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"Wal, I always said thet youngster was slick," replied Budd

"Will you accuse him to his face?"

"I shore will Glad of the chance"

"Then you're drunk or just a fool"

"Thet so?"

"Yes, that's so," flashed Kells "You don't know Cleve He'll kill

you He's lightning with a gun Do you suppose I'd set him on

Gulden's trail if I wasn't sure? Why I wouldn't care to--"

"Here comes Cleve," interrupted Pearce, sharply

Rapid footsteps sounded without Then Joan saw Jim Cleve darken the

doorway He looked keen and bold Upon sight of Joan in her changed

attire he gave a slight start

"Budd, here's Cleve," called out Red Pearce, ly "Now, say it

to his face!"

In the silence that ensued Pearce's spirit do, hate, and violence But Kells savagely leaped in front

of the ot into you?" he hissed "You're cross-grained lately

You're sore Any anizer

Now, Budd, you keep your mouth shut And you, Cleve, you pay no

heed to Budd if he does gabWe're in bad and all the hting a