2 Gun Western, May 1957 — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

18 -2«GUN WESTERN stead. Tomorrow he’d show the stub- born brute who was boss! The stars were out when Lance once again was thwarted. Cotton was willing to go only to his old home. By now the horse was tired, so the disgruntle and furious cowboy rode in to the D K slowly, making no sound to attract attention. A light at the corral interested Lance. He put Cotton in the stable and investigated. By lantern-light, Blanche was milking a cow. Twin streams of milk were singing a song as they shot into the pail. She was using both hands! Lance’s nerves tightened; his mus- cles tightened. Keeping out of sight, -he watched the girl carry two brim- ming pails to the house, where, with swift efficiency, she put the separa- tor together, strained the milk into its great bowl, and began turning the crank. : Aunt Kate called, “The wood burns up so fast I’ve let the fire go out again, Can you build a new fire?” ~“Tt’s very simple, Auntie. Phooey on Lance and his shavings! Put some twisted pieces of paper in the fire- box, throw chips from the woodpile on top, and touch a match to it.” f Ena SEPARATOR was singing now, milk and cream running from its two spouts. The watching man’s thoughts were racing savagely! I should have caught on when I found out that she fired Pete Doakes! Now I’ll grab her and shake her. Maybe I’ll turn her over my knee! The telephone pealed out the D K “ring, Blanche ran to answer, and Lance stepped closer to an open win- dow. “Hello?...This is Blanche New- ton...Oh, Mr. Alec Potter....Why did I call Mrs. Potter today to ask her to tell you to hold off on appoint- ing Lance Condon as your range forerman?. .. Mr. Potter, I’d rather not try to explain over the party line... How’s that?” Blanche’s voice sharpened, “Lance hasn’t shown up all day?” Anxious concern filled the girl’s voice. “I’m scared, Mr. Potter. Lance was riding a green brone when he started for your ranch...I needn't worry? Thai fellow can ride anything that wears hair?... How’s that again, please?... Tell Lance if he wants that job to get a wiggle on himself or you'll give it to Price Wycoff?... Lance doesn’t want the job... No, he doesn’t! G’bye.” Lance had gone rigid. He couldn’t even announce his presence. Blanche rushed back into the kitch- en. A fire was now blazing in the stove, and Aunt Kate was setting the table. “Auntie!” Her voice held ~ fright. “Lance didn’t reach the Circle Three, and I’m scared!... I’ll saddle his horse and go look for him.” Grimly, Lance thought, I’ll let her do just that! I want her to stay out all night, riding around on the flats and getting herself lost! But before the cowboy could duck out of sight, Blanche darted outside so quickly that she caught him. 3 “Why—why—you'’re here, Lance!” “Yes, I’m here.” His hands vised the girl’s shoulders. “So you—you little fake! A greenhorn who cut her hand whittling shavings and couldn’t drive a nail or milk a cow or make a wood fire!” “Please, Lance, don’t be rough and cross,” contritely. “I.. Oh, there’s the phone again.” | “The devil with the blamed phone!” snapped Lance. “You and me are due for a show...” She pulled away from him, and he followed as far as the kitchen, where he heard, “Mr. Johnstone? You were told to ring the D K and you might get in touch with Lance?” Lance bounded into the living- room. “Let me. talk to Johnstone!” he demanded. ; y LANCHE HELD fast to the re- ceiver, and with surprising strenght pushed Lance away with her right hand. “Yes, I’m Blanche New- ton, the new owner of the DE... I Can give your message to Lance.” Lance heard Johnstone’s reply: “Tell that fellow I’ve got another chance to sell them cows and I can’t hold off. Does Lance want ’em, or don’t he?” Lance shouted. “Give me that phone, Blanche,” But Blanche was saying very decid- edly, “He does want the cows, Mr. ( please turn ais Pal e 40) VOOKS 5 COMM