Action-Packed Western, May 1957 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

98 ACTION-PACKED WESTERN under a glistening smear ef ointment, stood in silence next te the sheriff. A white sling contrasted against Sheriff Hannibal’s dangling black coat sleeve. Herb Martin stood off to one side and watched the burial. First the dep- uty then, as the group watched stonily, the caskets of the two imported dead gunmen were lowered out of sight. Herb walked over and stood stiffly be- side his father’s grave; the dirt caked down from the heat of the sun, He moved toward the silent men. “Now...” Hannibal’s voice rose to crusty, “just everybody listen to me. It’s time for talkin’ sense. I been shot up, burnt out, and generally ignored, long enough!” He turned steeley eyes on _ the ranchers. “I know them two,” his good hand jumped toward the graves of the ambushers, “was brought in here on account of head money offered for the Martin’s killin’s. I can’t haul you all, in cause my witness is dead but—let me finish!” The mutters died down. “First, the Martins has got to stop killin’. Their Pa died breakin’ the law, tryin’ to blow up a dam. “Now...” Hannibal’s voice rose to a shout, “I’m goin’ to hire another dep- uty and I’m goin’ further. If they’s one more gunfight, I’m goin’ to kill them that’s takin’ part! My orders is going to be followed. Shoot to kill— an’ you'll be shot at to be killed—by the law of Callosos County!” “Sheriff?” The stilled men stared at Herb Martin from beneath lowered hat brims. “Z think this gun war is over. Ray and me—we got a ranch to look after.” “You just take care of it...” the sheriff but was interrupted by the dark-faced Dooley. “Tt was all done wrong from the start. Your father, and the others that died...”’ He seemed to be having trouble expressing himself, “Anyway, we’ve ‘since learned that Minor was drivin’ yearlings offa your ranch, and was killed whilst doin’ it. Well, damn it, he shoulda been strung up anyways, and would of—sooner or later. So that clears Ray of his killin’, The others?” : He spread his hands. “Stanley aad Thatcher went for their guns and was beat to the draw. That seems to clear Herb.” He cast a covert eye over the group. “Them two gunmen that fired the jail... Well—er—guess nobody’ll miss them so—can’t we settle every- thing right now?” A half nod moved the heads of eight men and Dooley brightened. “That dam your father blew up—we ain’t gonna rebuild it. The Martins and the rest can have use of what water there’s left in Border River.” Sheriff Hannibal nodded. “There ain’t a jury panel in the whold Callo- sos’ll convict Ray. Let’s all go home. I'll put Ray into Herb’s custody—~ until the trial.” The men drifted out of the group and walked slowly to the horses in the corrall behind the church. —— BRITAINS No.1 nisin bles — ee lal NATO CONVERSION ALLOWS _— ged ACCURATE, pornye: spite HUNTERS , parts. N complete wit c NOSE SPORTING fying: American made, box yr M. r C.0.D. Calif resid. add 4% state tan. « GUAR ERY “. 50 per 10% ree). SOFT. { 20 rds, $2.96, Bayonet: $1.95. TO ORDEM) Sead ehech, GOLDEN STATE ARMS CORP. 204 Armory Bldg., 1165 £. Colorado st, Pasadene 1, Calif. Dept, 266 cComichbooks