Star Toter by Al Cody Read Free Book Online

jealous of Ray Locke. If so, you gentlemen will understand why."
    They looked at him and at each other, startled by the name he had used, ready to smile but not quite daring. They understood what he meant, or thought they did.
    "So, to assure fairness, I am going to turn over to you certain information which has come to me, for your dispassionate judgment and possible investigation," Steele went on. "I haven't cared to act on these reports, but if they are true, then you should find it out, and act. If they are not, then we must know that, so that Ray Locke can be cleared of any unjust suspicion. Now here's what I suggest."
    What he suggested was that Ray Locke was one of the road agents who had been causing so much trouble. His reasons for believing this sounded convincing.
    "Maybe he's all that he appears to be; maybe not."
    Steele added. "But if he is guilty, then by following the tips that I've received, you should be able to find proof. If you find it and learn that he is guilty, you'll know what to do. If you fail to find it, then he'll have a clean bill of health. But we must know, one way or the other, where everybody stands. And when we find evidence of guilt, the thieves must be dealt with. That's why we've organized."
    The others nodded agreement, feeling a new respect for him. They agreed to ride to the Wagon Wheel and find out, one way or another, that evening.
    Steele opened his desk and brought out a soiled envelope which contained a sheet of cheap paper.
    "This was slipped under my door a few days ago," he explained. "Any one of a hundred people might have done it. It tells where Ray Locke is supposed to have hidden part of the loot from at least three robberies. I had intended to turn this over to Sheriff Cassell, but before I could do so, he was killed."
    "I can't very well turn it over to our new sheriff, no matter how good an officer he may be. We all know that the Lockes don't get on together, but after all, Ray Locke is his brother, and that would be asking too much. So it seems to be a job for the vigilance committee. Here's the letter, which is unsigned and so may not be trustworthy. It has a map which shows the supposed hiding places. Frankly, I don't believe that you'll find anything, and I hope that it is proved wrong. But if you should—then you'll know what to do."
     

7
    A feeling of restlessness gripped Locke, making him moody and irritated. It was, he supposed, a sort of homesickness, enhanced by the nearness of the Wagon Wheel and the fact that it was forbidden to him. For seven years, he had subsisted on the hope of coming back, the belief that somehow, some day, matters would resolve themselves. The same feeling had driven him to build a reputation, not only as an honest lawman, but as a town tamer, a man to be both respected and feared. There was no reason he should not at least ride out for another look at his old home, under cover of darkness.
    That might prove a melancholy pleasure, but it suited his mood. It was another moon-filled night, not so bright as before. He swung wide, looking over some of the ranch. Sleepy cattle lifted their heads at his passing, faintly curious. He turned toward the buildings, observing that the bunk house was dark. That would mean that the crew were enjoying an evening in town, leaving the ranch practically deserted.
    At the sound of his own horse, another nickered softly in the darkness. Locke swung to have a look at the cayuse, and his frown grew thoughtful. There was not one, but six saddled horses, hidden in a coulee, tied to trees. There was no one on guard, so he took a closer look.
    Three of the six horses were branded, and all three wore different brands. None was Wagon Wheel. This had a look he didn't like—prowlers, on a night when they had probably known that the crew would be away. Locke moved toward the buildings, and his suspicions seemed verified, though now the visitors were moving openly.
    Several men were near the front door of the