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Updated: May 18, 2025
Perhaps his eyes were more alert than those of the other men, his lips in a straighter line. But apparently he knew no more of this mystery than any of the others. And now Leviatt's voice rose again, insolent, carrying an unmistakable personal application. "Stafford hires a stray-man," he said, sneering.
Until he discovered the identity of the rider he must remain absolutely in the dark concerning Leviatt's motive in concealing the name of this other actor in the incident. He was positive that Leviatt knew the rider, but he was equally positive that Leviatt would keep this knowledge to himself. But on this morning he was not much disturbed over the mystery. Other things were troubling him.
He's gettin' a hundred dollars a month for the season, to put Ben Radford out of business!" The smile had gone from Radford's face; his lips were tightly closed, his eyes cold and alert. "You lying about Ferguson because you think he's friendly with Mary?" he questioned quietly. Leviatt's right hand dropped swiftly to his holster. But Radford laughed harshly. "Quit it!" he said sharply.
I'm wantin' you to keep the boys together this afternoon, for we might need them to help Ferguson out. He's promised to ride in to-day an' show me the man who's been rustlin' my cattle." Leviatt's lips slowly straightened. He sat more erect, and when he spoke the mockery had entirely gone from his voice and from his manner. "He's goin' to do what?" he questioned coldly.
Stafford had told him that he had Leviatt's word that Radford was the thief who had been stealing the Two Diamond cattle. Stafford had said also that it had been Leviatt who had suggested employing a gunfighter had even gone to Dry Bottom with the manager for the purpose of finding one. And now that one had been employed Leviatt had become suddenly antagonistic to him.
I reckon, Leviatt, that you've been over there to learn your'n. An' now you've got to let these boys know !" Just a rustle it was a snake-like motion. And then Ferguson's gun was out; its cold muzzle pressed deep into the pit of Leviatt's stomach, and Ferguson's left hand was pinning Leviatt's right to his side, the range boss's hand still wrapped around the butt of his half-drawn weapon.
He spoke to Stafford, without removing his gaze from the range boss. "Yesterday," he stated calmly, "I was ridin' down the river. I found a basin among the hills. There was a cabin down there. Four men was talkin' in front of it. There was twenty calves an' a dozen cows in a corral. Two of the men was " Leviatt's right hand dropped suddenly to his holster. His pistol was half out.
Leviatt's legs stretched slowly and then stiffened. In the strained silence that had followed the shooting Ferguson stood, looking gloomily down upon the quiet form of his fallen adversary. "I reckon you won't lie no more about me," he said dully. Without a glance in the direction of the group of silent men, he sheathed his weapons and strode toward the ranchhouse.
A curse writhed through Leviatt's lips. "Why, you damned " "Don't!" warned Ferguson. He coolly stepped toward Leviatt, holding by the thongs the leather tobacco pouch from which he had obtained the tobacco to make his cigarette. When he had approached close to the range boss he held the pouch up before his eyes.
"I'm takin' Dave Leviatt's word for it," he said. "Who's Leviatt?" queried Ferguson. "My range boss," returned Stafford. "He's been ridin' sign on Radford an' says he's responsible for all the stock that we've been missin' in the last six months." Ferguson rolled a cigarette. He lighted it and puffed for a moment in silence, the manager watching him.
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