Brand Blotters - Page 72/180

She trailed the bridle reins, went up the porch steps, and drew off her

gauntlets. Her hand was outstretched to open the door when her gaze fell

upon a large bill tacked to the wall. Swiftly she read it through, and,

having read it, remained in suspended motion. For the first time she fully

realized the danger and the penalty that confronted her.

ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS

Will Be Paid By Thomas L. Morse

For the arrest and conviction of each of the men who were implicated

in the robbery of the Fort Allison stage on April twenty-seventh

last. A further reward of $1000 will be paid for the recovery of the

bullion stolen.

This was what she read, and her eye was running over it a second time when

she heard the jingle of a spur approaching.

"We're red-hot after them, you see, Miss Lee," a mocking voice drawled.

"If you want to round up a thousand plunks, all you've got to do is to

tell me who Mr. Hold-up is."

He laughed quietly, as if it were a joke, but the girl answered with a

flush. "Is that all?"

"That's all."

"If I knew, do you suppose I would tell for five thousand--or ten

thousand?"

For some reason this seemed to give him sardonic amusement. "No, I don't

suppose you would."

"You'll have to catch him yourself if you want him. I'm not in that

business, Mr. Flatray."

"I am. Sorry you don't like the business, Miss Lee." He added dryly: "But

then you always were hard to please. You weren't satisfied when I was a

rustler."

Her eyes swept him with a look, whether of reproach or contempt he was not

sure. But the hard derision of his gaze did not soften. Mentally as well

as physically he was a product of the sun and the wind, as tough and

unyielding as a greasewood sapling. For a friend he would go the limit,

and he could not forgive her that she had distrusted him.

"But mebbe you'd prefer it if I was rustling stages," he went on, looking

straight at her.

"What do you mean?" she asked breathlessly.

"I want to have a talk with you."

"What about?"

"Suppose we step around to the side of the house. We'll be freer from

interruption there."

He led the way, taking her consent for granted. With him he carried a

chair for her from the porch.

"If you'll be as brief as possible, Mr. Flatray. I've been in the desert

two days and want to change my clothes."