Cowboy Short Stories, November 1939 — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

THE DEAD ARE IN THE SADDLE he had hatched up had to work. If it didn’t, Gus Wilkins’ life wouldn’t be worth a phony nickel when Forbes and his crew got back to town. The kid’s fists were clenched where they were handcuffed in front of him. The knuckles stood out white. Some- how he had an idea that Wilkins would have wanted him to take that gamble if there was a chance of hitting back at Trude Lyman. From the other side of the feed rack, he could hear Jenkins’ shovel prying up the floor boards. “Them papers—” he began, then hesi- tated for a second. “They're up in Mon- tana.” For a moment he was sorry he said that. Forbes had only to look at his outfit—short boots, Spanish-rigged saddle and bullhide chaps—to know he had come from the south. But Forbes wasn’t thinking of that. He was bending forward, still fingering the spur and watching the kid through hooded eyes. “Where abouts in Montana?” “Up in Miles City, in the bank,” Drifter lied. He could read in Forbes’ face exactly what the sheriff intended to do. Forbes put down the spur and brought his gun out of the holster very deliberately. He hefted it and thumbed back the hammer. “Ain't that nice, now?” he grinned. It was only going to be a matter of seconds now, the kid knew, before that gun would crash. From around the feed rack he heard Jenkins shout. “I got this hole big enough any time you want to roll him in.” Forbes’ gun arched up. “You poor damn sucker,” he whispered at the kid through clenched teeth. “You—” Drifter rolled over. He had been holding his muscles tense for what seemed like hours, watching that gun. As he rolled, he lashed out with both feet at Fotbes’ legs. The gun roared, and Drifter felt the bite of the bullet in his left arm, which he had thrown out in front of him. He spat the cigar out, hoping it would fall where he intended it to, and hurled his body at Forbes. His arms, manacled in front of him, were useless. One arm he couldn’t raise at all, and the other was more in the way than useful. Drifter dropped his shoulders down, then hunched up quickly. His driving shoul- der caught Forbes in the brisket and hurled him back. Something struck Drifter from behind. 3 The kid whirled—tright into Peterson’s (Continued on Page 108) Finish Ring. ee Sate Amazing RING VALUE! No. 50—New a7 ree TES 5 | designed 14 Kt. a | f carved simulated Cameo, set in a square ruby color stone, Copied from a very expensive model. Will not tarnish. Adjustable to any size finger! A wonderful bar- gain, Rush order today. Satisfaction guaranteed. $1.00 postpaid or C.O.D. plus postage. HOUSE OF GIFTS 4434 (T-8) Post Ave. Florida DICE - CARDS - GAMES Special Dice, Weights, Flats, Tops— Card Readers, Papers, Strippers, Inks. Supplies of all kinds. Blue Book FREE. H. C. EVANS & CO. Dept. 35—1520 W. Adams St. Chicago Complete Home-Study Courses and educational books, slightly used. Sold, rented, exchanged, Alf subjects. Miaml Beare D e iireseg ener: ecb tireer aaa Cou @ today! NELSON Co. Lezst Manhattan Bldg., Chicago. Free Examination. Send Your Poems To 4153-DA South Van Ness Los Angeles, Calif. @ ions, ek AL etc. 25c brings for free wholesale catalogue of festeeel ing Items. $Top/ P/ PRICES: SONG POEMS WANTED ~ J. CHAS. MeNEIL Vi ENI J SENSATIONAL NOVELTIES FALSE | se TO BE SET TO MUSIC BACHELOR OF MUSIC Hulla Dancers, Whoopee Cush= luxe Package $4.00 per gross, delivered. Send Hamilton, Ont, FANCY. ROOFLESS | FILL A LONG "FELT WANT Sic SEND NO MONEYiae ee Thousands of pleased users say my plates saved them many dollars,improved their appearance. Aids your speech. FRE FULL INSTRUCTIONS How to Order by Mail, iS] o MBE. See ep Ere ‘ett ator: ged’ 2% oe. Vai Van n Buren Street, Lab Ine. prices” TODAY. 107 Connicloookxs Sanitary Wrapped Impression Material and (©