Adventure Magazine Cover — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

86 was a younker? You seem keener for that than for learning if I owned the mare.” “You're addressing a duly organized court of justice in the territory of Idaho,” warned Curks. ‘You have been fined for presenting a loaded firearm to the person of an inoffensive citizen. I must have some- thing of your record.” With his broad hands on his hips and his face still turned toward the bearded faces at the door Hale slowly replied— “TI was in Utah before going to Oregon.” “That’s all,” said Curks, sweeping the bag of dust into an inside pocket. “This court is adjourned.” Hale did not seem to hear the dismissal but remained watching the door. A small hand yanked his arm, and Riply was saying: “It’s time for you to go. Come. I’ve got your rifle.” : Hale followed him to the door, the spec- tators filing out ahead of them. As he reached the door both hands dropped to his guns, “None of that!” hissed Riply with a backward glance. “By the eternal! You'll swing yet if you don’t behave.” “I ain’t doing no harm,” mumbled Hale, never shifting his gaze from the waiting mob of men ahead. “I’m just prepared. You don’t seem to understand.” They passed out the door and were greeted with a chorus of jeers. Hale halted and announced: “I just want to say half a dozen words. T can nail any thief that has the run of this town. There won’t be any law busi- ness the next time I’m robbed.” “You come along and get your mare and ride out of town,” angrily commanded Riply. “T reckon you’re on the level,” said Hale. ‘We've heard things about you up Oro Fino way.” “T don’t know whether you’re on the level or not,” grumbled Riply. “If gossip has the right of it, you’re not.” Hale remained facing the mob. He asked cf Riply— “‘Any of these men strangers in town?” “T don’t know. They come and go all the time.” “Who took that writing to the judge?” “One of the town drunkards. No ac- count.” * “That Curks is a bad one. He comes from Utah.” | Adventure “That don’t signify. Why didn’t you want to tell about living there?” “I was only a boy when I quit there,” was the evasive answer. “Stop staring like you wanted to pick a fight, and come along. pecting to see, anyway?” “T don’t know. That’s why I’m looking.” “T don’t aim to nose into your affairs, but if there’s anything you want to teil me—_—” ‘Much obliged. You mean well. You’ve done well. Once or twice I reckon I'd a commenced shooting if not for you.” ‘And filled a noose before morning. There’s the stable-keeper. Wait outside while I get your mare.” “Don’t bother. I can take care of my- self.”’ “Then step sharp. I’ve something else to do besides spending the day with you.” When Hale rode his dancing mare from the stable Riply was waiting down the street and motioned him to rein in. He warned— “They won’t drop this. And _ there’s something you haven’t told me. I’m afraid you'll be followed. The next time the odds will be all theirs. You’d better go back to the mountains for a spell.”’ Hale peered anxiously up the street. Riply wondered if his nerve was weakening. “T ain’t afraid of these low town dogs that bark when told,” he muttered. ‘Did you see the man that sent the writing to the judge?” “T didn’t notice him.” Hale weighed something for a moment, made to ride on, then changed his mind and leaned low from the saddle and whis- pered— “Did you happen to see a man at the door have his hand like this?”’ And he placed his right hand against his cheek, the fingers extending upward, and pushed it up until the lobe of his ear was cradled between the thumb and index finger. Riply gazed at him in amaze- ment. ‘“‘No; I saw nothing like that. What'are you getting at, anyway? The sun hasn’t made your head feel queer, has it?” Hale straightened in the saddle and made sure his rifle was securely in place. “Just a bit of nonsense of mine. I’m a great feller for fun. Ill take your advice and ride back north. If I’m followed up Who you ex-. COMmicaoo® S C@