Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 124, No. 2 — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

wm & ¢ | A CIRCUS FOR \ , along with them circus people and I’m aim- in’ to git ‘em on their feet agin or bust a-tryin’. “ Supposin’ you drives ’em off—what "11 happen? They'll go plumb to the bad. What they wants is a guy to boss ‘em around. That circus’s billed to show all summer and they’s big money in it. “Well, you wanted to know what I was gonna do about it, and I’m tellin’ you I wants the job of bossin’ this here circus! They mind what I says. I-kin handle ‘em. “Tm askin’ you, Mr. Benson, to back me up in this here deal. I wants the circus and I wants it bad. It’s the square thing to do and I kin make good.” An absolute silence followed Zach’s as- tounding argument. Mr. Benson studied him closely and from a different angle than he had formerly looked upon this harum- scarum cowboy. There was not a doubt in Benson’s mind that Zach was in deadly earnest. He knew that he had listened to a speech which came Straight from the heart of this newly grown- up man and that it conveyed a message of import. . “Well, Zach, you’ve sort of taken me off my feet,’’ said Benson at last. “Same here,” agreed the sheriff, whose hostile expression had mellowed. “ Here’s hopin’ youll come down with both feet for me,” said Zach, smiling grimly. “Suppose we go down and give this cir- cus outfit the once over,’ ' Suggested | Mr. Benson. The three of them rode down to the tim- ber tract and inspected every detail of the stranded show. They had a consultation with members of the troupe and secured much information about the prospects, good, bad, and indifferent. It was none too optimistic a venture, but Benson was one who dared to speculate. Zach’s earnest appeal had made a favorable impression—he had faith in this newly awakened cowboy of his. “If we’re intending to do anything about this, we’ve got to act immediately.” Ben- son turned to Zach. ‘‘ You're for it, strong as ever, Zach?” MIRABELLE. 277° “Fair itchin’ to jump into the collar, Mr. Benson,” replied Zach. “ Your backing will ease off the biggest creditors, Mr. Benson,” encouraged the sheriff. Later on, when the sheriff was ready to depart for Janesville, he shook hands, first with Mr. Benson, then cordially gripped the big, sunburnt fist of Zach Marsden. “ Benson said all along you had brains— I know from experience with you and your gang of imps that you’ve got grit. Some combination, Zach, and here’s the best of luck to you and the circus.” V. IT was after the noon meal of the follow- ing day. Zach had slipped over to the stable with a pocketful of sugar to feed the faithful cow-pony which was no longer his. “Pete, ol’ hoss, Ill sure miss you. Reckon I’ve had my last hil ol’ ride on you, Pete,” he said, gently pulling the pony’s ears. The horse nuzzled in his pocket for the lumps of sugar. The clink of spurs sound- ed on the barn floor, voices carried to the stall where Zach was hidden from view. “Yep, Jensen told me and he oughta know, bein’ a trustee of her school. She’s resigned, and Jensen allowed it was all Zach’s fault—gittin’ her talked about suth- in’ scandalous cuz he kidnaped that there circus for her.” It was Cabby Dole speak- ing. ‘Aw, Zach, be meant all right, Cabby. Wasn’t his fault Crane beat it and hog- tied the old show. I’m for Zach, even if he ain’t speakin’ to me now,” said Chick Williams. “Reckon Miss Mirabelle ain’t speakin’ to him, either. She’s leavin’ fer Sacramento this very afternoon. W-what’s the mat- ter?” Chick had seized Cabby by the arm. The pair stood stock still, hypnotized at the spectacle of Zach snatching a saddle and ‘bridle from the peg back of his stall. With lightning rapidity he threw them on his horse and, with watch in hand, rushed past the gaping cowboys without seeing COMIC OOOKS. CO