The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1941-11-28
CHAPTER XXX

Calhoun Terry took no unneces-
sary chances with the safety OF MS
passenger. He had brought to town
with him three Diamond Reverse b
riders. One of these he sent to the
corral to hitch a horse to the buck
board. Another one took care OF
the horses. The third was a lad
named Larry Richards.
At a nod from the ranch man.
ager Larry bowlegged along the
plaza past Pegleg 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 dozen men IN
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'u
you have, Larry?"
Hart glanced up and stiffened.
Important customers patronizing
you these days, Hank" he said Of
fensively. "Better get out yore
best"
Young Richards was cool, dar-
ing man, with more than streak
of recklessness. He was close per-
sonal friend of his boss.
eff it isn't Lee Hart" he drawled,
enthusiasm in his voice. Flows ev-
erything with you? Good calf crop
this year,"
The rustler started to jump to his
feet, but thought better Of it.
He said, "I'm not lookin' for trou-
ble."
THAT'S fine," Larry answered.
''Neither am I. You had me scared
for moment, Lee"
Hank polished the top Of the bar
with a towel. Snow, 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.
'sOn 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 guard, with
definite orders not to get into a
fight. It would be better for him to
sing small, but not small enough to
encourage these men to jump him.
81 just dropped in for a last
chance drink on my way out of
town." he mentioned in placatory
voice. ''No offense meant, gents. !
didn't know there was deadline on
our riders here"
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"
Larry's expression of pleased sur
prise did credit to his ability as an
actor.
81 been around" Slim said. "On
my way back to the range now. How
about you keeping me company"
81 reckon I'll have to do that.
Never saw it fail When fellow
gets bunch of nice friendly guys
someone comes along and drags
him away. Well, adios, gents! Been
nice to meet you"
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 inquiring
glance at Larry.
Everything all right" he asked.
Zine as silk"
The party ate lunch at the Box
SIS restaurant. Terry introduced
Powers to Lane Carey and his
daughter. y..5f a
''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 it is run, perhaps you win
escape criticism"
Powers had come West to find out
all he could about local conditions.
''Why don't you approve of the Dia-
mond Reverse B, Mr.. Carey?" he
asked bluntly.
81 think it is one of the finest
ranches in the West" Carey said.
s'But you don't like the way it Ii
managed"
II don't think you can find in the
territory young man who can ham
die stock better than Mr.. Terry"
ssHe's lodging" the foreman said
to Ellen, CLEAN of laughter in his
eyes. ''But it won't do him any
good. Mr.. Powers win keep ask
ing questions till he finds out what
he wants to know"
They adjourned to the porch Of the
house. Carey talked plainly, as soon
as he discovered that to do so would
not be offensive to this stranger.
Powers listened, fired more ques-