Adventure Magazine Cover — page 165: what you’re looking at

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

It remained, he considered, only to appre- hend the firebrand who had been paid to set the blazes, wring confession from him, and confront the Black Creek management with the evidence. Early in the afternoon he turned his horse back toward town. He had ridden perhaps a mile when a figure abruptly stepped from the hazel thicket at the side of the way. Randolph recognized him as “Old Dave, a hermit, who inhabited the shake cabin a mile back from the trail. “Howdy, ranger,” the ancient greeted, running his fingers through his matted gray beard. From ragged holes in his felt hat wisps of hair stuck out in all directions, giving him the appearance of a wandering scare- crow. “Been up seeing the fire?”’ Randolph drew rein. “She was wicked while she lasted, Dave. More luck than good judgment that we got her out when we did.” Old Dave regarded him with an air of mystery “How do you think she started, ranger?” The Service man shook-his head. “Haven’t given it a thought, Dave. Pretty dry in the woods just now; lots of pitch out.” << “Twasn’ t pitch started her, I reckon, ranger.” Randolph appeared surprized, to the old fellow’s evident satisfaction. “Think not? How so?” “Lots of reasons, ranger,” the oldster returned, shaking his grizzled head. ‘‘Don’t look right at all—too sort of mechanical.”’ He stroked his beard reflectively; then as if launching a new subject— “Seen any strangers in the woods lately, ranger?” “Haven’t seen any, Dave. Don’t think there are any new folks about.”’ He recalled quickly the presence of Red Cullum and his three followers. “No, I don’t think we’ve had any new- comers in quite some time.” “Don’t be too sure, ranger. That’s just the trouble with you Service youngsters. Think you know a heap more than the old woods-hogs. Forget it, son. I seen stran- gers right here on this trail the very day of the fire!”’ “Do tell, Dave!’ the ranger replied, justly giving expression to his surprize for The Weight of Reputation’ f I5I - other’s benefit. “What did they look - e?”’ “Saw them come down the trail about an hour before the fire got to racing big. Three of them were just common run; but the fourth could be described some. Big fellow with red hair and a wide hat pinned up on one side,”’ The ranger chirruped to his horse. “Much obliged, Dave. Ill have Carter send you up a side of bacon. I’ve got to be hurrying along.” He urged the horse down the trail toward town, satisfied that Red Cullum was the man he wanted. He recalled that he had not seen any of the gang since the day of the fire; doubtless they had long since taken to the trail. It might require weeks to apprehend them, and Randolph had very special rea- sons for wanting the job finished up. in short order. He knew that his new friends would expect summary methods of him. He determined to reverse his initial plan and go after the Black Creek manager first. HE SWEPT down the main street at a smart canter and drew up before Brant’s office. Through the wide window he saw Florence White at her typewriter; the bookkeeper and his assistant stood beyond bending over their ledgers; in the room’s center, seated at his flat-top desk, was the manager. Randolph strode through the door with a pronounced swagger that befitted one of riotous and high-handed ways. He disre- garded the look of cool amusement in Florence White’s eyes and passed on to the flat-top desk. “Brant, I've a little matter to talk over with you,’ Elmer pronounced imposingly. “Can I see you in private?” ‘Brant’s grizzled brows contracted, and he answered after the manner of his ancient kind who held the Service in bold contempt: “T don’t have private dealings with rang- | ers. What do you want now?” “Have it your own way, Brant; it’s your funeral,’’ Randolph replied loftily. He paused an impressive moment, sur- veying the manager from head to foot. Then he said quickly: “T’ve got the goods on Red Cullum, Brant. Want to hear his confession?” Old Brant leaped“to his feet forthwith, a red tide surging to his face. (ee) ,OOK :€O