2-Gun Western, February 1954 — page 54: what you’re looking at

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

54 pens to the country? What happens to law an’ order when—” Somebody moved behind him and he turned to see Fred Hitch stand- ing there with Dutch Gerlach. Fred was frightened, but there was ugli- ness in the foreman’s face. “You invite this gent here?” Dutch asked thickly. | “No.” Old Tom sat up a little. “Tell him to get out and stay out.” The old man hunched his pillow behind him. “He forced his way in here with some cock-an’-bull story about rustlin’.” Gerlach looked at Ryan and jerked his head toward the door. “You heard him. Get out!” Matt Ryan walked to the door and went down the steps. Then swiftly he turned the corner and ran for his horse. A rifle shot slammed the dark- ness and knocked a chip from a tree trunk, but his turn had been sudden and unexpected. He hit the saddle running and the bay bounded like a rabbit and was gone into the darkness under the trees. A second and a third shot wasted themselves in the night. How had they gotten on his trail so suddenly? They must have left the dance almost as soon as he had. And where was Kitty Hanna? ILES FELL behind him, and the trail was abandoned for the side-hills and trees, and he worked his way across ridges and saddles, and found himself back at Pima Can- yon with the sun coming up. All was still below, and he watched for half an hour before going down. When he got there he packed his spare horse and rode out of the can- yon, leaving his diggings. They were good and getting better, but no place for him now. There were too many marks of his presence. Why had he gotten into this? It was no business of his. What if the lawless did come from the hills and the good times of the old KY were gone? Could he not ride on? He owned nothing here, he did not be- long here. This was a problem for others, not himself. But was it? Was not the problem of the law and of community peace the problem of all men? Could any safely abandon their right of choice to others? Might 2-GUN WESTERN not their own shiftlessness rob them of all they valued? Bedding down in the high pines under the stars, Matt Ryan thought himself to sleep over that. He had taken a foolish step into the troubles of others. He would stay out. Old Tom did not want his help, nor did Kitty want his love. Two days he rode the hills, for two days shifting camp each night. For two days he was irritable. It was none of his business, he kept telling himself. The old man had sent him packing, Kitty had turned him down. Nevertheless, he could not settle down. I"e rode back to Pima Canyon and looked around. Their tracks were everywhere. They had found this place, and had without doubt come looking for him. So he was a hunted man now. It was good to know. Yet he did not leave. Without rea- son for remaining, he remained. And on the third day he rode to Hanna’s Station. Kitty was not there, | but her father was. Hanna looked at him carefully. “Maria huntin’ you. Come in here ridin’ a mule. Acted like she didn’t aim to be seen. Left word you was to see her.” “All right,” he said. Hanna brought him coffee and a meal, “Ain’t Kitty’s grub,” he said. “She’s to town.” The older man sat down. Dutch Gerlach was in with two men, he told Ryan, hunting for him. Or may- be, he added, hunting Fred Hitch. “Hitch?” “He’s gone. Dropped out of sight. Nobody knows why.” . A rattle of horses’ hoofs sounded and Matt Ryan came to his feet quickly. Outside were four men. Dutch Gerlach, two hands...and Lee Dunn. Ryan turned sharply. He had left his horse in the trees and there was a chance it had not been seen. Step- ping into the kitchen, he moved back to a door on his right. He opened it and stepped through. He was in Kit- ty’s room. There was a stamp of boots outside and a distant sound of voices, then a rattle of dishes. What had happened? If Lee Dunn and Gerlach were together, then-~ COPMICLOOOKS (©)