The She Boss by Arthur Preston Hankins

Author:Arthur Preston Hankins [Hankins, Arthur Preston]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Literary Collections, Westerns, Historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9781421842394
Publisher: 1st World Publishing
Published: 2007-06-14T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XIX. WHAT MADE THE WILD CAT

Jerkline Jo's wagon train snailed on over the desert toward the tents of Demarest's big camp. The tires of Mr. Tweet's shiny new car plunked down into the road, and that gentleman continued on toward the trucks and the machine of Ragtown's first merchant, Mr. Huber.

Hiram Hooker was riding with Jerkline Jo, and the two had been deep in their studies when the appearance of the various automobiles had distracted their attention. Hiram now climbed to the top of Jo's immense load of baled alfalfa, and, looking back, made reports to her.

“They're all together now,” he said, “and having quite an argument. Tweet's swinging his arms about as if he wanted to fight.

“Now he's getting into his car. He and the storekeeper are turning in ahead of the trucks. Here they all come, Tweet in the lead!”

A little later Tweet shouted to Hiram to stop, and Hiram relayed the command to Jo, who called to her ten whites and brought them to a standstill. A little later five angry men hurried on foot alongside the wagon.

“Here's your hundred and twelve dollars, Jo,” Tweet said exultantly, passing the girl a sheaf of bills, “And that settles that. Now, Mr. Drummond, step over here and be introduced to Jerkline Jo Modock and my friend Hiram Hooker, from Wild-cat Hill. We'll see if you folks can't get together and conduct your affairs amicably.”

Al Drummond, Hiram Hooker's one-time rival, was indeed there, dressed after the fashion of Mr. Tweet, and looking big and important and business-like. There was a dark scowl on his brow though as he came forward and nodded to Jo, but did not offer his hand.

“Well, I've been held up,” he muttered, “and I'm going to see about it, but——”

“See about it all you want to, my friend,” put in Tweet smoothly. “I have complete control of this land, and have the sole right to say who shall cross it and who shall not, and under what conditions. The ranch is posted, and everything is in order. This road is a new one, and you can't make the claim that it has been used so long that it must be considered in the nature of a public highway. You've not a leg to stand on; so every time you turn a wheel on this property it's goin' to cost you just what the last trip through the pass cost Jerkline Jo. You started something, my friend, and you can't finish it—that's all. Take your medicine like a sport.”

“I'm going to keep up that mountain road, and I'm going to charge to move vehicles and teams over it,” replied Drummond angrily. “My operations are legitimate. Yours are a holdup.”

“Suit yourself.” Tweet shrugged indifferently. “But, as I pointed out, you'll pay back every cent you collect from Jo. And, besides, you'll be out the expenses of your toll master.”

“Others besides this lady will be crossing—lots of them later on,” said Drummond. “I'm not going to keep that road in condition for the general public free of charge.

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