Brand Blotters

He laughed, stepped still closer to her, and spoke again. Melissy, with

tilted chin, seemed to be unaware that he existed. Another step brought

him to her side. Once more he spoke. No stone wall could have given him

less recognition. Then Jack let out a sudden fierce imprecation, and gave

his pony the spur. For the man had bent forward swiftly, had kissed the

girl on the lips once--twice--three times, had swept his hat off in a low,

mocking bow, and had flung himself on his horse, and galloped off.

Pebbles and shale went flying from the horse's hoofs as the sheriff tore

down the trail toward Melissy. He cut off at an angle and dashed through

cactus and over rain-washed gullies at breakneck speed, pounding up the

stiff slope to the summit. He dragged his pony to a halt, and leaped off

at the same instant.

Melissy came to him with flashing eyes. "Why didn't you get here sooner?"

she panted, as if she had been running; for the blind rage was strong in

her.

His anger burst out to meet hers. "I wish I had!" he cried, with a furious

oath.

"He insulted me. He laughed at me, and taunted me--and kissed me!"

Jack nodded. "I saw. If I had only had my rifle with me! Who was he?"

"He wore a mask. But I knew him. It was Dunc Boone."

"With the Roaring Fork gang?"

"I don't know. Is he one of them?"

"I've been thinking so for years."

"They must have known about our picnic. But what do they want with Mr.

West?"

"He's one of the world's richest men."

"But he doesn't carry his money with him."

"He carries his life."

"They must mean to hold him for a ransom. Is that it?"

"You've guessed it. That's the play." Jack considered, his eyes on the

far-away hills. When he spoke again it was with sharp decision. "Hit the

trail back to town with your motor. Don't lose a minute on the way. Send a

dispatch to Bucky O'Connor. You'd ought to get him at Douglas. If not,

some of his rangers will know where to reach him. Keep the wires hot till

you're in touch with him. Better sign my name. I've been writing him about

this outfit. This job is cut out for Bucky, and we've got to get him on

it."

"And what are you going to do?"

"I can't do much--I'm not armed. First time I've been caught that way

since I've been sheriff. Came out to-day for a picnic and left my gun at

home. But if they're the Roaring Fork outfit, they'll pass through the

Elkhorn Cañon, heading for Dead Man's Cache. I'm going to cut around Old

Baldy and try to beat them to it. Maybe I can recognize some of them."