Western Story Magazine, May 12, 1934 — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

Outlaws Of Calico Hole | dent’s desk. There _were several copies, so I took one.’ - Sanchez glaneed at the. paper and read: —relative to the sum of one hun- dred thousand dollars’ indebtedness of the El Rio State Bank to the Wagon Gap State Bank, please be advised we have informed the various ranchers to whom the money was advanced, the loan must be paid. We have assurance the entire sum will be available on the twentieth of next month and will be forwarded as you instruct “You want to ease up, and so do I, Sanchez, and that looks like our chance. If I’m now a member of your band, I’ll take your orders. Ii I’m an outsider, then I’d like to pull out, pick up a few good men, and go after that money myself. What is the answer?” | Sanchez drummed on the table with long, artistic fingers. The ciga- rette in his lps’ drooped, glowed, then grayed across the burning end; smoke came from his lips slowly. “You are a member of the band, my friend,” the outlaw answered. “Join the others and await orders.” “All right, but first I think TI wash off the dirt and enjoy a good shave,” Dan replied. As he left the room, El] Mudo, who as usual had been watching, came over and joined his chief. CHAPTER VIII. A BARGAIN. ANCHEZ slept soundly after S his discussion with E] Mudo, and awakened feeling well pleased with himself. True, Dan Stuart had done the unexpected, looted the bank and returned safely. But he had brought thirty thousand dollars and information of a hundred thousand dollars at E] Rio. True, also, Dan had not run away ~ too.” and forfeited Al Ford’s life, which would have enabled the outlaw to drive a good bargain with Alice. On the other hand, Al would require considerable money for defense, so 1 followed he could still drive a bar- gain. He was bright and cheerful at the breakfast table, and his men, who feared him, warmed under his geniality. After breakfast he motioned to Alice. “My pretty friend, I have something to tell you in private. Won’t you come in?” “Yes,” Alice answered without hesitation. “I want to talk to you, She seated herself and looked about the room. E] Mudo appeared, but Sanchez waved him aside. After a moment’s hesitation, the dumb one departed. The girl began the conversation. “Al is a member of your band, Mr. Sanchez,” she said, “and is to be placed on trial.” “He was not engaged in my work. Rather, he insisted on joming Dan Stuart in a private enterprise,” San- chez interrupted. “You got the loot,” she bluntly stated. “Al’s in jail. Are you go- ing to leave him there?” “His defense can be arranged. [ shall speak plainly.” A shade of apprehension crossed her face, then it returned to its normal calmness. “You have been here in my hands for two months, my friend. My rule here is absolute. I hold the life or death of every living thing in Calico Hole in my hands. Even so, toward you I have not been—let us say, of- fensive.” “You've been a gentleman, for reasons of your own,” she answered. “Go ahead and let’s hear the rest GOFAL. He bowed. “T am almost ready to marry and settle down, _My_w rife. 41 ~y