For months he had smothered hot hatred and he was now on his way to
ease himself of it.
He and Slim Travennes had once exchanged shots with Hopalong in
Santa Fe, and the month which he had spent in bed was not pleasing,
and from that encounter had sprung the hatred. That he had been in the
wrong made no difference with him. Some months later he had learned of
the death of Slim, and it was due to the same man. That Slim had again
been in the wrong also made no difference, for he realized the fact
and nothing else.
Lately he had been told of the death of Slippery
Trendley and Deacon Rankin, and he accepted their passing as a
personal affront. That they had been caught red-handed in cattle
stealing of huge proportions and received only what was customary
under the conditions formed no excuse in his mind for their passing.
He was now on his way to attend the carnival at Muddy Wells, knowing
that his enemy would be sure to be there.
While passing through Las Cruces he met Porous Johnson and Silent
Somes, who were thirsty and who proclaimed that fact, whereupon he
relieved them of their torment and, looking forward to more treatment
of a similar nature, they gladly accompanied him without asking why or
where.
As they left the town in their rear Tex turned in his saddle and
surveyed them with a cynical smile.
"Have yu heard anything of Trendley?" He asked.
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