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Updated: May 2, 2025
Neither of the cattlemen greatly feared the coming of a second posse, at least immediately, but for the sake of prudence, they went armed and kept a careful watch. Wade mounted guard while Santry, who in his younger days had prospected in California, squatted over a sandy, rock-rimmed pool and deftly "washed out" a pan of gravel.
Never mind asking me why." He clapped Santry on the back. "It's because we're partners in fact, if not in name. Because you've stuck with me through all the lean years. That's reason enough." The old plainsman carefully emptied the dust back into the pan before he said anything. "Have you gone clean crazy?" he finally demanded. "Givin' away a fortune like it was the makin's of a cigareet?
At any rate, what can I do?" "Senator " Wade spoke with intense weariness. "Only yesterday you offered to help us. The situation, as I explained it then, is unchanged now, except for the worse. Bill Santry is free of any complicity in Jensen's death. I am positive of it. He sent me word that he had not left the ranch, and he would not lie to save himself from hanging.
If the posse was still at the ranch, when he and Santry returned there at the head of their men, they would attack in force, and shoot to kill if necessary. He learned from Lem Trowbridge, who presently joined him at the table, that the posse would probably still be there, for the report in town was that Moran had taken possession of the property and meant to stay there. "He does, eh?"
"I've heard about that kind of devotion," the agent sneered, "but I've yet to see a sample of it." "Well, you may before long. Your first proposition's no good anyway. It would simply further antagonize Wade's friends. It's quite possible, though, that Santry might have been mixed up in such a brawl.
Wheeling his horse, he rode off toward Crawling Water. That he could take his men with him, storm the jail and release Santry, Wade did not doubt, but to do so would be to bring each of the men into open conflict with the law, a responsibility which he was resolved to bear alone. Then, too, because his long ride had cooled him somewhat, he intended to make one more appeal to the Senator.
"I must go, Helen," he went on, turning to the girl at his side. "There's been fighting murder, perhaps out near the ranch. Santry will need me." He was uneasy lest the old plainsman should have been concerned in the shooting. "You'll take me to the hotel?" "Of course, yes! Would you mind walking a little faster?" They quickened their pace. "I'm sorry, Helen; but I must hurry to the ranch."
"It wasn't Barker's fault," she said quickly. "There seemed to be no danger. Gordon said so himself. But one of you go, immediately, for the doctor." "I'll go," Santry responded and hurried from the room, followed by Barker, thoroughly wretched.
"Good-by!" Dorothy waved to him as the horses sped away in the direction of Crawling Water. Wade watched them out of sight, and then entered the house to tell Santry that he would not be needed on the afternoon trip to the timber claim. The old man growled a little at the idea of Wade going alone, but he finally gave in. "I'll take my gun and keep my eye peeled," his employer promised.
Santry sobbed, dropping on his knees before the unconscious figure. "Who done this to you?" Dorothy weepingly explained, and when she told of her own part in shooting Moran the old fellow patted her approvingly on the back. "Good girl," he said hoarsely. "But I wish that job had been left for me." "Merciful Heavens!" cried Mrs. Purnell. "I shall never get over this."
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