The Argosy, Vol. 82, No. 3 — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

THE OLD WEST Brand, rising quietly, beckoned to Reeves, and they both left the house by the kitchen door. CHAPTER X. THE SHOW-DOWN. ARTIN REEVES felt like a man in a dream. Judge Brand had lifted a load of guilt from the conscience of old Bobbett; and he had done it with a simplicity and directness that put to shame all the cheap drama of the ’49 Camp. “T guess that fills the bill for Ezra Bob- bett,” remarked the judge. “We will now drop in at El Rio Rey while I hand Ray- ner an ultimatum.”’ The Tenderfoot roused himself. “What are you going to do to Rayner, judge?” he asked. “He has played a crooked game with the Bobbetts, and lost,” was the answer. ‘His knowledge of the shooting of Pecos was the secret of his influence over Ezra. Gentle- man Jim did not recognize me, either, so he worked away on his rascally plan to wrest fifty thousand dollars from the fortune coming to Lorena Adams. In the old times a scoundrel like Jim Rayner would have been the central figure in a necktie party, with six feet of rope and a short shrift; but in these humdrum days we must proceed differently.” “Tt’s the strangest thing I ever heard of, judge, the way you were able to draw on your experience and pull Ezra Bobbett out of his troubles!’? Reeves murmured. “Stranger” the other returned. ‘The only strange thing about it, Reeves, is the coincidence that brought Bobbett and me together, after all these years, in ‘the little that’s left of Rattlesnake City. That odd play of destiny extends also to Rayner.” They were near the honkatonk, and the judge led the way through the front door. Rayner, Quesada, Vince and Handy were playing cards. It was a dull evening at El Rio Rey and there was no one else about the place. Those at the table looked up as the newcomers entered. “Howdy, judge?” called Billy Vince. “Reeves, old sport, how’re you coming?” There was no answer to this greeting. Judge Brand walked straight to Gentle- man Jim. There he halted and turning to the Tenderfoot, said: “Present me to this gentleman, Reeves.” PER CONTRACT. Dd3 “Rayner,” remarked Reeves, ‘shake hands with Pecos Rufe, the man you knew on the Purgatoire.”’ Handy and Vince smiled uncertainly. No doubt they thought this one of the judge’s little pleasantries. Quesada scowled and muttered under his breath. Rayner, who had always seemed to Reeves so strong and youthful, shrank sud- denly into advanced middle age. If star- tled or alarmed he did not show it, but his blue eyes dulled and his lips tightened. He managed to smile and put out his hand. “Pecos Rufe?” said he. new one.” ‘No, an old one,” observed the judge. overlooking the proffered hand. “I can show you the mark—here,” and he touched his shoulder. ‘Pecos Rufe did not cash in during your game of two pluck one. I have duly informed Bobbett, Rayner.” There was determination in his face and voice as he added: “You have twenty-four hours to get out of camp!” “Ah,” returned Gentleman Jim in velvet tones; “‘and if I do not get out in twenty- four hours?” “Well,” was the significant response, “there is a sheriff in Penyan. Good night, gentlemen,” and the judge turned without further words and left the place. “Do you think Rayner understands?” Reeves asked, on the way to the adobe. “He understands that this. is a show- down,” the judge- answered grimly, ‘“ and he will act accordingly.” Next morning, Reeves took his location notice, ascended the gully and went down into the pocket by the fissure, the ledge and the vine-masked path. The stone heap he found as the judge had piled it, but the stick in the top had given way to a two- “Well, that is a _ by-four section of scantling with a square board nailed to its top. On the board, secured by tacks, was a printed notice similar to the one Judge Brand had filled out for Reeves. What did that mean? Somewhat per- turbed, Reeves climbed up on the stones and gave the notice closer inspection. One Juan Rosario Rayner had filed on the claim! Reeves was thunderstruck. Who was Juan Rosario Rayner? The last name sug- gested Gentleman Jim, and yet the man who was trying to steal the claim could not be the gambler. Go vOOK (©)