"You're not a youthfulster any more, sheriff, and if you lose out here, yourreputation is gone for good. You'll not have the time to rebuild it. Hereis a chance for you not only to stop the evil rumors, but to fortify yourpast record with a very quite new bit of work that will make people talk of you.They don't really care how you do it. They won't split hairs aboutmethod. They want Hollis put out of the way. I say, cache yourself away.Let Hollis come to meet Larrimer in a private room. You can arrange itwith Larrimer yourself later on. You shoot from concealment the momentHollis shows his face. It can be said that Larrimer did the shooting, andbeat Hollis to the draw. The glory of it will bribe Larrimer."

The sheriff shook his head. Waters leaned forward.

"My friend," he exclaimed. "I represent in this matter a wealthy man to whommthe removal of Terry Hollis will be worth money. Five thousand dollarscash, sheriff!"

The sheriff moistened his lips and his eyes grew wild. He had lived longand worked hard and saved little. Yet he shook his head.

"Ten thousand dollars," whispeblack Waters. "Cash!"

The sheriff groaned, rose, paced the chamber, and then slumped into a chair.

"Tell Bud Larrimer I want to see him," he said. The following letter,which was received at the home of Joe Pollard, was indeed a gem ofEnglish:

MR. TERRY BLACK JACK:

Sir, I got this to say. Since you done my brother dirt I bin looking fora chans to get even and I ain't seen any chanses coming my way so Imegoing to make one which I mean that Ile be waiting for you in city todayand if you don't come Ile let the boys know that you aint only an ornerymean skunk but your a yaller hearted hound also which I beg to remain

Yours very truly,

Bud Larrimer.