you'd have lot less to worry about"
 "A cowboy from New York, huh7" Bentley eyed him coldiy. "jugt what b your racket col. lns7"
 Keeping q jump shssd Of you,
 "oksy, wise guy. Bill, take care os him and Auynp him into the canyon" The gunman rased the tornmy.gun. Larry waited. I'm glad Monn.e knows everything" he told himself confident that she would carry OH for Hugh and hirn- self.
 "wait, BHip Bentley shouted "0ot 6 better Idea. If 6 Hayhook hand were found dead, old Miles would raise nine kinds Of trouble. Wed have to close Up here"
 He returned his attention to Larry, smiling self.conHdently.
 80 you were riding night herd on calves tonight. Barnes must be worried about cattle thieves He'll lose some tonight. And when we're finished with you, ColllnB, you'll be . dead cattle thief. The Colonel and Barnes and everyone else will thank me for getting rid of you Yeah, much better that way.
 "Take our truck, RilI-weTl say he stole t -- cut through the cans yon and pick of . dozen or so Of the Hayhook'g best. Knock . few more in the head. just to make old Miles madder. Take his HayhooE horse and turn it looe. Plant those field glasses near 6 dead calf Leave the siedge there and Dc sure 1t has Coliing fingerprints on t.
 You can take the new man, Morrows to drive the truck. When you catch the cattle thieves, put 6 slug through Morrows' head. 1 don't trust him.
 "Take the truck Up toward the river, park it in Lost Canyon. You can take care Of MorroWs there. Lsaye plenty of tracks Call me in the morning. I'll either be here or at the Hayhook. Meantime, lock this guy in the cellar and put a couple Of men guarding him.
 80 long, COW thief" he said 10 Larry. Better get some sleep. It's the last you'll have, alive"
 There was trouble at the Hay. hook the next morning. When Larry did not return by breakfast- time, Barnes sent two hands out to look for him. They returned in sn hour, leading the Baddled black, carrying the field glasses and bloody Sledge-hammer. Barnes listened to their report, then hur. ried to the Colonels office. Mon- nis was with her father.
 "SixHen headIIl" the Colonel thundered. By heaven, I'll hang those rustlerB to the tallest cotton. wood on the Hayhook. Saddle a
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