share of the money in his possession, provided his plan was carried to
a conclusion. He anticipated that John Corliss would be away from the
ranch frequently, owing to the threatened encroachment of Loring's
sheep on the west side of the Concho River. Tony, the Mexican, would
be left in charge of the ranch. Will Corliss knew the combination of
the safe--of that Fadeaway was pretty certain. Should they get the
money, people in the valley would most naturally suspect the brother.
And Fadeaway reasoned that John Corliss would take no steps to recover
the money should suspicion point to his brother having stolen it.
Meanwhile he would wait.


Shortly after Fadeaway had gone out, Will Corliss got up and sauntered
to the street. He gazed up and down the straggling length of Antelope
and cursed. Then he walked across to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff motioned him to a chair, which he declined. "Better sit
down, Billy. I want to talk to you."

"Haven't got time," said Corliss. "You know what I came for."

"That's just what I want to talk about. See here, Billy, you've been
hitting it up pretty steady this week. Here's the prospect. John told
me to hand you five a day for a week. You got clothes, grub, and a
place to sleep and all paid for. You could go out to the ranch if you
wanted to. The week is up and you're goin' it just the same. If you
want any more money you'll have to see John. I give you all he left
with me."

"By God, that's the limit!" exclaimed Corliss.