The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1941-08-14
CHAPTER Xxx

Calhoun Terry took no unneces-
sary chances with the safety Of his
passenger. He had brought 10 town
with him three Diamond Reverse B
riders. One Of these he sent to the
corral 70 hitch horse 10 the buck
board. Another one took care OF
the horses. The third was a lad
named Larry Richards.
At q nod from the ranch man
ager Larry bowlegged along the
plaza past PegIeg Jim's pool room,
the Crystal Palace, and the Evans
store. Through the swing doors OF the
Red Triangle saloon he passed,
drawing up to the bar.
There were half a dozen men II
the room. The two upon whom his
gaze fastened were Lee Hart and
Jack Turley. They were playing a
game Of seven-up.
Hank, the bartender, said, ''What'n
you have, Larry?"
lie was surprised TO see Dia-
mond Reverse B man In the Red
Triangle, q place largely patronized
by those hostile TO the ranch.
Larry did not want a drink, but
he ordered one He was here only
TO make sure that nobody made a
hole II another pane Of glass while
the boss and his guest were passing.
Hart glanced up and stifened.
Important customers patronizlng
you these days, Hank" he said Of
fensiveIF. Better get out yore
best
Young Richards was cool, dar-
OF recklessness. He was a close per-
sonaI friend Of his boss.
If II isn't Lee Hart" he drawled,
enthusiasm II his voice. ''How's ev-
eryJhIng with you? Good calf crop
this year,"
The rustler started TO jump to his
feet. but thought better of it.
He saG, I'm not lookin' for trou-
bic"
That's fine" Larry answered.
Neither am 7. You had me scared
for a moment, Lee"
Hank polished the top of the bar
with a towel Now, gents" he
pleaded. Let's not have any diff
Guilty"
Better tell this young squirt to
finish his drink and get out" Turley
advised the bartender.
On account of me having the
smallpox" Larry inquired.
Men from your outfit are not
welcome at Round Top" Hart
growled.
Richards recalled his instructions.
He was posted here as a guard, with
definite orders not to get into a
fight. II would be better for him to
sing small, but not small enough to
encourage these men to Jump him.
= Just dropped ii for a last
chance drink on my way out of
town" he mentioned IN a pIacatory
voice. No ofense meant, gents.
didn't know there was a deadline on
Our riders here"
Not exactly a deadline, Larry"
Hank polished vigorously. But you
know how things are"
Sure Sure.
Larry grinned down into his drink
and refrained from further ameni-
ties.
The swing doors opened, to let in
Slim.
Dog my cats! Where did you
drop from, SLIM"
ELarry's expression of pleased sur
prise did credit to his ability as an
actor, considering the fact that the
arrival Of the other Diamond Re
verse B man was according TO pro-
gram.
4 been around" Slim said. ''On
my way back to the range now. How
about you keeping me company"
= reckon III have to do that.
Never saw It fail. When a fellow
gets a bunch of nice friendly guys
someone comes along and drags
him away. Well, adios, gents Been
nice 10 meet you"
Larry flashed a derisive smile at
the seven-up players and turned his
back 10 them.
The legs Of a chair IN the back
part Of the room scraped against
the floor. Somebody was getting to
his feet hurriedly. Larry did not look
round. His guess was that he had
annoyed seven-up player. He
= heard Turkeys voice order harshly,
''Sit down, Lee, you damn fool"
BIandly be said to his friend,
''Yeah, I reckon we better be hit
tin the trail, Slim"
The cowboys sauntered out of the
Red Triangle, mounted the two
horses at the hitch-rack, and can
tered up the street. They caught up
with the blackboard before it had
reached the cattle chutes by the
railroad tracks. From the driv-
er's seat Terry slanted an nquiring
glance at Larry.
Everything all right" he asked.
Fine as silk
DO you always take a caval-
cade Of armed riders with you to
town. Powers wanted to know.
Never before this trip" the fore
man answered, with q dry smile.
This IS an escort of honor for a
distinguished guest"
TO make sure he reaches the
ranch safely?"
We'll, yes. I didn't want him to
get 4 rustler's welcome"
The party ate lunch at the Box
IS restaurant. Terry introduced
Powers to Lane Carey and his
daughter.
They don't approve of me or of
the RANCH" he explained to the
fastener. But since you are only
the owner and not responsible for
the way II Is run. perhaps Won will