Hungry Horse news and Columbian. [volume] (Columbia Falls, Mont.) 1946-1948, 1948-02-13
CHAPTER Xxx

iouii Jerry TOOK no unneceS
f sary chances with the safety of hi
J, passenger. He had brought to town
with him three Diamond Reverse +
riders. One of these he sent to tn,
. corral to hitch a horse to the buck
board. Another one took care O
the horses. The third was a Lac
f 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 Evan.
I store. Through the swing doors of the
Red Triangle saloon he passed
t drawing up to the bar.
There were half a dozen men ir
the room. The two upon whom his
gaze fastened were Lee Hart anc
Jack Turley. They were playing a
game of seven-up.
Hank, the bartender, said, 'Whatll
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 a streak
OF recklessness. He was close per-
sonal friend of his boss.
eff it isn't Lee Hart" he drawled,
enthusiasm in his voice. "How's 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 fne," Larry answered.
Neither am I. You had me scared
for a moment, Lee"
Hank polished the top of the bar
with a towel. Nov, gents" he
pleaded. Lets not have any diff
Guilty"
Better tell this young squirt to
finish his drink and get out" Turley
advised the bartender.
ION 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. 1t would be better for him to
sing small, but not small enough to
encourage these men to jump him.
II just dropped in for last
chance drink on my way out OF
town." he mentioned in a placatory
voice. mo offense meant, gents.
didn't know there was deadline on
our riders here"
Larry grinned down into his drink
and refrained from further amenl-
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.
st been around" Slim said. ION
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 a fellow
gets a 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 1t hao
reached the cattle chutes by the
railroad tracks. From the drlv-
er's seat Terry slanted an inqulrlng
glance at Larry.
Everything all right" ne asked.
'Fine as silk"
The party ate lunch at the BOX
SIS restaurant. Terry introduced
Powers to Lane Carey and his
daughter.
''They don't approve of me or OF
the ranch" he explained 10 tiie
Fastener. But since you are only
the owner and not responsible tor
the way it is run, perhaps you Will
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? ne
asked bluntly.
81 think it is one of the hnest
ranches in the West" the cattlernah
answered. He was little emoar-
"a ssed at their directness.
"But you don't like the way II Is
81 don't think you can find in the
territory a young man who can flaii-
lie stock better than Mr.. Terry
'sHe's dodging, the FOREMAN
o Ellen, a CLEAN of laughter IN MS
ives. But it won't do him any
,ood Mr.. Powers will keep ask
ng questions till he finds out what
le wants to know.
They adjourned to the porch Oh 'ae
,ouse. Carey talked plainly, as SCOT,
IS he discovered that to do SO "oulo
lot be offensive to this stranger
powers listened, fired more CUES.
ions learned the point of view OF
he small settler. 1t was not one
With which he agreed, since ne hau
,een associated with big business an
lis life. But he was man VIII
b.