XIX. How a Rustler Escaped 246
XX. The "Kicker's" Candidate 257
XXI. Dunlavey Plays a Card 267
XXII. Proof of Gratitude 280
XXIII. Ten Spot Uses His Eyes 289
XXIV. Campaign Guns 294
XXV. Handling the Law 314
XXVI. Autumn and the Gods 327
XXVII. The Sear and Yellow Days 336
XXVIII. In Defiance of the Law 342
XXIX. The Arm of the Law 354
XXX. Forming a Friendship 364
XXXI. Afterward 375

THE COMING OF THE LAW

CHAPTER I

THE ARRIVAL OF THE MAN

If the passengers on the west-bound train that pulled up at the little
red wooden station at Dry Bottom at the close of a June day in 18--,
were interested in the young man bearing the two suit cases, they gave
no evidence of it. True, they noted his departure; with casual glances
they watched him as he stepped down upon the platform; but immediately
they forgot his athletic figure and his regular featured, serious face
as their thoughts returned to the heat, the dust, and the monotony of
travel.

There was the usual bustle and activity which always follows the arrival
of a train. A mail bag was dumped out of the mail car, another thrown
in; some express packages were unceremoniously deposited near the door
of the station by the agent; the conductor ran to the telegrapher's
window to receive an order; ran back, signaling as he ran; the engine
bell clanged, the drivers clanked, the wheels ground, the passengers
sighed, and the train departed on its way.

The young man who had alighted stood motionless for a moment, listening
to the clatter of the wheels over the rail-joints, watching the smoke
from the engine-stack befoul the clear blue of the sky. Then he smiled
grimly, threw a rapid glance toward a group of loungers standing at a
corner of the station, and walked over to where the station agent stood
examining some newly arrived packages.

"Do you mind directing me to the courthouse?" said the young man.

The agent looked up, turned, and ran a measuring, speculative eye over
the new arri