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Perhaps in a calmer mood Dunlavey had decided not to use his weapon; perhaps there was something about the quiet, cool, and deliberate Allen which convinced Dunlavey that the former might be able to give a good account of himself in the event of trouble. At any rate several times Allen had ridden the Circle Cross range unmolested by either Dunlavey or his men.
Hollis was aware of the uselessness of bringing a charge against Dunlavey he had not forgotten his experience with Bill Watkins when he had attempted to have Greasy brought to justice. He believed that he would not have brought such a charge had there been any probability of the sheriff taking action. He felt that in inciting Yuma to attack Nellie, Dunlavey had also contemplated a blow at him.
Dunlavey had lost a little of the composure which had characterized his actions since entering the office and the last words of his speech had writhed venomously through his lips. Hollis's face betrayed absolutely no emotion.
Hollis glanced furtively at Dunlavey to see that gentleman scowl. He thought he saw a questioning glint in Allen's eyes as the latter looked suddenly at him, but he merely smiled and gave his attention to the next man, who was now entering. The latter proved to be Lemuel Train. He did his voting quietly and grimly.
In Hollis's "Salutatory" to the people of Dry Bottom he had announced in a quiet, unostentatious paragraph that while he had not come to Dry Bottom for a free fight, he would permit no one to tread on his toes. His readers' comprehension of the metaphor was complete as was evidenced by the warm hand-clasps which he received from citizens who were not in sympathy with the Dunlavey regime.
But Yuma Ed, Greasy, Ten Spot, and some more who belong to the Dunlavey crowd are professional gun-men and do not hesitate to shoot. The chances are that Dunlavey will try to square accounts with you in some other manner, but I would be careful of Yuma a blow in the face never sets well on a man of that character."
That they did not showed that they must have some peculiar motive. Aside from a perfectly natural desire on Dunlavey's part to deal to Hollis the same sort of punishment that Hollis had inflicted on Dunlavey on the occasion of their first meeting, the latter could have no motive other than that of preventing the appearance of the Kicker on its regular publication day.
Ten Spot dangerous, reckless, drunk, at the head of a number of dissolute men, had it in his power to make things decidedly interesting should he advance on the sheriff's office with the intention of assisting Dunlavey. Several times since hiring Ten Spot Hollis had doubted him.
Would he make war upon Dunlavey in defense of the men who had refused aid to his father in time of need? Hollis was still of the opinion that Dunlavey would not attempt to carry out his threat. He smiled at the malevolent expression in the puncher's eyes. "Somehow," he said quietly, "I have always been able to distinguish between empty boast and determination.
To-morrow is the tenth day and I am sure that if Dunlavey carries out his threat he won't start anything until to-morrow. Therefore I am going to bed." He laughed. "Call me if you hear any shooting. I may want to take a hand in it." They parted Hollis going to his room and Norton stepping down off the porch to take a turn down around the pasture to look after the horses.
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