Fifteen Western Tales, March 1954 — page 75: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

: WAR AT SPANISH WELLS 75 reflection against the rocks for many miles.” Hank yawned. “You ain’t payin’ my way, soldier. Besides, them Mohaves know you're here. You raised enough dust to warn the whole damned Mohave nation.” Stuart flushed. “Well, just watch your language.” Hank yawned again. ‘‘Miss Lake was raised on a parade-ground, sonny. She - listened to Dennehy whipping rookies into shape with that acid tongue of his afore you left grade school. I ain’t likely to say anythin’ to displeasure her. She’s army. That’s more’n I can say for some of you hombres.” Clifton leaned forward. you up to this lip?” Hank got up and leaned toward the offi- cer. “Me.” Stuart stepped back. “Listen, Mooney. I am placing Spanish Wells under military law. Be careful what you say.” Hank bowed. “I will, commander. Now get away and let me alone. I[ don’t feel too good as it is.” Dane walked over to Hank and squatted heside him as the scout lay down. “What the hell has got into you, Hank?” he asked quietly. “You keep riling Clifton “Who's putting every chance you get. He’s got his hands: full with his detail.” _ Hank filled his pipe. As he lit it his gray -eyes studied Dane over the flare of the lucifer. “You ever see me do anythin’ without a damned good reason for it?” Dane shook his head. “You usually don’t waste any effort on non-essentials.” * “Then you sit tight and don’t worry about me. You talked to Marion yet?” Dane shook his head. “Why should I? She wouldn’t have anything to do with me now.” Hank puffed at his pipe. “You know where the old dry timaja is? Farther in among the rocks? The one with all the old writings on the walls?” “You be there after the men are asleep.” “Why ?” “Never you mind. Will you do it?” “Ves. + “Bueno! Now beat #. I want to smoke a pipe and get some sleep. I might have to do some scoutin’ before long.”’ HE MOON was high when Dane — reached the old tanks, now dry as a bone. It was the old Spanish Well of long time past. Inscribed on the soft rock of the walls were the so-called writings Hank had mentioned.: Indians, Spaniards, Mexicans, Californios and Americans had used it in turn. Warriors, conquistadores, priests, traders, soldiers and herders had known the place well. Dane looked closely at the inscriptions. “What are you reading?” the quiet voice asked from behind him. He turned quickly. It was Marion. Her long auburn hair flowed about her shoulders. “Are you surprised to see me?” she asked. “Hank -told me to come.” “I asked him to.”’ ‘“‘Why don’t you forget me, Marion? My career is blasted. You’re army and always will be. Stay with your own kind.” She placed a hand on his arm. The touch quickened his pulses. . “You are still army, Dane. You are my kind. That’s why I wanted to speak with you.” 6¢ S of ?”? She sat down at the edge of the dry tank. “T have never believed you aia that money. It is so unlike you.’ He laughed harshly. “You and Hank are the only two people who believe that. What proof do you have? None!” She shook her head. ‘Father never has believed it either, but the evidence at your court-martial was overwhelming. What could he do?” He couldn’t influence the “Yes. - awe Tt; cComicbooks-com, —