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Show THE RICH COUNTY REAPER. RANDOLPH, UTAH MAM By H. C. WIRE D. Appleton-Centur- Ine. y, WNU Service CHAPTER XIX Continued. 12 An immediate sweeping . glance took in a circle of flat empty land. He was alone. But then far westward where this top began a long lift, a dark smudge showed against gray earth. The 77 drive. Seven miles off, Gandy judged, though maybe more. Theyd not reach the watch. Three oclock; dark in another two hours. Hollister? He rocked up onto his feet, hands on the saddle horn and stood searching that sector of prairie west and southwest. If Hollister had continued in this direction after Outpost camp he ought to be in sight.' Walt reined his pony south, seeking the heads of those other two ravines, for surely into one of them Hollister had started. There was no other way west. Again as he rode on, bowed into a cold wind, there settled upon him a dull constant dread, the sense of an inevitable ending here which Hollister himself had predicted. He had covered less than a quarter of a mile when a rider seemed to leap from the very earth. His horse was in a tight run, the man bent forward, and he had shot out like that, Gandy knew, from one of the other west cuts. He was headed for the 77 drive and through the first minute after his sudden appearance it was plain that he did not know there was another on the prairie top. Gandy clapped spurs to the paloin mino, loosening the thirty-eigits belt holster as he quartered toward the fleeing man. This party was getting away from something; no ' doubt about that. His head turned, and then in a jerk upon shortened reins, he set his horse back with all hoofs sliding. 'In the same move his right hand had crossed over to the left of his saddle; smoothly a rifle ran from the scabbard there and whipped up to his shoulder. Things happened then. Distance was too far for the thirty-eigh- t. Wheeling his own mount Walt Gandy made a vain try with two rapid shots. He saw dust kick up in front of the others horse. Wind snatched a white wisp from the rifle barrel leveled toward him and a hornet zinged close to his ear. Again he saw the white wisp and his palomino jumped straight up. He heard that second report, a third and the earth rose and slammed him from the saddle. Breath went out of him and he fought a black fog that thickened before his eyes. It could have lasted only a few seconds. He came out of it crouched behind the body of his horse, gun trained across the bulging side. The other man was streaking away once more in a headlong run. Walt Gandy stood up and was not aware until then that he was shot in the left leg. It felt as if a red-hot rod was suddenly stabbed into his flesh near the knee. His knee was stiff; his blue jeans already beginning to stain. But again that went momentarily out of his mind as he stared down at the unmoving palomino. The little, beast was dead. The fact registered now only in a numbing way; too much impended for him to feel the full sense of his loss. Rapidly he stripped off the saddle, blanket, and bridle, shouldered them and turned toward the ravine out of which the unknown rider had appeared. On the rim he looked back. He would never want to own another pale gold horse. Now it was a matter of getting back to Outpost Camp with no time lost, and searching the ravine on the way. The rider might have left him for dead. Still it would be no good if others came ahead and found him on 77 ground afoot. The cut slanted in a sharp descent at first, then leveled out in a winding sand bottom much like the one d up which he had ridden. boots were never made for rapid walking. He limped on, shifting the saddle from shoulder to shoulder. He was perhaps halfway to the sink when two brass shells glittered against the sand. Gandy scooped them up, put them to his nose. Next he had let the saddle gear fall and was stumbling ahead, for the shells still had in them the rancid smoke of freshly burned powder. Within ftfty paces the sand showed that Hollisters horse had come to a sudden stop, had wheeled, plunged sidewise. All the marks of ambush were here in a tangle of tracks and then a spot where a man had fallen, bleeding. Gandy ran on, reading signs where the horse had come to a halt, and where Hollister had remounted. Relief swept him. Bill was not dead. But farther on he was following a trail of blooa . stains dropped evenly every two paces. ht High-heele- , . CHAPTER XX T) ILL HOLLISTER had clung to his saddle until within twenty feet of the cabin at Outpost Camp. Stumbling up, Gandy saw where he had pitched to the ground, then dragged himself on a short distance. He was lying now on his back, left arm folded under his head, inert, but conscious. His eyes opened at the thud of boots and in them a knowing smile kindled. He started to "speak Save it, said Gandy. Think youre a swell prophet, dont you! He bent over. How are you, BUI? Where are you hit? Not untff he had moved the man a little, to lift him, did he see the right arm almost shot away, and a widening spot of blood from another wound somewhere in Hollisters back. His own injury was nothing compared to this; a continued stiffening of the left knee, but the stain on his blue jeans was drying. He picked Bill Hollister up bodily, carried him to the cabin and booted the door inward. Outpost Camp was the usual range shack, an overnight stopping-plac- e for a man riding circle, or the center of a more lively scene for a week ' Induring fall of spring round-uside was a rough table, half a dozen boxes for chairs, four double-tie- r blinks ' and a stove. It was no more barren nor isolated than most, yet entering with the wounded man, Walt Gandy felt that a place had never been so desolate. He laid HoUister on the straw tick of a lower bunk near the stove, pushed back the stove lids and crammed brush stems in onto ash that was stUl warm. There was no The wood here in the bottoms. brush flared. Methodically he went out to the spring for water, brought in a full bucket, poured some in a basin to heat, some in the coffee pot, went out for more fuel and all the time he was telling himself that a tough fellow like that one in there p. couldnt die, knowing that he could. Hollister lay face down, saying during the minutes Walt worked over him, cleaning sand from the shattered right arm, then putting on a tight bandage to stop the blood. The back wound was only a small neat hole; but what the bullet had done internally was beyond Gandys help, save for the ease of coffee and soothing warmth stove. In time from the red-hnothing ot someone would come. He could only wait. Finished with his first-aihe brought the coffee pot, two tin cups and sat down on a box beside the bunk. Hollister was over on his back now, his head propped upon a folded coat, and that quiet, knowing smile had never left his eyes. He managed the cup with his left hand. They sat there drinking, silent. Not much talk had ever been needed between these two. For a time. now they did not talk at all. - Hollister opened his mouth and took a cigarette held out for him. Then he lay silently smoking. But there was something he wanted to talk about and seemed waiting until enough strength was stored. His studyeyes sobered to their deep-se- t, d, ing look. Walt Gandy saw, and felt instinctively that he did not want to listen. He did not want a confession, if that was what Hollister had on his mind. What did it matter? Twice he shook his head to stave off talk, until with effort the lank man burst out: Turn around here! Ive got things to tell you. And I havent got much time. said Gandy. Theyll keep, Youre going to pull out of this all right. The ranch knows where we are and someone will come trailing us if we dont show up. You keep quiet. But he drew his eyes from face. If they were the coming, theyd better hurry! No, Hollister managed doggedly. I want you to understand somepain-ridd- en thing. Gandys head lifted and he looked across the flickering light to where Hollister lay in shadow. Maybe I do already, Bill. Never mind. What do you mean by that?" Let it go, BiU. Well, I dont think you do, Hollister said. Its Helen I want to talk about. Walt? Have you fallen in love with that girl? The question came so pointedly that Walt Gandy stared. Then he What difference does countered: that make one way or the other? All the difference, in what I say to you, Hollister answered, and the grave tone of his voice showed this Have deeply important to him. you? Walt Gandy admitted only, Ive never met anyone like her. Thats Good, said Hollister. enough. Though his lean face was in half drk, he seemed to be smiling to himself, pleased with something, and Gandy wondered. HoUister waited to regain breath. Unexpectedly he asked: You must have an idea by this time, havent you, who kiUed Chino Drake? Walt Gandys gaze slid to the floor. He said nothing. What did Plenty Ive got to teU you! Hollister answered. You think I kUled Drake and Ranger Powell. I know. But I didnt, Walt. Then for . . . ! Wait. I knew that day before the Drake inquest that my rifle had Gems of Thought I vanished from the rack. Understand? Before the inquest. It wasnt it matter now? taken by one of Battles deputies And Ranger whtte we were in town. Ive known HoUister persisted. PoweU, too. But maybe you havent that aU along. figured the reason jerked forward, hands BiU! Shut up! Then you mean on his knees. Gandy was up onto his feet. Out- Cash? side, Hollisters horse had nickered. two days HoUister nodded.He puffed out the candle and cov- earUer Cameron lostOnly his temper ered the open stove hole. and threatover the forest to the window his first thought ened PoweU. Iargument it. Then the heard was that no one from the C C could thing I could see afterwards be here so soon it was some only he had carried out his was that . of the 77. and Chino Drake was unthreat, Beyond the window pane was only to be a witness. soUd blackness of night. He shifted lucky enough at the inquest to So lied you along to the door, put his left hand Cash Cameron! shield on the knob and held it. No. The day Drake and PoweU For perhaps five minutes after killed I was some place that a were Hollis-ters the first, tentative caU from Helen would never underlike no sound. was other horse there girl know times we Then in the same instant, boot soles stand. But you you Mexican the on border. had fiesta, someone on and crunched rapped dances . . . Theres a place here the door. aimed caUed Mexican Hole. Thats where Gandy waited, thirty-eigI was, trying to forget I could never at hip level. The sharp rap came again, and a make Helen Cameron marry me. I couldnt teU that in front of her. voice, saying, BiU! BiU Hollister? He jerked the door inward, sheathBitterly Walt Gandy said, Oh, Helen! Helen, where Lord, oh, Lord! Helen thinking all ing the gun. the time you did it! And Cash letare you? out she of answered the ting you carry the guUt! But then Here, dark, invisible at only a Uttle more he stared down through the flicker than arms length. Then she gasped, of candle light. Or actuaUy believing you did. I wouldnt say even yet that Cameron puUed off those killings. I dont think he did myself, Do you now, HoUister answered. know about Jeff Stoddard being at the house lately? Gandy tightened. When did you find that out, BiU? Only this morning that hed been there, and what he had baited Helen into promising. Walt, dont you see! I do, said Gandy. Stoddard has been almighty certain of the way things were going to faU. Only they havent quite. What is it he can hold over Helen? Nothing, if Cameron isnt guilty, and Im not. As long as I suspected Cash, I thought Stoddard might have got hold of the truth somehow. He made Helen believe it that he held proof against someone on the C C. HoUister drew a sudden choking Wish to God Id reached breath. Stoddard today! Re turned his head into the Ught. Any more coffee? In. the opposite of his true feeling, Gandy turned back to the bunk with a burst of anger. Why the heU did you come out alone like So yoii lied at the inquest to this, BiU! You could have told me! shield Cash Cameron!' HoUister smUed faintly, reaching I have other plans Walt! Has something happened? for the tin cup. for ... Walt-Gand- - Cat-walki- ng ... WILL not choose what many men desire, because I will not jump with common spirits, and rank me with the barbarous multitude. Shakespeare. I have sought rest everywhere, and found it not, save in little nooks and little books. Thomas a Kempis, We enjoy ourselves only in our doing; and our work-- in our best doing is our best enjoyment. Jacobi. Be humble in prosperity! Be gentle with those who are less lucky, if not more deserving. The first step to is self-distru- ge st. Panda Cuddle Toy Is Easy to Crochet ht What are you doing? He stepped back. Afe you alone? No. Paul is out there with the horses. Gandy had groped for the candle in its beer bottle holder, found it and struck a match. Come in, Helen. BUI is over there, on the bunk. The girl darted past him, and he did not turn to look.. He heard the Ught thud as she flung herself down beside the wounded man, and a single fluttering cry of her voice. Her words came softly after that, flowing on in tones as soothing as a caress. He closed the door behind him: and stood outside in the dark. Time ceased; a long blank age in which a girls words turned from caressing to pleading, foUowed by silence. At last the door opened, and Helen groped out with the flickering at her back. Walt? Tm here. He caught her outstretched hands. Her voice broke. ' I knew it! I knew something like this had happened and started early in the afternoon. Oh, why didnt I come sooner! Is it too late? Walt, if he dies, I dont know what Ill do!" said Gandy. Hes tough, Youve got to go right back, Helen. Id go but the 77 has gunmen loose out here. Phone for a doctor. TeU Horsethief Fisher to bring on Bailey and his bunch. We cant move Hollister now. Her face was close to him and he saw that she was crying. Her hands gripped his, hard. Ride like Hurry, he told her.. the devil! He heard her at the spring talking to Paul Champion. There burst a rattle of running hoofs as they plunged off across the sink, and he went back inside to BiU HoUister. At once it seemed as if the girls being here, and what had passed between them was aU the man had wanted. The fight against pain was graduaUy distorting his face, yet deep under that look his expression was unbeUevably peaceful. He looked up: God never made another one Uke her, Walt. Ive thought that every minute for two years, and stiU do. Now you sit down here and listen. Dont you butt in. Gandy hitched his box in close BiU, he said, theres not a darn thing you need to teU me. can-dleUg- . ht 13 LACK and white yam a cro-che hook presto a panda cuddle toy. Single crochet forms the exterior of this cute animal; cotton stuffing the interior;, buttons do exceUent service as eyes. et life-lik- Easy directions for this cuddly panda are Z9036, 15c. He is about 14 inches tall when finished, and will be a nursery favorite. It takes but little effort to crochet him. Send order to: AUNT MARTHA Box Kansas City, Mo. Enclose 15 cents for each pattern desired. Pattern No Name 166-- Address INDIGESTION may affect the Heart Go trippedooIn the stomach or sullst may set like a tbs heart. At tbs lint alas of distress smart men and women depend on Bell-aTableta te set saa free. No laxative but made of tbs fastest-aetl- ns medicines known for acid Indirection. If tbs VIBST DOSE doesn't prove BeU-a- nt better, return bottle to us and receive DOUBLE Honey Beck, fSo, hslr-trigf- you, boy. He lifted his head, drank and lay back. His voice had weakened when he said in a few minutes: I wanted to clean it aU up myself without you getting into any gunfight, because youre going to carry on this place. You and Helen. What do you mean? The C C. HoUisters smile lighted at Gandys puzzled stare. Its yours, most of it anyway. My part. What did you think I got you into this country for! Walt could say nothing. Whats the difference? HoUister went on. Things have aU been the same, havent they, yours and mine? Helen . . . He seemed to be switching onto another traU, but managed after a pause: I was too solemn a cuss, thats it. Youre her kind, Walt. I knew. Then later, That two hundred doUars you gave me settled a Uen and cleared your title. Papers are in my war bag at the Worth tiie Grind cUmb that puts on muscle. Anything worth having is never cheap. God has no bargain, counters for even His poor or weak. It hurts to faU down, but strengthens us to pick ourselves up. L. H. Talbot. Walt Gandy had risen, not' wanting to show his face, as strangely in a single moment there appeared before him every detaU of the years that he and BiU HoUister had been for Coughs, Chest Colds, Bronchitis ranch." together. Camps. Times they had fought their border battles side by He glanced side. And now down. HoUister had shut his eyes and roUed his head over as if to sleep. For a long time Walt looked on, then moved to the stove and put more brush stems in the fire. There was no need for light, and he blew out the candle, leaving only a red flicker from cracks in the stove. He remained standing and after a while held his watch down to one of the cracks. HoUister had not spoken again, but at the creaking of floor boards he opened his eyes. Midnight? Yes, Walt told him. Need ... iny-thin- g? There came no answer. It was aU of half an hour later when BiU HoUister struggled suddenly, trying to sit up. Walt! Bent His voice grated. Lavic knows something! If you can get him to talk . . . He dropped back, rigid as steel under the restraining pressure of Walt Gandys hands. At one oclock BiU Hollistei war ' dead. (TOBECONTINUEDj 'It is the How To Relieve Bronchitis Creomulsjon relieves promptly be- cause It goes right to the seat of the trouble to help loosen and expel germ laden phlegm, and aid nature to soothe and heal 'raw, tender, inflamed bronchial mucous membranes. Tell your druggist to sell you a bottle of Creomulsion with the understanding you must like the way it quickly allays the cough or you are to have your money back. CREOMULSION WNU W 4740 Beauty and Sadness Beauty and sadness always go together. Nature thought Beauty too rich to go forth upon the earth without a meet alloy. George MacDonald. IAS Help Them Cleanse the Blox of Harmful Body Waste Your kidneys are constantly filterinj waste matter from the blood stream. But kidneys sometimes las in theft work d not act ns Nature intended fail to re move impurities that, if retained, ms; ion the system and upset the whoii y machinery. Symptoms may be nagging backache persistent headache, attacks of dizziness getting up nights, swelling, puffinea under the eyes s feeling of nervoui anxiety and loss of pep and strength Other signs of kidney or bladder die order are sometimes burning, scanty o too frequent urination. There should be no doubt that prompt treatment is wiser than neglect. 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